a photographic pilgrimage to Orthodox Christian monasteries across the continent
Here is a wonderful spiritual reflection on Elder Ephraim of Arizona and the significance of his establishing 17 monasteries in North America in the Athonite tradition. You can learn more about St Anthony's Monastery in Florence AZ here, which relates the story of Elder Ephraim's monastic life and how he began establishing monasteries in America …
Continue reading The Elder Ephraim of Arizona: His contribution to North America
The detailed Life of St. Cornelius of Komel presented in the newly published The Orthodox Word #311 provides fresh inspiration for Orthodox monastics and seekers, as well as for a certain pilgrim with a camera... From the announcement on the St. Herman Press website (emphasis added): Vol. 52, No. 6 (311) November-December, 2016 The Life …
Continue reading St. Herman Press publishes new installment for ‘The Northern Thebaid, Vol. II’
Third and concluding part from the journal, Orthodox America. Part 1 | Part 2 The Monastic Rule The Rule or "Typicon" governing Orthodox monastic life is based upon that of St. Basil the Great (d. 379), which he synthesized from the tradition of the early Desert Fathers. This Rule was later adapted by various great fathers of monasticism …
Continue reading An Outline of Orthodox Monasticism – Part 3
"Orphaned at an early age," this great saint "was raised by a certain good and pious nun." He "imitated his adoptive mother in the habits of monastic life, in fasting and in prayer," and grew to be a shepherd of souls, founding a monastery which thrives to this day, over a millennium later. From this …
Continue reading Ven. Athanasius, Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism on Mt. Athos
Part 2 of a three-part series from the journal, Orthodox America. Part 1 | Part 3 Where do Orthodox Monks and Nuns Come From? Orthodox monks and nuns come from all walks and manner of life. In former times the greater number were of peasant stock, but at the same time many a great name lay …
Continue reading An Outline of Orthodox Monasticism – Part 2
The North American Thebaid 