Month: December 2017

Thebaid Presentation at St. Mary of Egypt (OCA), Norcross GA

On By zosimasIn Parishes, Pilgrimage, ProjectLeave a comment

My heartfelt thanks to Hieromonk Cyprian (DuRant, rector)  and the parish of St Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church (OCA), in Norcross GA, for hosting me this past Sunday.

The Divine Liturgy was beautiful in this handsome wood-timbered church, itself reminiscent of churches in the Russian north. In spite of the epic snowfall two days before, the church was nearly full, a testimony to this vibrant parish. I gave my presentation during the fellowship meal in the church hall, where I quickly discovered many of the parishioners have strong ties and make pilgrimages to several monasteries in the region.

I am truly grateful to Fr Cyprian for his gracious invitation, Reader Thomas for organizing the event, and to all the faithful, who helped refill the Thebaid Project gas tank with a generous collection.

If you’re ever in the Greater Atlanta area, be sure to search out this parish, a strong and inspiring example of Orthodoxy thriving in the midst of (and in spite of!) our post-modern and post-Christian world. I look forward to scheduling a return visit, with the express purpose of making some photographs for the parish in thanks for their support of the Thebaid Project.

Visit the St Mary of Egypt website here…

Learn more about hosting a Thebaid presentation for your parish here.

Documentary Film: ‘The Relics of Saint Herman’

On By zosimasIn Monastic Saints, Video3 Comments

The complete, 25 minute documentary, finally available for online viewing, and in much better quality!

This impressive and award-winning film was for years only able to be viewed in two 9-minute parts (the third and final part was apparently never uploaded), until PressValaam posted the complete video in January 2017, and in higher resolution.

I’m very pleased to be able to share this excellent film on our beloved “Apa”, Saint Herman, Elder and Wonderworker of Alaska!

St Herman of Alaska – ‘Source of Light and Inspiration’

On By zosimasIn Monastic Saints1 Comment

Yesterday, December 13, was the Winter Feast of St. Herman, Elder and Wonderworker of Alaska.

The Eleventh Ikos[1] of the Akathist Service[2] to this first Orthodox Christian saint glorified in America[3] provides an inspiring summary of why Fr. Herman, a humble monk (not ever ordained to the priesthood) from Valaam Monastery in Russia who came to Alaska in 1794 with the first Orthodox mission, is so significant for Orthodox monastics on our continent, and indeed throughout the world:

IKOS XI

To all future members of the monastic order, you are a source of light and inspiration. For you foretold, O Venerable One, the founding of a monastery and of an Episcopal throne in this land. Today a choir of hierarchs and of monastics glorifies you in these words:

Rejoice, instructor of monastics and converser with angels;

Rejoice, most glorious founder of the ascetic way in our land;

Rejoice, foreseer of the growth of this great vineyard of Christ;

Rejoice, fulfillment of this prophecy to the coming generations;

Rejoice, giver of a true image of the monastic way;

Rejoice, for your love is made manifest to all;

Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.

Continue reading “St Herman of Alaska – ‘Source of Light and Inspiration’” →

New Women’s Monastery established in Upstate New York

On By zosimasIn MonasteriesLeave a comment

The quiet churching of America continues, with yet another monastery being established in New York State. Glory to God!

New Women’s Monastery blessed in Upstate New York

OrthoChristian.com, Richfield Springs, New York, November 29, 2017:

Property in upstate New York was recently purchased and blessed for a new Russian Orthodox convent, reports the site of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia’s Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York.

The community, named in honor of the “She Who is Quick to Hear” Icon of the Mother of God, was initially founded two years ago with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

The life of the monastery will flow within the same Russian Tradition as Holy Trinity Monastery, with services in English, and under the spiritual administration of Holy Trinity.

Read the full article…

Mini Gallery: St John the Theologian Skete, Hiram Ohio

On By zosimasIn Monasteries, PilgrimageLeave a comment

I was able to make a quick “get acquainted visit” at St John’s Skete on November 20, on my way south from New Skete in New York.

This historic men’s skete was initially an OCA monastery, but the property was transferred to the Russian Church Abroad (ROCOR) after the original community was invited to retire to a monastery in Ukraine.

The Skete of St John the Theologian is a dependency of the Hermitage of the Holy Cross, and supports their small community through the sale of liturgical goods.

It was a joy to be able to have a brief visit here, and I hope to return to make some high quality photographs, but these images from my iPhone aren’t too bad at all!

Click any image below to enlarge and enter slide show…

Skete of St John the Theologian, Hiram OH

Please consider contributing to the North American Thebaid Photographic Pilgrimage. We are not funded by the Church, but rely on your support to put gas in the tank! Thank you!