Translation of the relics of the Venerable Zosimas of Solovki

Two of the Russian Orthodox Church's most important monastery founders are commemorated on August 8, Saints Zosimas and Sabbatius of Solovki. Though not my patron saint (Abba Zosimas of Palestine, whom the Lord led to find St Mary of Egypt and bring her edifying life story to the Church), I have a special devotion to …

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Books for Monastic Seekers: ‘Recollections of Mount Athos’

A warm and inspiring first-person account of the author's journey to the Holy Mountain as a young man, his experiences with different monasteries, counsels received from various monks and elders, and how the Lord directed his steps and helped him grow in his early days as a monk. Published in the early years of St …

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Books for Monastic Seekers: ‘The Arena’

A classic manual on the Christian spiritual life, by Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov, this is the second in this series of posts. See post 1 here. The Arena: Guidelines for Spiritual and Monastic Life By Ignatius (Brianchaninov) Translated by Lazarus (Moore) Foreword by Kallistos (Ware); Holy Trinity Publications, Jordanville NY. From the publisher's description: This is one …

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Abbot Damascene of St Herman of Alaska Monastery – Video 2 of 6

In this second of a six-part video interview, "Father Damascene, abbot of St. Herman of Alaska Monastery, talks to Pemptousia about the history of the brotherhood of the Monastery and how the brotherhood turned from missionary to monastic. He is mentioning some important spiritual words of Father Seraphim Rose and he is describing the situation …

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The Glorification of St. Mardarije of Libertyville IL

A patriarch, two monasteries, and numerous hierarchs, clergy, monastics and laity from several Orthodox jurisdictions join together as another saint who shone forth in America is glorified by the Church. St. Mardarije is a unique saint for our time, a Serbian monastic who loved Christ and His Church from his youth, received his theological training …

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