a photographic pilgrimage to Orthodox Christian monasteries across the continent
"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
Part 1 of a three-part series from the journal, Orthodox America. Part 2 | Part 3 "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hadst, and give to the poor, and come, follow Me" (Matt. 19:21). From the beginning these words of Christ have been a clear call to all Christian monks that they …
Continue reading The Angelic Path – An Outline of Orthodox Monasticism
Children love pilgrimages to Orthodox Christian monasteries, as any Orthodox parent who has taken their kids to one can tell you. These books help reveal why. Maybe it's the total simplicity, beauty and peacefulness of the surroundings, or perhaps it is because the nuns or monks themselves have a child-like quality about them which allows …
Continue reading Children and Monasticism: Ideas for Summer reading (and pilgrimages!)
Here is an outstanding resource for Orthodox Liturgical Music, created by an American monastic. When I was on pilgrimage at Archangel Michael Monastery in Canones NM in Autumn 2014, I recall being surprised by the compunctionate and familiar tones of some of the chants the brothers sang during Matins. Came to find out that one of …
Continue reading ‘Orthodox Music’ by Monk Martin at Vashon Island
The North American Thebaid 