a photographic pilgrimage to Orthodox Christian monasteries across the continent
For the first of a new series of blog posts, I would like to share a thin but extremely weighty and important book which was recommended to me several years ago when I was preparing to test the monastic life: Letters to a Beginner on Giving One's Life to God by Abbess Thaisia of Leushino, …
Continue reading Books for Monastic Seekers: ‘Letters to a Beginner on Giving One’s Life to God’
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
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
St. Pachomius lived in the Egyptian Thebaid, and is to cenobitic monasticism what St. Anthony the Great is to the eremitic (solitary) way, and what St. Nilus of Sora is to skete life in Russia. He is commemorated on May 15. From his Life at OCA.org: Saint Pachomius the Great was both a model of desert dwelling, …
Continue reading Venerable Pachomius the Great, Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism
The North American Thebaid 