Category Archives: Monasticism and Monastery Lessons

Pilgrimage to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Dobra and St. Luke the Surgeon

Another blessing of Mount Athos Gregoriou Metohion in Thessaloniki and Father Deacon Nephon and his synodeia.

During this pilgrimage, even before arriving at the monastery, I had the blessing to hear moving Confessions, such as that of:

an old lady, Konstantina, who told me (and truly meant it) how she had wasted all her life, saw only errors and sins behind her, had grown old and had not yet started repenting about all this;

a young student, Eirini, who told me how she was visited by Saint Luke Symferoupol during a scary hospital stay, decided to become a surgeon like him, dedicated her life to the Church and has been together with this Saint at every step of her life since;

a young invalid, Pandelis, and his tragic story: how first his father, and later his mother, abandoned him because they could not bear his disability since birth, the fact that they had to take care of a ‘half’ son (see photo below), and how he now lives all alone, but together with God and with the help of some of the faithful;

a courageous middle-aged widow and artist, Anna, and her martyrdom in taking care of her invalid husband after a car accident;

a brilliant architect, Anastasia, and her cancer martyrdom …

All these stories, together with lots of tears and prayers, were on our way to the monastery, and many more during our visit and on our way back to Thessaloniki. Stories of suffering, yet transfigured into joy, by His Love. After each Confession, especially Pandelis’, I felt even more shame for my own faintheartedness and unmanliness in my struggles and tiny Cross.

This Monastery honours the Dormition of the Theotokos and was founded in the 12th century according to a document in the National Library of Athens. Since then the Monastery has been serving ceaselessly the Holy Liturgy until 1822. During the period of the Greek Revolution, it was one of the most important national and religious centres of the region. It was here that the actions of Chief Karatassos were developed, and it was here, unfortunately, that the Turkish authorities were successful in dealing with them. The Monastery was burned in 1822, and his abbot, Hieromonk Gerasimos, was hung.

The Monastery was reformed in 1995 as a Cenobitic Monastery for Men.

The Katholikon which remains to this day was built in 1844.

In the year 2005, the brotherhood of the Monastery became acquainted with the newly-revealed Saint of the Russian land, St. Luke the Surgeon and Wonderworker, the Bishop of Simferopol. The holy Monastery preserves a portion of the Holy relic of the Saint.

The many miracles and the palpable presence of the Saint in the Monastery and in the surrounding region immediately made the Saint known, and at the initiative of the Metropolitan and through the support of pious Christians, the first large church in honour of St. Luke the Surgeon, at least in Greece, was founded on the grounds of the Holy Monastery. Every Saturday Divine Liturgy is served, and every Tuesday evening Vespers and Paraklesis are served in the Holy Church of the Saint under construction. Each of the faithful has the opportunity to venerate his grace-flowing relics.

In the area of the Monastery also are the ecclesiastical camps and the educational centre of Byzantine Arts (iconography, mosaics, woodworking, and preservation).

Panagia Dobra’s famous Holy Water and one of the many monastery cats swimming in it and sipping it joyfully

Video on the Monastery of Panagia Dobra

My Twelve Days of Christmas — Part A

Dec 24 — Eve of the Nativity of Christ, Eugenia the Righteous Nun-martyr of Rome and those with her

Suddenly our friend D. is in hospital, and soon in intensive care. Agony, heartache and a complete mess at work.

Dec 25 — THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST

Thank God, we made it to church and received Holy Communion. Only our Christmas meal got cancelled as our hosts got down with the flu. So we brought them chicken soup, exchanged presents and wishes in the balcony, and spent the remainder of the day in hesychia.

Dec 26 — SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY THEOTOKOS

Thank God, an invitation from dear brothers and sisters from the Metochion of St. George to rescue us from our ‘lockdown’. These days are difficult when you are alone or together with difficult family members. The meal, the company and the carols were a great blessing despite the little temptation on our way when both of our back tyres got flat/ punctured (a neighbour’s prank) and we had to call road assistance etc.

The greatest blessing of all was our hostess, A., a widow and a valiant Christian soul. When that car hit her husband’s car, cut him half and left him paralysed from the waist down, she bore bravely the Cross for 10, even more, years, becoming the pillar of her family, until her husband reposed in the Lord, supporting her orphan young boy. This day brought me even closer to dear A., and I am sure I can learn a lot how one should live, just by being next to her and observing her.

Dec 27 — STEPHEN, ARCHDEACON & FIRST MARTYR

Back to work and hospital/ doctors check about D. Thankfully, lots of chanting rehearsals too.

Dec 28–20, 000 Martyrs burned in Nicomedia, Simon the Myrrhbearer, Founder of Simonopetra, Monastery of Mount Athos, Afterfeast of the Nativity

Dec 29–14,000 infants (Holy Innocents) slain by Herod in Bethlehem

St. Anysia’s relics

The evening at St Demetrius’ church, in front of St. Anysia’s relics, was a blessing words cannot describe. The choir’s hymns were celestial.

Look at this little Romanian pilgrim venerating the Saint! Isn’t she beautiful?! She is real!

Dec 30 — Anysia the Virgin-martyr of Thessaloniki

Christmas carols to local charity stores, hospitals, orphanages etc, with St George Metochion choir of all the faithful. Father Deacon Nephon on the right (2.17 m tall) is the heart and soul of all our activities, and such a help and consolation in our lives!

The highlight of the visit was, of course, Konstantina, a little girl, suffering from a range of diseases, kidney failure to terminal cancer, pleading God, as Fr. Deacon Nephon told us, to end her life as she could take no more suffering. We sang carols to her, offered her presents and lit a birthday cake.

This tour to hospitals and orphanages made me realise how little I am suffering bearing my own Cross, whereas I believe that my burden is sooo heavy. Little did I know!

Later in the afternoon, we drive to Serres to spend the weekend and New Year’s Day together with dear friends. Such a blessing again not to be left alone these days. These Christmas blues … But it seems that we can never have enough of hospitals these days. Three hours after our arrival, V.’ mother nearly collapsed and we had to take her to Serres’ hospital. We spent a long vigil there until 03:30, but thank God, although she had to stay in hospital, her condition was stabilised.

Dec 31 —Apodosis of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Melania the Younger, Nun of Rome, 

I barely made it to church in the morning with just three hours sleep, and then slept most of the day after we got back. We welcomed the New Year in church, in a vigil, and it was the first time in my life that while we were on our way to Holy Communion, we could hear all the fireworks and celebrations outside. The vigil took place in a beautiful, new church, dedicated to St. Spyridon.

I forgot to mention that in the evening of Dec 30, right after our arrival in Serres, Father Ioustinos from Jacob’s Well in Jerusalem, 83 years young, called me, after so many years, and together with his news, he offered to make an icon, possibly of St Spyridon!!!

Jan 1–Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia

Today, we made a pilgrimage to the monastery of St. John the Forerunner in Serres.

This is a monastery I have visited in the past, but this time our friend V. led me inside a hidden chapel-within- the-chapel from 1270! Of course, it was dedicated to St Spyridon!

Nature was so beautiful outside and everywhere little chapels awaited us to be discovered.

By C.

To be continued …

Day 5: Returning

Panorama Monastery Dormition of the Theotokos
On our way back from St. Arsenios Monastery

Some years ago I learned that numbers are not important. The number of people attending Church is not an accurate indicator of either faith or success; however one measures success? Geronda Theoklitos of St Arsenios monastery confirmed this independently of my thoughts when he said ” look after your small flock.”
” God looks at the heart not on the outward appearence” as the prophet Samuel said to Jesse, the father of David.
I have passed through security and passport control. The flight is delayed. Time to pray. We pray that God will keep us all in his love.
“Wherefore, O you who fear the Lord, praise Him in the places where ye now are. Change of place does not effect any drawing nearer unto God, but wherever you may be, God will come to you, if the chambers of your soul be found of such a sort that He can dwell in you and walk in you.” St Gregory of Nyssa 8

A still small voice

Greece and its next plague of Egypt … This and the following images show the devastating effect of the storm Daniel on its eastern coast.

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“Then He said, ‘Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it…”
1 Kings 19:11-13

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The travelling guide’s diary—2

Some Abouna quotes and vignettes that struck my attention during his little pilgrimage … all in a ‘still small voice’ which ended up in silence …

The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent! (Ex. 14:13-14).

*About Joy in Christ and Suffering: “Christ has offered us so much joy in meeting twice at such a short time [I am bound to travel to the UK end of September] barely a month apart, because we are going to suffer when all this ends.”

*About House Blessings: why did Abouna say such fervent prayers at the blessing of a particular house — his eyes were ablaze!— and he completely ‘ignored’ another house we visited? He barely stayed there 5 min and even suggested we all have coffee outside (!) at the neighbouring cafe. Such hurry, such ‘rudeness’! He barely even looked at their icon corner!

*About Monastic Calling and Monasteries: So many lengthy discussions and inquiries all these days, on foot, or inside the car during the long car drives, about which monastery to choose and become a monastic, even at the monasteries we visited, inquiring/ discussing with the monastics themselves about their monastery typikon … yet no conclusive answer … only silence! Just hints about city hermits …

*Gerondas Theoklitos of St. Arsenios of Vatopedi holding Abouna tightly and hugging him so tightly! A scene I will never forget! What a surprise! I always thought Gerondas Theoklitos was very strict and never expressed his emotions!…

Day 4. Washing your face

overlooking the sea from the Monastery of St Arsenios in the mountains

Monasteries are places of healing and light. The Monastery of St Arsenios is one such place.

N.b.This is as close as I came to Agion Oros in the distance!

Another little miracle enabled us to meet Theologos and Vaiga with children again . We were joined by a priest from Germany Fr Victor with his Presbytera and children. The usual courtesies were extended to us, loukoumi, coffee and biscuits along with the necessary water!

Geronda Theoklitos joined us and he afforded us a great deal of his precious time even though he had many confessions to hear.. It was a true blessing to meet him.God it seems bends time in order for those who seek Him to receive His grace . Time is not really measured in monasteries. Of course there are set times for worship and work but one does not sense time passing.

I told Geronda of the mutual ministry we have at our parish and he quoted a greek proverb
“Το ‘να χέρι νίβει τ’ άλλο και τα δυο το πρόσωπο” which when translated goes something like : ” The one hand washes the other hand and both wash the face “. I suppose we have similar saying” many hands make light work.”Washing the feet is an act of service and humility, but washing the face brings cleansing and refreshment.He gave another word:St Anthimos of Chios: “ εκείνο το ´γιατί κι εκείνο το ´εγώ´ που έχομεν, αυτά μας απομακρύνουν απο τον Θεό και μας χωρίζουν απο αυτόν» — «this “why” and this “I” which we have, these distance us from God and separate us from Him.”


The proximity of hospitality and holiness is palpable in Orthodox monasteries. Faith ,food and fellowship are inseparable. For some visitors monasteries are places not only of refreshment but of healing where quiet can replenish the soul and regenerate the spirit. It is most important for Orthodox Christians to renew their spiritual batteries. Such peace was abundant at Panorama monastery. Sister S shared the typicon and structures of monasticism and we glimpsed the evening service before heading back to Thessaloniki. I think words alone cannot convey the experience of visiting monasteries. For those who truly seek God then they are places where His energies are to be found…in abundance!


– “The orthodox monastics are like the lighthouse. The lighthouse has to be always on the rocks by the sea. Do you want them to go and live into the city and be added to the other street lights? They can not become a lantern and be placed into the city’s roadside. The orthodox monastic is like a remote lighthouse, that stands high on the rocks, directing the ships of this world with their flashes, and upon the open seas the ships are orientated in order to reach their destination, which is God.” Saint Paisios of Mount Athos from the book: Spiritual Awakening

Nun at 100 !

Now: Nun Eirini at 100! Then: Vasiliki Ralli, a ‘simple’woman to whom St Raphael revealed his martyrdom after 5 centuries!

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Vasiliki Ralli, a resident of Thermi Lesvos, was one of many witnesses of miraculous events which took place in the area and led to the discovery of the holy relics of Saint Raphael, Saint Nikolaos, Saint Eirini and other martyrs on the hill of Karyes in Mrs Ralli’s olive tree orchard.

Now: Nun Eirini at 100!
At 100, at her ‘birthday’, before the tonsure!

Yesterday, 5/2/2022, at her 100 years old ‘birthday’, Vasiliki was ‘born’ again and was tonsured as nun Eirini! Saint Raphael himself in a vision 64 years ago (!) had foretold to her that she would become a nun at the end of her life and she would receive the name ‘Eirini’!

Then: Vasiliki Ralli in Lesvos together with pilgrims and Gerondas Theoklitos on the left

More photos and videos of the tonsure here

PS: Please forgive my disappearance and very long retreat this time … Your prayers

Counting the cost

Still in a discernment process. Again in lock down. Only now inside a monastery. Glory to God for all things. Counting the cost… whether I have enough to finish it … (Luke 14:28) It is this all that makes all the difference. “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33)

Your prayers

PS1. Today, one of my obediences was gardening, and guess what it was: climbers!

Quick, While There’s Still Time!

 

I too meant to share with you but I am having problems with my laptop 😦 I tried to yesterday but was not able to … It is such a beautiful documentary! Even if someone is not so interested in the life of Elder Joseph the Hesychast, the scenery is breathtaking, the monastery “sightseeing tours”amazing,  and Jonathan Jackson’s acting is so good!

Update Saturday, 23 May: Actucally, there is time. You can watch the whole documentary on the great 20th-century Athonite spiritual father “Saint Joseph the Hesychast: ELDER JOSEPH THE HESYCHAST FILM (Άγιος Ιωσήφ ο Ησυχαστής)” , starring the Emmy-award winning Jonathan Jackson.

here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCZT8KvCsjU&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2HqjqLGcpfIL4jlPzhEQsngfJT19nN8z7pPPS-ekcGDB1YPAxgP7RC9rc

 

or, here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep9H5fM7d8c

lessons from a monastery

Christ is risen!

For a few more hours you can watch the full documentary of the life of Elder (Saint) Joseph the Hesychast for free!

I meant to include this link in my earlier post as a “treat” to share with you on my name’s day and completely forgot. Forgive me!

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The Coronavirus Diary of a Joyous Pustinik — 27

under the stars

Under the Stars

Χριστός Ανέστη!
Some years ago I visited a monastery in a remote part of Greece and was taken aback somewhat being greeted by a nun with a most refined English accent: “ Your blessing! Oh, it’s so lovely to see you dear Father, welcome!” The nun was indeed from England, but in that Monastery there were nuns from all over the world; from Germany, Sweden, Finland, Philippines, Greece, Cyprus and one from the USA who knew the priest who had Chrismated me. It was like a little microcosm of Pentecost.

St Brigid and her Monastery

St Brigid became a hermit and built herself a cell near a large oak tree. But soon men and women came to join her, to live as monks and nuns; so she built a double monastery which became larger than any town in the country.

 Each evening the monks and nuns would go to the surrounding countryside to see if anyone required any food or accommodation. If someone was homeless, they brought them back to the monastery for food, rest and shelter. In addition, St Brigid built a hospital for those who were sick and who were cared for by the monks and nuns.

Near to the Monastery lived a rich merchant who had a disdain for religion and expressed his contempt for the monastery. Nevertheless, Brigid visited the man regularly despite his insults and the man came to have admiration for her convictions and persistence

The rich man fell sick with a fatal illness and called for St Brigid. He could not speak and she knew that no words would comfort him, so she made a cross of some new rushes and placed it in his hands. He lifted the Cross to his lips, kissed it and then departed this life.

Ekklesia-

John 15:18,19: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. if you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

Based on the Letter of Mathetes to Diognetus 180 A.D.

 

These Christians who look down on death

With loving grace for one another,

Praise Christ with every living breath

Place Him above son, wife and mother.

 

As the soul is to the body

So are Christians to the world.

No country, language, custom, race

No philosophy of human health,

They live as aliens and trace

 Love to a heavenly commonwealth.

 

As the soul is to the body

So are Christians to the world.

They share everything and endure

Torture, death and hardship as gain,

Obeying laws they help the poor

Loving all, by all they suffer pain.

 

As the soul is to the body

So are Christians to the world.

We are unknown and yet still condemned

Defamed but are vindicated,

Destitute, broken hearts we mend

Reviled we bless, dying, to life translated.

 

As the soul is to the body

So are Christians to the world.

 

 

“O strange and inconceivable thing! We did not really die, we were not really buried, we were not really crucified and raised again, but our imitation was but a figure, while our salvation is in reality. Christ was actually crucified, and actually buried, and truly rose again; and all these things have been vouchsafed to us, that we, by imitation communicating in His sufferings, might gain salvation in reality. O surpassing loving-kindness! Christ received the nails in His undefiled hands and feet, and endured anguish; while to me without suffering or toil, by the fellowship of His pain He vouchsafed salvation.“

St. Cyril of Jerusalem, On the Christian Sacraments. 

 

Eν Χριστώ
* Photograph by Evgeni Tcherkasski

The Coronavirus Diary of a Joyous Pustinik — 22

orthodox pilgrims climbing

Hristos a înviat!

 

From my little chapel in my front room, I never serve the Divine services in slippers! Somehow, although this would be more appropriate and comfortable, it seems rather casual and disrespectful; so I always put on my clean shoes as I would as in Church! I’m sure no one would notice my feet under my cassock, but I know, and I know that all things should be done in order as the Apostle Paul reminds us.( 1 Corinthians 14:40) To dress correctly befitting the task is something that we should not easily dismiss. It was good to see some of the gentlemen wearing ties at Pascha!!

I remember mountain walking in Transylvania with my spiritual brother and some students some years ago- a variety of inappropriate footwear seemed the fashion- trainers, sandals and even grandfather’s old brown brogues, but no walking boots! Needless to say there were some very sore feet at the end of each day.

 

  St Columba and the shoes of Turf. ( part I of 2)

In the early Church in these islands with few writing materials, the Gospel was often conveyed by singing bards. A message came to St. Columba (who was also a singing bard) that the leading Bishop in Ireland had outlawed this practice and that” he was not to set foot on the Island of Ireland!” St Columba remembering how many had been converted on earlier missions by singing the Gospel stories decided to go back to Ireland but in order not to contravene the Bishop’s instructions he cut and took two turfs of soil from Iona with him on the boat. On reaching Ireland he tied these two turfs to his feet!

Mountain Walking in Transylvania

Summer 2003

Matthew 7:14: “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way

which leads to life ,and there are few who find it.

The climb was hard following the track

It tired the legs and wrenched the back;

Clearer and lighter was the air

Greater and slower was the care.

In which we made our way.

The thin line of friends began to spread,

Like a spider’s hoary thread

On the mountain climb together

Stretched in love for one another.

As we walked the way

Stopping often to refresh and rest,

To view the scene, to pray, to jest,

To share a thought, to catch a sigh

To marvel at the birds on high.

As we walked His Way.

Our destination now in sight,

We summon up our little might,

To reach the summit and the goal

With all our heart, mind, strength and soul.

With Him who is the Way.

 

What toil we must endure, what fatigue, while we are attempting to
climb hills and the summits of mountains! What, that we may ascend
to heaven! If you consider the promised reward, what you endure is
less. Immortality is given to the one who perseveres; everlasting
life is offered; the Lord promises His Kingdom.

St. Cyprian 

 
 Eν Χριστώ