www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Alex ...Byzantine Benedictines ?

Dear Dr Eric,

You write to a Benedictine monastery that has an oblate program, like St John's Abbey and ask them for admittance. They will then ask you why and the process, back and forth, begins.

You will be invested in an oblate scapular or medal by a priest and then you will begin your novitiate for a year at the end of which you will make your oblation, not binding under sin of course. (Something that is really popular is the Benedictine Crucifix withe Benedictine medal centre - lots of oblates and others involved with Benedictinism wear that and I think you already have one of those).

They will send you literature periodically and you will begin a daily lay rule such as reading and pondering St Benedict's Rule, praying the psalms etc. in accordance with your own rhythm of daily life.

If you feel drawn in that way, by all means. It is simply an organized pattern of spiritual life that anyone may undertake and it reaps great spiritual rewards.

Go ahead!

PAX

Alex

Have any of you visited this particular monastery or corresponded with the monks? I'd love to know more about them.

God bless,

Chris

Dear Chris,

I have not - I'm in a big enough "jam" already!

Alex

The deacon at my church (Roman Catholic) went to a retreat there over the Labor Day weekend. He had a great time. What type of info are you looking for as I'll see him tomorrow?

Never fear, Alex...scoofies to the rescue!

PM sent.

Hi Simple, I`m in northern lower Mich. and even for me it would be a pretty long trip let alone from the Ohio border. I have been to the Keewenaw penninsula though many years ago and they have certainly chose a beautiful place for a monastary-true wilderness.

I have always thought about associating myself with an Eastern Monastery - and I must confess that Benedictine Rule has an appeal to me. Can anyone give any more information?
Stephanos I
Unworthy Monk and Arch sinner

Bless, Father Stephanos,

Were you interested in the UGCC Benedictine monastery noted above?

How are your "berry-gathering" skills?

St Benedict's Rule truly is remarkable in its simplicity and Christian devotion. Once one is "infected" with its inspiration, there is no going back - whether this leads one to full membership in a Benedictine monastery or oblation.

Chevetogne is the only larger Benedictine monastery I'm familiar with that is biritual. Its Byzantine-Slavonic liturgies are so well done that they have earned the rightful praise of high-ranking members of the ROC.

Quite the achievement, wouldn't you say?

Kissing your right hand, I again implore your blessing,

Alex

More about Holy Transfiguration Skete, courtesy of t-bone:

"I was able to speak with our deacon this morning and he told me about his experiences at Holy Transfiguration. He goes on retreat there annually. He first told me that some of the men were originally Latin Catholics and they transferred to the Ukranian Rite (but he didn't know the timeline on this). Apparently, you have to have a certain number of monks to be a monastery so they are considered a skete for now. He said they are affiliated with a monastery in California (possibly Holy Resurrection), but he was not sure on which one. The monastery was build at a cost of $4M and is very nice.

As for the community, it consists of 2 priests and 4 younger monks. He said they are focused almost entirely on prayer and that is how their day is ordered. He categorized them as very orthodox and faithful to the teachings of the Ukranian Church. He noted that any concerns about the nature of them being eastern is not an issue. He said all the individuals are wonderful people and he really enjoys his time there. Also, they make some money by selling jams and jellies and also outside donations."

N.B.

Holy Transfiguration Skete is affiliated with Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Redwood Valley, CA. Both are under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Catholic Metropoly in the U.S. and of the Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago.

-Chris