www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization Byzantine Village - Intentional Communities (Rod Dreher)

Some will remember a discussion about a decade or so ago regarding an idea among some Forum participants about starting the "Byzantine Village" - an intentional Eastern Christian community. The idea was for like-minded Eastern Christians to form a community together. It was lightly discussed, wit some ideas of locating it in Montana or Pennsylvania or Maine (possibly in an area that was just outside a city to keep it affordable).

Writer Rod Dreher (who is Orthodox) has published a book called "The Benedict Option" where he speaks to the possible necessity of Christians to more-or-less withdraw from the secular culture, which is rapidly falling apart and becoming anti-Christian. While the discussions about ten years ago were not about withdrawing from an anti-Christian secular American culture, it was about building a community where Eastern Christians could support one another.

When I read this yesterday I thought it worth posting, in case anyone is interested. My take away from the article (I have the book, too) is that, while we may not wish to withdraw to a physical intentional community we, as Christians, should live our lives within the intentional community of the parish that we belong to. I will add that much of the criticism of Dreher is based upon a misunderstanding. He's not actually calling for Christians to live cloistered lives (like some monastics). He's speaking to the need for Christians to intentionally live their lives in Christian communities. That doesn't mean withdrawing and ignoring from society. It's more focusing your lives on Christian things and keeping yourself and your family spiritually healthy.

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/05/01/rod-drehers-monastic-vision

The idea of a "Byzantine Village" was raised here in Asia over the last few years. A company/group called "Bahay Byzantino", located in the Philippines, was working with a Ukrainian priest and a local bishop to acquire land, build a library & study center, and develop a community to teach others about Eastern Catholicism.

For better or worse, the project did not come to fruition, but I imagine the idea still has potential (whether in the Philippines or elsewhere).

Has anyone heard of any other such attempts?

In regard to how secular society is becoming, I believe a "Byzantine Village" would be a grand idea as it would greatly assist in keeping believers together to stay focused and strengthen our ability to not only support each other of the Faith but to also encourage others to join the Faith.

Agreed!