Web Links

Links to Monasteries

"Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

The common life is repeatedly called ‘evangelical and apostolic’ by the Church fathers: the Gospels together with the Apostol (the Slavic name for the book of the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles) are the fundamental rule of the life of all Christians, but especially of monks. The Gospels describe the life led in common by the Twelve with their Master, and the Acts and the Epistles give further examples and directives. Monastic life imitates the life of the Apostles, both during the time when they had Jesus with them and afterwards, when they were forming the first Christian communities. Monasticism, then, is nothing less then a radical call to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Adapted from Manjava Skete by Sophia Senyk, page 45.)

Teachings of Christ

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44 ESV)

Holy Angels

O Supreme Leaders of the heavenly armies, * we, who are unworthy, ever beseech you, * that through your prayers you may surround us * with the shelter of the wings of your immaterial glory, * watching over us who fervently fall down and cry out: * “Deliver us from perils, * for you are the commanders of the Powers on high!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O Supreme Leaders of the armies of God * and ministers of the Divine Glory, * princes of angels and guides of men, * ask for us what is expedient for us and for great mercy, * for you are the leaders of the Bodiless Hosts. (Kontakion - Tone 2)

Random Proverb

"My son, do not lose sight of these — keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul." (Proverbs 3:21,22a ESV)

Pray Without Ceasing

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Wisdom from the Church Fathers

Let us go forward with the heart completely attentive and the soul fully conscious. For if attentiveness and prayer are daily joined together, they become like Elias' fire-bearing chariot, raising us to heaven. What do I mean? A spiritual heaven, with sun, moon and stars, is formed in the blessed heart of one who has reach a state of watchfulness, or who strives to attain it.

St. Philotheus of Sinai