How Criticism Should be Imparted “Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.” Frank A. Clark, writer (1911-). When offering someone criticism it is important that we do so with kindness. Studies have shown that to counter one negative comment it takes
Author: Abbot Tryphon
I am abbot of All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Monastery (ROCOR) on Vashon Island, WA. The island is a twenty minute ferry ride from West Seattle, and a fifteen minute crossing from Tacoma.
Surrounded by the Salish Sea, the island is some 87% undeveloped forest, with a rural population of around eleven thousand citizens. If you wish to contact me personally, you can email me at: abbottryphon@vashonmonks.com
Maple Valley Presbyterian Youth Volunteer at the Monastery How your soul differs from that of an animal The Orthodox Church teaches that animals have souls, although not the same as ours. When conceived, God bestows upon us the nous, which distinguishes us from the other animals. It is the nous
Abbot Tryphon and Hammi Hammi the Norwegian Forest Cat and His Norwegian Abbot Friend Soon after moving our monastery from a rental house and into the temporary quarters of an old trailer house, Hammi arrived. We startled each other midway between the foundations of what is now the library and
View of the Temple from the Gardens click on photos to enlarge Enlightenment Comes Only With Struggle There are those who promise spiritual enlightenment, and many gullible people who are willing to spend their money on such bogus offers. In an age of quick fixes and challenged attention spans, it
How to Fit the Workplace into Your Spiritual Life This blog was born out of an attempt on my part to aid a number of my spiritual children to begin their work day with a spiritual focus. I’d asked them to read the appointed Scripture readings for the Church’s liturgical
How to Find Hope When you Face Mortality Earlier this evening I was listening to one of the last songs recorded by Johnny Cash, probably the best country western singer of all time. The line in his song, “put me in my box on the 309”, is coming from a
Please join us for the 25th Annual Monastery Pilgrimage The profession of a monk is that of prayer and his essential social service to the world. With love in Christ, Abbot Tryphon Monk Ignatius Abbot Tryphon Father Ignatius and Father Tryphon enjoying an outing on Lake Saint Clair. (click photos to
I want to thank all of you who’ve been able to give financial support to the monastery, and again ask those who can not afford to help us with donations to please pray for our holy brotherhood. By your holy prayers, and with the help of Almighty God, we will
On July 20th I posted an appeal for funds, explaining that the monastery is in dire straights, and asking for help. I want to thank all of you who’ve been able to help, and ask those who can not afford to help us financially to please pray for the monastery.
THAN EVIL In Remembrance of the Norwegian Tragedy The Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle’s Norwegian neighborhood of Ballard was the site for a Vigil of Remembrance service last night. The following was recited in unison by the assembled mourners as part of a litany. Goodness is stronger than evil; love