Monasteries are Centers for Spiritual Healing
Monastics are an integral part of the Church and should not be seen as independent of the Church Universal. Monks are bound by the same Gospel as other Christians and need to avail themselves to the missionary and pastoral needs of the Church, as needed. Although a primary role of monasticism is to be found in worship and contemplative prayer, monks also have a long history as missionaries.
Many of the great monasteries of Russia, as an example, were founded in remote places but became centers of pilgrimage, attracting countless people. Whole cities often formed around monasteries, precisely because the monks had reached out with the Gospel and worked among the people. Where there was a need, monks responded with charity and evangelical witness.
In these difficult times where people are suffering economic hardship, loss of jobs and foreclosure on homes, monks can bring a different perspective that can give hope to those who’ve lost all hope. Monasteries are centers for spiritual healing and empowerment. People who’ve been struggling to find meaning in their lives can walk away with a new vision, gained through the interior work of the monks who have availed themselves as therapists to those who are hurting.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Thank you for your prayers. I’m now back in my monastic cell, and will be recuperating during the rest of this week. The cardioablation and pacemaker went well, and I am prayerfully hoping I’ll soon have my energy back. Forgive me for not having posted during the past number of days.
Wednesday January 18, 2023 / January 5, 2023
32nd Week after Pentecost. Tone six.
Fast. By Monastic Charter: Strict Fast (Bread, Vegetables, Fruits)
Eve of the Theophany (Kreshchenskyi Sochelnik).
Fast Day.
Martyrs Theopemptus, bishop of Nicomedia, and Theonas (303).
Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria (350).
New Hieromartyr Joseph and with him 37 Martyrs (1921).
Virgin-martyr Eugenia (1933).
New Hieromartyr Sergius priest (1934).
Martyr Matthew (1938).
oVenerable Symeon of the Pskov Caves (1960).
Prophet Micah (9th c. B.C.).
Venerable Apollinaris of Egypt (470).
Sts. Phosterius the Hermit and Menas of Sinai (6th c.).
Venerable Gregory of Crete, monk (820).
Martyr Theoidus.
Martyr Sais.
St. Tatiana.
New Monk-martyr Romanus of Carpenision, who suffered at Constantinople(1694).
New Hieromartyr Romanus of Lacedaemonia (1695).
St. Menas of Sinai (6th c.).
Translation of the relics of St. Rumon, bishop, to Tavistock.
The Scripture Readings
Acts 13:25-33 Royal Hours: 1st Hour
Matthew 3:1-11 Royal Hours: 1st Hour
Acts 19:1-8 Royal Hours: 3rd Hour
Mark 1:1-8 Royal Hours: 3rd Hour
Romans 6:3-11 Royal Hours: 6th Hour
Mark 1:9-15 Royal Hours: 6th Hour
Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 Royal Hours: 9th Hour
Matthew 3:13-17 Royal Hours: 9th Hour
1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Luke 3:1-18
1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Blessing of Waters, Epistle
Mark 1:9-11 Blessing of Waters, Gospel