Walking in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ
Vashon is the largest of the southern most islands in the Salish Sea, surrounded by waters known as the Puget Sound. Eighty-five percent undeveloped forest, Vashon is about the size of Manhattan, New York, but with a rural population of only around 11,000. A diverse population known for its strong arts community, Vashon proved to be one of the most welcoming places I’d ever visited. Two days on the island, back in 1988, were enough to convince me this was the place God had chosen for us to plant our monastery.
As our monastery follows the Old Calender, we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul last Thursday. I am reminded that the Lord did not call academics, religious leaders, or important members of the King’s Court, as His Apostles, but rather he called what were essentially the blue collar workers of the time, fishermen. The Lord called men who were humble, and who were teachable, to spread the Gospel. I am humbled that the Lord has called me to be a monk, and that he has blessed the foundation of this holy monastery, sprouting up, as it has, on such a beautiful island.
As I head into my 32nd year on Vashon Island, and my 40th year as a monk, the attacks of the evil one sometimes seem relentless, perhaps even unbearable. Yet despite moments when I feel dismissed, and my integrity questioned, I still experience an overwhelming joy for my life in Christ. I have found my true home within the Orthodox Church, and my calling as a monk. Even in the worst of times, I count myself blessed that God has placed me on this island, deep in a forest, surrounded by the Salish Sea. I give thanks for my brother monks, who, to a one, sustain me with their support, love, and total acceptance. We are truly a united brotherhood.
In a way, I feel like one of those fishermen, walking in the presence of the humble Lord Jesus Christ, who himself became one of us, and who took on our flesh that we might become inheritors of his kingdom. Although I am unworthy to be counted among his servants, I am grateful that the Lord has blessed me with such a life. And has hard as it may be at times, I know I am blessed, like so many founding fathers of countless monasteries throughout Orthodox history, to suffer the slander and hatred that the Lord suffered. I am a lucky man.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Monday July 16, 2018 / July 3, 2018
8th Week after Pentecost. Tone six.
Martyr Hyacinth of Caesarea in Cappadocia.
Translation of the relics (1652) of Hieromartyr Philip, metropolitan of Moscow (1569).
New Hieromartyr Anthony, archbishop of Archangelsk (1931).
Uncovering of the relics of Sylvester, bishop of Omsk (2005).
Venerable Anatolius, of the Near Caves in Kiev (12th c.).
St. Anatolius (another) recluse of the Far Caves in Kiev (13th c.).
Holy Princes Basil (1249) and Constantine (1257) of Yaroslavl.
Repose of St. Basil, bishop of Ryazan (1295).
Venerables John and Longinus, wonderworkers of Yarenga (Solovki) (1544-45).
Blessed John of Moscow, fool-for-Christ (1589).
Venerable Nicodemus, abbot of Kozha Lake (1640).
Martyrs Diomedes, Eulampius, Asclepiodotus, and Golinduc of Caesarea in Cappadocia (108).
Martyrs Mocius (Mucian) and Mark (4th c.).
Venerable Alexander, founder of the Monastery of the Unsleeping Ones (430).
St. Anatolius, patriarch of Constantinople (458).
Venerable Isaiah the Solitary of Seeds and Palestine (370).
Blessed Michael, Herodion, Basil, and Thomas, fools-for-Christ of Solvychegodsk (17th c.).
St. Germanus, bishop of the Isle of Man and enlightener of Peel, nephew of St. Patrick of Ireland (5th c.) (Celtic & British).
Martyrs Theodotus and Theodota, martyred with St. Hyacinth (Greek).
Venerable Gerasimus the New of Carpenision (1812) (Greek).
St. Claudianus, patriarch of Alexandria (167).
St. Anatolius, bishop of Laodicea, and his successor, St. Eusebius (3rd c.).
St. Symeon, the third stylite of Cilicia (6th c.).
St. George the God-bearer of the Black Mountain, teacher of St. George of Mt. Athos (10th c.)
St. Basil, archbishop of Novgorod (1352).
The Scripture Readings
John 10:1-9
Jesus the True Shepherd
10 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.
Jesus the Good Shepherd
7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
1 Corinthians 9:13-18
13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.
Matthew 16:1-6
The Pharisees and Sadducees Seek a Sign
16 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”
God’s peace and strength to you and your brethren, Father. The Enemy is indeed relentless and hates the Light wherever he finds it. May our Lord Jesus, the Light Himself, illumine, uphold, and sustain His Church throughout the world. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Amen.
Bless Father,
Led to your insights and daily reflections, unexpected new light each new morning hour ‘reaches out’. As a spiritual (fallen-away Catholic), at times, a seemingly overwhelming existing health issue, and fundamental financial challenges, humbled to approach my 65th year with my loving wife of 46 of them. Discovering corners my heart that i may never have known existed without your Morning Offering, urging my faith toward deeper waters (as a non-swimmer!) thank you – another “lucky man” am i .
I’m thankful for your ministry, and your brother monks.
When I started on my journey, twenty years ago, I had a somewhat negative view of the ROCOR. A bit too polemical, with a bunker mentality. Yet understandible given their experience and suffering. But now, with communion restored with the Patriarch (and OCA) and the welcoming of converts and monasteries, I see something different. I see humility, catholicity, and conciliarity; true marks of the Church. But without compromising the Orthodox faith and tradition. And the whole world knows St John of San Francisco.
God’s might and love are greater than any assault by the enemy, and you reflect His love and light in your work. You let His light and yours shine in your daily posts and inspire so many of us. Thank you.
You are a blessed witness and inspiration to us all. Keep up the good work! ??
Amen, Father Tryphon! Your messages are very supportive! Thank You for answering God’s call. Thank God for all things.
I returned to my hometown of Vashon the same year you arrived here, Father. Thirty years later I appeared at the gates of your monastery, intent upon my first exposure to Orthodoxy services, assisted in my aim, in large part, by the positive impression you and Father Paul had made upon me and the community. Thank God you are here. You and the brethern are at the top of my prayers each night.
May Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, strengthen you against the attacks of the evil one. Thank God the Brotherhood is united! Thank you for your post, all of them!
Father Bless, A wise friend of mine recently told me that the attacks of the evil one are a blessing because the attacks give her an opportunity to more greatly love. I keep you in my prayers.