Monasticism in the Orthodox Church

Since the early years of the Christian era, Christians have been called by Christ Himself to life in the world without being of the world (John 17:13-16). They are distinct from the world, because of their special conduct and their exemplary ethical life. Read More

A Delightful Surprise Part II: Prayer in Family Life

What can we learn about family prayer life from a monastery? More »

A Delightful Surprise: Part I

How can we more intentionally recognize Christ in our midst in every nook and cranny of family life? More »

Keynote Address of Archbishop Elpidophoros at the Monastic Assembly (St. Nektarios Monastery, 09-21-19)

Address of Archbishop Elpidophoros at the Monastic Assembly: "We are all called to work together in the spiritual edification of our faithful. This is what it means to belong to the communion of saints and to serve the Body of Christ. This is what it means to be a church." More »

Regulations for the Establishment and Operation of Holy Monasteries

Regulations regarding monasteries in the GOA. More »

Additional Resources on Monasticism

Various websites that contain valuable resources concerning Monasticism and Monastaries More »

Monasticism in the Orthodox Church

Since the early years of the Christian era, Christians have been called by Christ Himself to life in the world without being of the world (John 17:13-16). They are distinct from the world, because of their special conduct and their exemplary ethical life. More »

The Skete of Saint Anna

The Skete of Saint Anna, where the late Bishop Gerasimos was tonsured a monk and dwelt for four years, is a dependency of the Monastery of the Greatest Lavra on the Holy Mountain of Athos. It is the oldest and largest skete on the Holy Mountain, having been organized into a community around the middle of the seventeenth century and comprising fifty-eight houses. In the nineteen fifties these were inhabited by a hundred and ten monks. Today they are inhabited by a smaller number. The monks support themselves by painting panel icons, making fragrant incense and prayer ropes, or by other handicrafts. More »