Monastery Visits

[E.C.]

Next week the All-Merciful Saviour Monastery on Vashon Island (ROCOR) will be having their annual pilgrimage due to the monastery's altar feast day. Thankfully, it is only a drive to the dock, a ferry ride and another drive to the monastery all under two hours of travel time.

I have never been to a monastery before. All I know is that the pilgrimage "lasts" from Tuesday the 11th, until Friday the 14th, an auxillary bishop from the ROCOR (the name escapes me right now) will be there and our sub-deacon, who knows the abbot, is plotting to have me serve in the impending heirarchical Divine Liturgy in which he will be serving as well.

Since this is my first monastery visit, what do I need to know? Anything by way of advice, experience and/or words of wisdom shall be greatly appreciated!

 

[Blackknight]

I think the forums ate my post.

Just be respectful and you'll be fine, the monks should show you around any way.

Oh, and remember that Orthodox monks are addressed as "Father", whether they're a priest or not. Under no circumstances do you address them as "Brother"!

 

[ArmyMatt]

get the Abbot's blessing when you arrive and before you leave, and do whatever is asked of you.

and don't worry too much

 

[E.C.]

and don't worry too much

Unfortunately that's my best habit!

 

[Khaleas]

I think the forums ate my post.

Just be respectful and you'll be fine, the monks should show you around any way.

Oh, and remember that Orthodox monks are addressed as "Father", whether they're a priest or not. Under no circumstances do you address them as "Brother"!

Don't know about that... here at least non-tonsured 'monks' are addressed as Brother and tonsured monks as Father. Same for nuns, Sister for non-tonsured, Mother for tonsured.

 

[Blackknight]

Technically a non-tonsured monk is still a novice, that may be the reason. I'm sure they will tell you that stuff when you visit any way.

 

[Tonks]

The Vashon Island monestary produces some AWESOME coffee. Support their work by purchasing lots of it!

 

[Barky]

Just come ready to be rejuvenated!

 

[Khaleas]

Technically a non-tonsured monk is still a novice, that may be the reason. I'm sure they will tell you that stuff when you visit any way.

That as well as Rasophore...

 

[tekiahteruah]

I agree with the "don't worry too much" comment... most people I know who visit monasteries for the first time come back saying it was so much less stressful and intense than expected... in general, monastics in my experience are some of the most loving, down-to-earth people you can meet. Just show up ready to worship God with your brothers and sisters in the faith and you'll be fine.

 

[cobweb]

Our local monastery is very small, but we go once per month. The peace is almost tangible.

Dress modestly. Be respectful. Be blessed.