Daily Life at the Monastery
(A daily "diary" by one of the monks
of the monastery)
29 October, 2010
The sad news we received that the relics of St Vladimir of Kiev were
stolen turned to joyous news that they had been retrieved. Saint Vladimir continues
to intercede for us and we, in turn, ask him to pray for us, unworthy though we
are. Part of this day was spent in finishing the folding and stapling of the
book on Dostoevsky and photocopying some material for our Francophone young
people.
A group effort was made to prepare lenten wontons for supper which
proved to be only partially successful. Next time the results should be much better!
28 October, 2010
Today
we commemorated Saint Lukian of the Far Caves of the Kiev Caves
Lavra, whose relics we have in our monastery. This month we were
able to commemorate five saints whose relics we have: Apostle
James, Saint Theophan of the Near Caves of the Kiev Caves Lavra,
Saints Benjamin, Lukian and Longhin of the Far Caves, and lastly,
the Martyrs of Volynia. No one really knows them by their proper
names, only that they gave up their lives in resisting the forced
conversion to Roman Catholicism.
In exctly one month to the
day, we will begin the nativity Fast. Some of our Orthodox
faithful call it the Advent Fast, or simply Advent. Since this is
a Western concept, why can we not continue to call it "Nativity
Fast" as it has always been known?
27 October, 2010
Vladika
Varlaam had an appointment with a retina specialist in New
Westminster because of an eye problem. The treatment, an injection into
the eye, has produced excellent results but it prevents him from
driving after the treatment. In essence, Brother Ephraim has
become the chauffeur. Since it was such a beautiful and sunny
day, Father Moses was persuaded to come along. It was so
enjoyable to see the golden and red leaves against the background
of snow-capped mountains. In Vancouver and its suburbs there are
more restaurants per capita than in any other city in North
America (so it is said) and many of them are Asian. Since it was
Wednesday, we tried to be careful about what we ate and there was
no difficulty in finding not just vegetarian restaurants, but ones that
are totally vegan. Many people would have considered this as just
a trip to the city, but for us it was almost an adventure. Still,
it was such a relief to return to the peacefulness of the
monastery.
26 October, 2010
By now Vladika Lazar should
be in New York where he will remain or a couple of weeks. We heard that
there was a terrible storm in the U.S. Midwest today with much damage
being done and also flights were cancelled. It has been mainly a quiet
day at the monastery. Most of the activity revolved around sweeping,
scrubbing and vacuuming, something that has to be done regularly,
especially now that leaves and grass are being carried indoors on
peoples' shoes. The ground is damp, or even wet at times, and
everything clings to one's shoes. And, no, we do not take off our shoes
when we enter the monastery
==========================================================
25 October, 2010
This
was a day of preparation for Vladika Lazar's departure tomorrow to New
York. A few last minute things were printed such as the lists for names
of the departed and some brochures.
The other day some visitors cleaned the dozens of chairs that were
outdoors during the summer and then stacked them in a dry place. They
will not be needed until next year unless some larger event will be
held in the icon gallery.The power was lost briefly this morning and it
reminded us of the numerous power failures we have each winter. We do
have a small generator that can keep the water running if not much
else.
===========================
24 October, 2010
The
weatherman had forecast heave winds and rain for last night and this
morning, which could have meant that the Liturgy would have to be
served by candlelight. Thankfully the rain was light and there was no
wind so no emergency arose.
Much of
the day was spent not only serving the Divine Liturgy, but molebens and
other prayers in the afternoon, so that the entire day literally
flashed by in an instant. Later in the afternoon while people were
visiting with each other, Andrew was busy doing his French homework
while Luke tried successfully to revive a little bird that knocked
itself out by flying against the glass of a window.
At the
Agape meal we had a large pot of fish soup made from the large salmon
that Reader Markell caught yesterday. It was more than a metre long and
apparently had put up a great fight before being brought into the
boat.Vladika Lazar gave a Meleti (spiritual talk) that was filmed and
will be the first installment of a course on "Theology Made Simple" or
some such title to enable the ordinary person to understand basic
Orthodox theology
======================================================
22 October,
2010
A
quick trip across the border was made this morning to mail some books
that were urgently requested. Perhaps the economic situation
might be having some influence, but it has been much easier
lately to cross the border, with no long line-up of vehicles. We
have to use the commercial crossing since we are carrying out a
commercial transaction (and also, we must pay U.S. $10.75 for
each crossing.) More potting soil must be purchased today to transplant
the large peace lily that has become rootbound. We hope that our
little Serbian Oak seedlings will survive the winter in their
pots.
21 October, 2010
The
beautiful and sunny weather has come to an end as it began to
rain tonight. We immensely enjoyed this warm spell and now we can
return to our normal British Columbia rainy season! Do not be
misled by that. Even in the rainy season we do have some dry and
sunny days, and also, some of the roses will continue blooming
into December. It occasionally happens that one or even two days of the
"Daily Diary" do not appear. There is no need to be alarmed. For
one reason or another, there was no posting but eventually each
day has an entry. One pious Orthodox woman became alarmed when
nothing appeared and she was ready to telephone and find out how
the brotherhood was doing. Another book, this one shorter than the last
one printed, was completed today and now is in the process of
being collated. The title, "Dostoevsky's Concept of Spiritual
Rebirth" has been very popular and this was the fifth reprinting.
=======================================================
20 October, 2010
The bindery telephoned to inform us that the book, THE MYSTERY AND
MEANING OF GENDER AND HUMAN SEXUALITY was ready to be picked up. As
usual they did a professional job in binding the book. The only
difficulty is that the return trip takes about three hours at least.
Even though that does not sound like much time, in a busy day, every
hour is precious.
Some pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem stopped for
some of our beeswax candles to take along to the Holy Land, since
apparently most candles there are made of paraffin.
================================================
19 October, 2010
A visit from some Russian friends of the monastery certainly provided
us with some wholesome food: cooked buckwheat kasha, baked fish, fried
mushrooms, and the usual assortment of pirozhki made with cabbage,
potatoes, hard-boiled eggs with green onions, sorrel and lastly,
dessert pirozhki with apples. Just listing the food gives one an idea
of typical Russian favourites.
The new stove was brought today but we shall have to
wait for some strong helpers to carry it up the stairs into the
kitchen. With two good stoves and two refrigerators in the kitchen, any
amount of food to be prepared for special occasions should not be
difficult.
Because of the beautiful weather it was possible to
keep weeding and transplanting outdoors. Anything to be kept over
winter has already been brought indoors.
===========================================================================
18 October, 2010
We awoke at 3:15 a.m. to take Thomas Bottai to the
airport. One positive thing can be said about driving at that time of
the night -- there is practically no traffic to worry about.
At mid-morning Vladika Lazar and Brad Jersak, an
Evangelical minister, were filmed discussing various Christian terms
and vocabulary, and how the understanding of them differs between East
and West. Very illuminating indeed.In the afternoon another book title
"The Mystery and Meaning of Gender", was taken to the bindery to be
bound, and it might be possible to print another title in the next few
days.Our poor old stove was taken to the recycling centre and left
there. No doubt it will be possible to bring the new one (at least new
for us) tomorrow. It was amazing to see what had accumulated under that
stove -- pieces of spaghetti, a few dried peas, a bit of grease and
dust and other unrecognizable things.
17 October, 2010
This definitely was one of the busiest Sundays that we have ever had.
Matins
began quietly and peacefully, as usual, but toward the end people asked
to have
confession and so the confessions continued until almost the reading of
the
Gospel. Of course it is encouraging when people have the desire and the
need to
unburden their souls in confession. The church was filled with people
and the
singing kept growing in strength and beauty. Archbishop Lazar served,
accompanied by Deacon Phillip with the altar servers, Brother Ephraim
and the
brothers Andrew and Luke McLaughlin who have been serving so long that
they must
have begun soon after they learned to walk (actually, not quite that
long!).
All the tables were occupied at the Agape meal so that some people ate
in the
kitchen. Immediately after the meal there were three requests for
Molebens, so
Vladika Varlaam combined all three. Then a request for a Pannikhida was
fulfilled -- all this before the baptism of little Anastasia began. She
was quie
nervous at first and began to cry but by the end of the baptism her
bright smile
captivated everyone. As with yesterday's people, Anastasia's family was
from
Siberia.
We have two stoves in the monastery kitchen, one of them being quite
old.
Helen Kindrachuk informed us that she bought a stove for us, so now
Brother
Ephraim will have to bring it from Abbotsford on our pickup truck and
dispose of
the old one at our local recycling centre. On weekdays one stove is
adequate but on Sundays two are needed.
Since our visitor Thomas Bottei is leaving early Monday morning (he has
to be
at the airport by 5 A.M.), we are going to sleep early because our
alarms will
be set for 3 A.M.. It was good to have had him with us for this short
while.
Just as he and Vladika Lazar were driving out of the monastery late
this
afternoon, a bear ran across the field. Thomas grabbed his camera to
photograph
the bear but instead he filmed it. you should be able to see this on
Youtube,
although it lasts only about five seconds. This will prove to you that
we really
do have bears here!
======================================================
16 October, 2010
Today was a joyous
day with the presence of a large group of Siberians,
mainly from Irkutsk, and people from Kirghizstan.
Combined with such pleasant
weather today, was a perfect day.
We were given an immense container of sauerkraut. This
is the type made in
Eastern Europe where cabbage is shredded, salted and
then left to in a
large container, to become delicious over a period of
time.
The coyotes came out in the early morning. Their cries
are unusual but also
somewhat unnerving. Although they will cause no harm,
their presence causes our
cats to be cautious since many small animals are
caught and eaten by the
coyotes.
--------------------------------------------------
15 October, 2010
This could not have been a more beautiful day. All nature rejoiced at
the
sun's warmth and the shade's coolness. It is the kind of autumn day
that one
thinks about during the dark, stormy days of winter.
Everyone was particularly active today. The large window had to be put
in
properly and caulked, the three floors of the main building were
vacuumed, a new
book cover was designed, and preparations made for reprinting existing
titles.
The children's alphabet colouring book is out of print again -- it has
been
reprinted countless times.
Two new communion cloths were sewn, ironed and taken to be used in the
church. Our monastery has a room set aside for working with crafts, and
storing
material for vestment, a sewing machine and space for ironing. No one
among the
monks is skilled in this field, but an attempt is made to sew, and
especially to
repair vestments and other garments. The latest thing done was a pair
of wedding
wreaths (stefana), since we do not use the large imperial-looking
crowns that one often
sees in churches.
--------------------------------------------------------
=====================================
13 October, 2010
The little old pickup was left at Canadian Tire to have its speedometer
replaced and several other things that had to be tended to. It is nice
to be able to take this faithful vehicle out onto the road and feel
confident that it will do well.
Predictions have been made that this winter will be extremely cold and,
as a result, all three buildings are being checked for proper
insulation. There should be enough firewood to carry us over the winter
since we have two stoves that heat with pellets, and two that are
wood-burning stoves. Last year a number of people came to chop and pile
the wood. One such woodpile was made by some Russians who called it a
"polennitsa" which simply means a woodpile, but in this case it was in
the shape of a hemisphere. It was so attractive that people came just
to photograph it until, finally, the cats scampered over it too much
and it began to collapse.
==========================================================================
12 October, 2010
Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day in Canada and Columbus Day in the United
States, and thus all post offices were closed. The book orders received
over a period of time were filled and taken across the border to Sumas,
Washington where they were mailed today. The post office there is
small, although much of its business is done by Canadians who find it
more convenient and quicker to mail things to the U.S. simply by
crossing the nearby border.
After this stop, we drove to Bellingham, some 30 minutes away where we
visited some used bookstores. It really is amazing what one can find in
such stores and we did locate some interesting books for research.
Since it was almost noon, we drove to Fairhaven, a colourful, old part
of the city with many stately buildings. After a sandwich and soup it
was time to return to Canada.
At the border, a young female Punjabi border official quizzed us about
our purchase and then sent us on with a smile.
====================================================================
11 October, 2010
There was only one shotgun blast this morning! Since today is Canada's
Thanksgiving Day, the hunters are possibly helping to prepare the geese
or ducks they shot yesterday. In any case, this day differs
considerably from that of the Americans. In Canada it seems to have
arisen more from the idea of a harvest festival and decades ago,
Anglican Churches in particular stressed this event with churches
filled with autumnal arrangements of fruit, vegetables, and sheaves of
grain. In an Orthodox Church we give our prayers of thanksgiving on the
feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord when we bring fruit to be
blessed in church. In days gone by, many pious people would not eat a
single apple before this feast
===================================================================
10 October, 2010
At precisely 7:01 a.m. we were suddenly reminded of autumn's peculiar
nuisance. Hunting season ha now begun and many of its avid supporters
were out this morning. Shotgun blasts continued for about 30 minutes,
then they ceased. What is there to be shot? There do not seem to be
many ducks or geese right now, so the answer must be itchy fingers that
have wanted for months to pull the trigger. The noise resounded in the
valley but, fortunately, it tapers off soon and we were left in peace
once again.
===================================================================
9 October, 2010
Rain is forecast for the next few days. That is not surprising, since
it is the long Thanksgiving Day Weekend, and on so many long weekends
the weather is predictably unpleasant. We have also been warned that
this winter will be the coldest in 55 years! After having a number of
relatively warm winters, this might bring us back to reality -- we do
not live in the subtropics!
In spite of the weather, we had a short marriage ceremony for a couple
who had been married civilly for 20+ years. We sometimes perform a
short service for those that had a civil marriage; this is sometimes
called a "crowning". Any way, the bride was wearing a beautiful white
wedding dress and the service was performed in Church Slavonic. The
service was very much appreciated by the newly blessed and married
couple
==========================================================
8 October, 2010
Do you remember when Monday was usually set aside to do laundry? Here
at the monastery, it can be almost any day and so, today was laundry
day with several batches washed and dried. Someone once asked if we do
laundry in the nearby stream -- and the answer is a definite no! Last
winter the water source was changed to an unused sandpoint and it
looked very satisfactory. Early the next morning there was no water in
the faucets. Apparently an excellent job was done except for one thing
-- the men forgot to tighten the clasps, so the water began to pour
forth endlessly into the basement. It took all day for them to remove
the water from the entire basement, and for two weeks there were huge
fans drying the carpets (and everything else).All has been well since
then, but often, while going into the basement laundry room, thoughts
of that flooding come to one's mind
1
==================================================
6 October, 2010
Vladika Lazar arrived this morning after a very long flight from
Istanbul. At the very same time that the Moscow Patriarchate had sent
high-ranking delegates to Tehran for a conference on "Orthodoxy and
Islam", Archbishop Lazar was in Istanbul for a conference on "Science
and Culture". It brought mainly Islamic delegates from around the
world, people who are forward looking, not afraid of science and
extremely opposed to violence and radicalism. It was an opportunity to
meet such people face to face instead of thinking of them all as
radicals and terrorists, as we often do in the West.
He was also invited to visit Damascus immediately after the conference
but he kindly declined because it would have been to exhausting.
==============================================
5 October, 2010
There has been response to our daily diary. For some time we felt that
perhaps this diary might be too dull for most people. After all, we do
not live in the midst of all the bustle of city life, instead, we enjoy
the little blessings that are bestowed upon us each day. Thank you all
for your comments!
We are attempting to clean up the main monastery building before
Vladika Lazar's arrival tomorrow. Father Moses is off to Abbotsford,
our neighboring city across the Fraser River, where he will have more
tests on his eyes.
It appears that Vladika Varlaam will be serving at Holy Resurrection
Sobor in Vancouver on 7 and 14 November during the absence of Father
Michale, the rector of the sobor. Brother Ephraim will be the
"chauffeur" so the trips should be pleasant.
A bear cub came out from behind the barn. Where is Mama Bear? Let's
hope that they begin hibernating soon.
================================================================
4 October, 2010
A great success with rebuilding an old book, despite a lack of proper
equipment! A successful undertaking certainly has a way of encouraging
a person.
It was interesting to see Vladika Lazar on Turkish television when he
gave his address at the olympic stadium before thousands of people at
the conference on science and faith. He will return the day after
tomorrow and we are anxious to hear about his trip.
6 October, 2010
Vladika Lazar arrived this morning after a very long flight from
Istanbul. At the very same time that the Moscow Patriarchate had sent
high-ranking delegates to Tehran for a conference on "Orthodoxy and
Islam", Archbishop Lazar was in Istanbul for a conference on "Science
and Culture". It brought mainly Islamic delegates from around the
world, people who are forward looking, not afraid of science and
extremely opposed to violence and radicalism. It was an opportunity to
meet such people face to face instead of thinking of them all as
radicals and terrorists, as we often do in the West.
He was also invited to visit Damascus immediately after the conference
but he kindly declined because it would have been to exhausting.
==============================================
5 October, 2010
There has been response to our daily diary. For some time we felt that
perhaps this diary might be too dull for most people. After all, we do
not live in the midst of all the bustle of city life, instead, we enjoy
the little blessings that are bestowed upon us each day. Thank you all
for your comments!
We are attempting to clean up the main monastery building before
Vladika Lazar's arrival tomorrow. Father Moses is off to Abbotsford,
our neighboring city across the Fraser River, where he will have more
tests on his eyes.
It appears that Vladika Varlaam will be serving at Holy Resurrection
Sobor in Vancouver on 7 and 14 November during the absence of Father
Michale, the rector of the sobor. Brother Ephraim will be the
"chauffeur" so the trips should be pleasant.
A bear cub came out from behind the barn. Where is Mama Bear? Let's
hope that they begin hibernating soon.
================================================================
4 October, 2010
A great success with rebuilding an old book, despite a lack of proper
equipment! A successful undertaking certainly has a way of encouraging
a person.
It was interesting to see Vladika Lazar on Turkish television when he
gave his address at the olympic stadium before thousands of people at
the conference on science and faith. He will return the day after
tomorrow and we are anxious to hear about his trip.
======================================================
3 October, 2010
What seemed to be a rather small attendance of worshippers today kept
growing until there was a large crowd. Being the first Sunday of the
month, we had an abbreviated Healing Service following the prayers
after Holy Communion. Most of the people stayed for the Agape meal,
although a few had to eat standing up, since the hall was so crowded.
Later, some people went outdoors for a stroll through the monastery
grounds but they hurried indoors when they saw a black bear wandering
across the far lawn. We have never experienced any confrontations with
the bears, although all visitors are cautioned to be vigilant.
Occasionally we have had visitors who will not get out of their car
until we walk out to accompany them, since they fear that they might
encounter a bear on the path from the parking area to the monastery
buildings
2 October, 2010
The lingering scent of freshly cut grass reminds one that there is only
one month or so of lawn cutting. Our mild climate forces us to begin
cutting grass early in the new year. Recalling how hay was cut only
once in summer on the Prairies, it is amazing to see hay cut here at
least three times each year by our neighbouring farmers. Because the
hay in our fields is not of the best commercial quality, we have it cut
only once, before the feast of the Theotokos, Joy of Canada.
An old Church Slavonic Horologion was recently given to the monastery.
In itself it is not especially valuable because we already possess an
identical soft cover edition, but this hard cover edition was well used
and unfortunately falling apart. It was therefore necessary to take it
apart and restitch all twenty-seven sections. Without the proper
equipment it can be a challenge but certainly not impossible. More than
anything, patience is needed. Let's hope that it will be a successful
attempt.
====================================================
1 October, 2010
Among the many sights nature has to offer us, today Brother Ephraim saw
a baby beaver swimming on its own with no parental guidance. Soon after
he saw a family of raccoons being led by a large and snarling mother.
They do look cute, but raccoons can be dangerous so it is best to give
them ample space for their comings and goings.
Each autumn, when there is a warm spell, ladybugs and various flies try
to enter the buildings to find refuge for the winter. After about three
weeks this ends and little is seen of them until the following year.
Mice also feel the approaching winter and they try to find an entrance
into any building where they can survive the winter.
28 September, 2010
Sun, glorious sun! Should more be said? Yes, indeed, for although we
tolerate the rain, and at times we actually enjoy it, a spot or two of
sunshine brightens not only our day but also our souls.
Vladika Lazar is in Thessaloniki this week. He has posted some
interesting Youtube broadcasts from Greece and Istanbul. When he
returns to Canada next week we will have many questions to ask him
about his trip.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
27 September, 2010
For those who are perishing, the Cross is foolishness, but for those
who believe, it is their salvation. Today's feast of the Elevation of
the Cross brings into perspective the importance of the Cross in our
lives. Without it we are lost as in a desert sandstorm. Glory to Jesus
Christ for the infinite love He shows us. It has been a strict fasting
day with a glorious Liturgy, both of which emphasize our commitment to
Christ's showing us the way to eternal life.
___________________________
26 September, 2010
Two brief power failures at night did not bode well. Living in a
somewhat remote area of the Fraser Valley we are accustomed to such
power failures, particularly in winter when strong winds can cause
trees to fall across power lines. Occasionally we have had to serve the
Divine Liturgy by candlelight. Once, while serving by candlelight, we
came to the words, "Let us lift up our hearts" and at that instant,
power was restored. The sudden joyous gasps filled the church.
Fortunately there were no further problems with our power. The church
was filled with worshippers and the singing was particularly good.
Since it was the last Sunday of the month, the Liturgy was served in
Church Slavonic.
++++++++++++++++++++++
25 September, 2010
What was supposed to be a dull, rainy day turned out to be warm, sunny
and bright; the ideal weather for a baptism. Little Vladimir was
overwhelmed by the presence of so many adults, children and babies, all
gazing at him during his baptism. Although he rewarded them with
sufficient crying and sobbing, the baptism itself was beautiful and
touching. Many of those in attendance lingered until the late
afternoon. It has been a tiring but most rewarding day.
++++++
24 September, 2010
We commemorate Saint Silouan of Mount Athos today and we congratulate
the monastic community of St Silouan the Athonite on its patronal
feastday. Our monastery has been blessed with a part of the relics of
this great saint who, we pray, will help the Orthodox Christians in
Canada in their spiritual growth.
This is the tenth anniversary of the repose of Archbishop Antony
(Medvedev of San Francisco). Many years ago he wrote "A Young Elder"
the life of Starets Amvrossy who died in Yugoslavia in the 1930's. It
was translated into English and prepared for publication by the then
Deacon Lev Puhalo and Vasili Novakshonoff. It proved to be popular but,
alas, future printings of this work made no mention of the translators.
Such is the life of publishers and translators!
By way of interest, someone who visited the Kiev Caves Lavra found "The
Kiev Caves Patericon" in English, also translated from the Russian by
Bishop Varlaam Novakshonoff for Synaxis Press here at our monastery. No
mention was made of this in the Lavra's edition -- so much for
copyrights
++++++
23 September, 2010
Another somber and rainy day today makes it feel as if late autumn has
come to stay. Some of the trees were freed of their suckers and other
outdoor work keeps allowing the monastery grounds to look more
park-like, although we do not want the grounds to look artificially
manicured.
A popular title from Synaxis Press, "The Twelve Great Feastdays for
Young People" has to be reprinted because a large order for this title
has consumed all the copies. This popular title has also been available
in Russian and Romanian.
Today we commemorated Saint Paul the Obedient of the Far Caves of the
Kiev-Caves Lavra whose relics we have. Pray for us, O Holy Saint Paul,
that our souls be saved.
+++++++++++++++
22 September, 2010
This is the second day of autumn's warmth, a bright blue sky, and not a
trace of haze after the weekend's rain.
Father Vasili has been relating to us what life is like in Florida. In
some ways it is quite the opposite of our life here in British Columbia
(or, as some people in Quebec like to call it, Canadian Columbia).
Indian Summer has not yet arrived but autumn can be felt in the air.
We were reminded again of the tragedy in Sifton, Manitoba, where our
Orthodox Church was destroyed by arson. Not only was the building
completely destroyed, but also valuable books and religious items.
Apparently the evil-one had inspired someone to take such a cowardly
step. Another historical monument in the Canadian Prairies has
disappeared. We must be certain that our faith does not become
destroyed and disappear in a similar fashion.
+++++
21 September, 2010
Our Orthodox Church year begins in September and the first great
feastday is the Birth of the Most Holy Theotokos which we celebrated
today as a prayerful and joyous monastic feastday.
Archbishop Lazar left for Edmonton, from where he will fly to Chicago
and then to Istanbul. Let us pray that he might find a fulfilling stay
there, and in Greece, in the short time that he will be there.
Let us relate a story told to us by a pious Orthodox woman: Last year
she took a cruise by ship from Vancouver and she placed an icon on her
dresser. It was one that she had obtained from our monastery, with
Jesus Christ, the Theotokos and Saint Nicholas. At the end of the
cruise it somehow got lost and she was so distressed that she
telephyoned her travel bureau to complain about it. They, in turn,
contacted their headquarters in Florida. She received a call from
Florida saying that, after making a thorough search, they found nothing.
This year, she took the same cruise, on the same ship, and even had the
same cabin. The steward recognized her and she related to him the loss
of her icon. He promised to make his own thorough search and, indeed,
he looked at every item in the storage room. Later in the day, he
appeared at her cabin with the icon in his hands. This brought tears to
the woman who immediately crossed herself and kissed the icon, all the
while weeping with joy. The steward was so overcome by her joyous
reaction that he also crossed himself and kissed the icon even though
he was not Orthodox. She said that whereas she loved the icon
previously, now she felt it was her most prized possession in that what
had been lost was now found!
+++++++++++++++++++
20 September, 2010
September always has been warm, even hot, sunny and bright, but not
this year. Father Vasili arrived yesterday from sub-tropical Florida to
be met with an overcast sky and cool air. Today we had two torrential
downpours and for much of the day we wore sweaters or jackets to keep
warm.
This is the eve of the feast of the Birth of the Theotokos. The five
loaves are ready for tonight's blessing of loaves and the prosphora is
prepared for tomorrow's Divine Liturgy.
19 September, 2010
Vladika Varlaam served with Archbishop Seraphim at Holy Resurrection
Sobor in Vancouver, where their parish feast was celebrated together
with the veneration of a relic of the "Holy Equal to the Apostles",
Vladimir of Kiev. The Sobor was overflowing with faithful who had come
for this feast and to venerate the relic. The day was dull and wet, so
an outdoor procession was not held.
Father Vasili came from Florida to spend a few days at the monastery.
It probably was a slight shock for him to come from the heat of Florida
to our sudden cool weather.
18 September, 2010
Saturdays are usually busy preparing for Sunday's Divine Liturgy. First
the necessary material is prepared for Great Vespers, then all that is
necessary for Matins and Liturgy.
We suddenly found out that a relic of St Vladimir of Rus' has arrived
in Vancouver and will be at the Sobor of the Resurrection of Christ.
Tomorrow, Vladika Varlaam will go to Vancouver to serve with Archbishop
Seraphim, as it is the Sobor's feastday. An Akathist to St Vladimir
will be served later in the afternoon, but unfortunately the relic will
not be brought to our monastery since it must go to Toronto almost
immediately. Glory to God that thee still are countless Orthodox
Christians for whom relics have much meaning.
We noticed an article in the Vancouver Sun about the Vancouver Canucks
Hockey Prospects Camp held recently. Chris Tanev, the son of our good
friend Stoyan Tanev, now a professor of Physics in Denmark, was
mentioned as follows: "He impressed with his puck-moving skills and
made one end-to-end rush that set up a goal and brought the fans out of
their seats."
17 September, 2010
Today is Father Moses' namesday, as he is named after the Holy Great
Prophet Moses. Many Years!
The latest book published by Synaxis Press, "On the Neurobiology of
Sin" by Archbishop Lazar, was picked up from the bindery. It truly is
an impressive book. Although the title might give the impression that
it is very intellectual or scientific, in reality it is quite readable
and profound.
The weather has turned beautiful and the lawns are being mowed, and the
flower beds weeded.
We noticed a report in The Vancouver Sun that Chris Tanev, one of our
young Bulgarians has exceeded all expectations in the hockey camp that
is used to vet young players for the major hockey clubs.
16 September, 2010
After taking the prepared work to the bindery, it was a pleasant
surprise to be told that all would be ready tomorrow. The quality of
their work is excellent and, no matter how busy they might be, they
nevertheless do their best to squeeze us in.
Computer problems arose today but, after several attempts, much had
been restored.
Four caskets, or boxes, were bought today to enable us to reorganize
many of the relics we have. There are too many small boxes with just
two or three relics in them. Now, each new casket can hold 10 or more
relics.
15 September, 2010
A cover for the newest book, "The Neurobiology of Sin" was prepared
today and, fortunately, our local printer was able to run off the
necessary copies. This means that tomorrow the collated pages and
covers can be taken to the bindery. Father Moses stayed up late into
the night to complete the collating. We are fortunate to have good
printers and binders not too far away and who always try to do their
best for us.
*************
12 September, 2010
A couple of the people who attend services on a weekly basis brought
pictures from their recent holiday to interior British Columbia. Some
of the photographic shots of the sunset were gorgeous. We had a nice
turnout for services today. The main point of Fr Moses’ sermon
today was the fact that love can be strengthened with the addition of
true humility, such as was exhibited by the Canaanite woman and her
love for her daughter. After the lunch in the church hall, all the
dishes were cleaned and we gathered the trash. We always take our trash
to the dump on Mondays because there is no garbage pick-up for people
living in the countryside and we are responsible for all of this.
**
11 September, 2010
Much of our property is in need of some serious maintenance. Trees need
to be cut and we need to work on removing a lot of the blackberry
bushes but, it is difficult to do with all the rain and people who come
to visit without previously arranging their visits.
**
10 September, 2010
It has been raining every day for this past week now. We were able to
go into town to visit the public library where we were doing a bit of
research for a new project. Following the time spent in the library, we
had fun shopping for groceries and collecting some prescriptions.
Tannis Puhalo (Vladika Lazar's daughter-in-law) came over and worked on
removing weeds from our garden and planted some new plants; it looks
very nice.
**
9 September, 2010
One of the monks had a doctor's appointment to be told of the results
of a recent blood test, the results were quite good. We cleaned the
church and hall in preparation for the weekend services.
**
8 September, 2010
One of the monks had a dental appointment which went well. He feel much
better now. <P>The bears are back and have been seen again. They
are huge but have not caused as many problems or property damage as has
happened in the past.
**
7 September, 2010
Well, the beaver has been spotted once again. He is quite smart and
pulls reeds from the area and plants them in new sites. He also dams up
our water way which can cause some real problems for our neighbours who
have cattle and some horses
***
6 September, 2010
Two monks left for a visit to California and are supposed to return in
10 days. We had 3 sets of visitors today; one couple who had never been
to the monastery and the others who hadn't been here for quite some
time. Someone else was here to have prayers said for her mother who had
just passed away. We have an old building that is being converted into
a new church. Everything has finally been removed, so now we can gut
the building. All this should be completed by next week.
3 September, 2010
Relocating tools and equipment is often a heavy and tiring job, as it
was today with moving everything from our workshop to the barn. This
word usually makes us think of horses and cows but the Oxford
Dictionary defines it as: "A roofed building for storing grain, hay,
livestock, vehicles, etc." That is precisely what we have, a building
that had stored all these things at one time or another, but now is
being transformed into a tool and equipment storage space, and a large
workshop. Without the help of our little old Ford pickup, it would have
been an impossible task, since the distance between these two buildings
is considerable. Years ago, the barn had its own well and electricity.
Last year some enthusiastic volunteers cut down a large cottonwood tree
that fell in the wrong direction -- across the powerline so the barn no
longer has any power. In the future it will be restored and the roof
repaired to stop the many leaks that begin whenever it
rains. Although it is scarcely visible from the monastery because of
the trees, it stands on a knoll and offers a commanding view to the
south and east across the fields.
The bears were roaming around today but keeping
their distance. No doubt they are checking on the fruit trees to see
when the fruit gets ripe.
2 September, 2010
The first days of September remind us of approaching Autumn, although
here on the West Coast, we like to think that this month is still a
remnant of summer.
This was a day of hospitals and clinics with Vladika Varlaam being
tested for blood in his eyeball. Fortunately the injection was not
painful and the prognosis is good.
A group of women from the neighbouring city of
Mission came to the monastery with food to feed the monks and guests.
They do this once in a while, descending upon us (forewarning us, of
course) with food, making certain that it is lenten if on a Wednesday
or a Friday, or in a fasting period. They are not Orthodox but they
derive pleasure from visiting us. We ate outdoors -- alfresco -- with
the timid cats joining us. One of these women actually is a good
customer of ours, since she usually buys a dozen jars at a time of our
pure olive oil and beeswax skin cream that we make. We do not bother to
advertise it, but it appeals to many people because of its pure
ingredients and also because it works well.
1 September, 2010
Days that are predictable can ofen turn out to be otherwise. To begin
with, candles had to be dipped today, even though the new candle
factory is not quite complete and several things have to be altered. By
now they had been completed and it was time to ship books from Sumas,
Washington, which is just across the border. On the return trip,
Vladika Varlaam felt that he should have an eye checked, so he went to
the health clinic. The young East Indian doctor arranged for an
immediate examination in a nearby city, where the eye specialist made
an appointment for tomorrow in New Westminster with a retina
specialist. Ageing does have its unique problems!
Father Moses spoke at length with an acquaintance
who has written a book. The advice he gave was naturally sound, as he
had spent many years at the Los Angeles Times editing and proofreading.
When it concerns books and manuscripts, very few details can escape his
vigilant eye.
The bear made its reappearance today, coming close to the candle
factory. Perhaps he could smell the lingering fragrance of the beeswax
candles. A couple of people have suggested (jokingly, let's hope) that
the bears might possibly be trained to eat out of our hands!
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
31 August, 2010
After a perfect day yesterday, we all awoke to see
an overcast sky with a gentle rain falling. Even though we need rain,
there is always a slight feeling of apprehension, as if summer is
slipping away, not that there is anything to fear of autumn since it is
such a beautiful season here on the West Coast. Matins was beautiful
today.
In preparation for tomorrow's candle dipping, a
block of wax had to be chopped up into small pieces, so that it would
take less time to melt the wax. The wax we use comes from Northern
Alberta, from the Peace River country which supposedly has some of the
best beeswax in North America. The candles are so aromatic that a few
years ago a bear tried to break down the door to get at the candles. He
did not succeed, although he found a small open window at the back of
the candle factory with shelves of candles piled high within reach. The
bear managed to eat and break several hundred candles before he could
be driven away. After that episode, visitors to the candle factory had
to be told of it and shown both the little window and particularly the
door with the bear's nail scratches clearly visible. Children were
especially filled with awe as they attempted to trace the large
scratches from the bear's paws with their own little hands. Another
result of the bear's visit (and other visits from various bears to the
monastery) some people would not leave their cars when they arrived but
would use the car's horn, or else their cell phone, so that someone
would come out to accompany them. One woman once arrived and began
walking toward the monastery buildings and just as she stepped through
the gatehouse chapel, there was a big black bear scarcely twelve feet
away from her. Fortunately she knew what to do but later said that it
felt as if her heart had leapt up into her throat!
Br. Ephraim worked all day organising the new
workshop in the barn. There will be much more space for using the table
saw there, and this winter, we plan to build more picnic tables for the
summer visitors. More and more people make use of the 1/2 acre park
that Christos created (he is named for St Christos the Gardiner, and he
lives up to the name of his patron saint as an excellent gardener).
30 August, 2010
Today's baptism of little
Sophia was a joyous occasion. Both her parents are professional
pianists (and also teachers of music) and her elder sister, Katya, aged
seven, is also showing her talent in music, mainly in studying piano
with her father. With time we shall see if this familial musical talent
will be manifested in her. Since today we commemorate St Alipy the
Iconographer, perhaps Sophia's creative talent might be directed more
in that direction. What was especially touching was that, at the
conclusion of the baptism, everyone, both adults and children, removed
the crosses they were wearing and dipped them into the baptismal water,
as a way of resanctifying their lives.
Visitors often
remark on the quality of our air. We do not notice it because we
breathe it all the time, but city folk tell us that it is a combination
of mountain, forest air and gentle field (or country) air, things they
do not experience in the city. Unfortunately they cannot take any of it
home, although they do enjoy our fresh mountain water which they use
for drinking, making tea or preserves.
29 August, 2010
A cool morning meant that
the church would be comfortable for Matins and Divine Liturgy instead
of the stifling heat we had endured in the previous weeks. And, what
appeared to be a sparse gathering of the faithful soon turned into a
steady stream of worshippers. At the end of the Liturgy the newly
presented icon of the "Saviour of the Stern Eyes" was blessed with
prayers and holy water.
The relics of Saints
Theodore and Vasili of the Near Caves of the Kiev Caves Lavra were
brought out for veneration, since their memory was commemorated earlier
in the week.
The last of the candles have
been used up, so that a new batch must be prepared this week, otherwise
there will be a great disappointment for everyone.
This definitely is the
middle of the fig season. Several dozen ripe figs were brought for the
Agape today, and a large jar of fig jam made with splenda so that the
monks would not consume too much sugar. We also are experiencing an
unbelievable salmon run this year, one of the highest in decades. Last
year it was disastrous with almost no salmon to be caught. Wild pacific
salmon is extremely beneficial for one's health, athough we find that
often it is too "fishy" and we actually prefer Atlantic Salmon.
28 August, 2010
Today's feast is the Dormition of the Most Holy
Theotokos which falls on 15 August on the traditional Orthodox Calendar
(which equals 28 August on the civil calendar).
The hand painted icon of the Dormition of the
Theotokos, painted in Romania according to the strictest canonical
rules of iconography, was surrounded by blue hydrangeas.
Many people were present and the food for the Agape
was more than abundant, now that the fasting period has ended -- it
consisted mainly of Slavic, Balkan and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Another joyous event today has been the crowning of
a couple that had a civil marriage many years ago. Their children were
in attendance and were in a state of utter joy for their parents.
Some of the city young people had decided to spend
the night camping out nearby so that they would not have to make a
return trip to the monastery on Sunday. A couple of them were unaware
of this plan and came unprepared, so a hasty search was made throughout
the monastery to gather some warm clothing and sleeping bags. Such is
the enthusiasm of youth!
27 August, 2010
This has been a typical British Columbia day with
wind, calm, drizzle, hail, downpours, lightning and thunder, not all at
the same time though. We like this Canadian West Coast weather as long
as the sun peeks through the clouds occasionally. The soil quickly
soaked up the moisture but it also brought out the nasty slugs that
hide during the heat, only to appear when it is cool and damp. They
tend to eat many of the plants and nothing is worse than accidentally
stepping on one. To make it even worse, we have, in addition to the
ordinary ones, the kind called banana slugs because they are almost the
size of a small banana and their colour is that of an unripe banana. It
seems that ducks like eating slugs but perhaps we are not prepared to
have a flock of ducks just yet.
Vladika Lazar returned from Edmonton today, arriving
over two hours late because the airplane had trouble with its air
conditioning system.
Great Vespers, with Litya and the Blessing of the
Loaves, was served on this, the eve of the Dormition of the Most Holy
Theotokos.
26 August, 2010
The icon of the "Saviour with the Stern Eyes", painted for the
monastery by Yanna Sherstyak, a gifted and pious iconographer, was hung
above the analoy where confessions are heard. It will be blessed this
Sunday which happens to commemorate the icon of Christ, "Not Made by
Hands." The Saviour's gaze is stern indeed and some have mentioned that
it is appropriate for it to be located where confessions are heard.
Lately, our monastics have had to make visits to dentists, optometrists
and various specialists because, indeed, even monks often have need of
medical care. Today Vladika Varlaam went in for day surgery and, let's
face it, no one really wants to lie down on the operating table. There
is much controversy in Canada about our medical services plan, some
wanting it to be entirely within the public realm, while others would
like to see a "pay as you go" plan. Needless to say, Vladika was
pleased to know that his operation was completely covered, as were the
supplies he was given at the hospital. He did have to go to the
pharmacy with a prescription for antibiotics which cost him a total of
$3.20 for a week's supply and that included the pharmacy's 50 cent
coupon that can be applied to other purchases in the store.
The promising rain this morning quickly ended, followed by strong
winds, meaning that tomorrow, no doubt, it will be very warm again.
25 August, 2010
Preparations were made all morning for the funeral this afternoon. An
elderly woman died recently and the service will be held in a funeral
home. This means that the vestments must be packed, together with the
incense, charcoal, censer, cross, holy oil, holy water, candles, candle
holders, icons, Gospel, service books and many other things. It would
be simple to have a suitcase set aside for this purpose, filled with
the necessary things, but it never seems to work that way, and
something is sure to be forgotten. We have a list of all that is
necessary for such occasions and that way, all that is needed is to
check off each item as it is packed away.
The funeral was somewhat unusual in that the only person to attend it
was the deceased person's son (aside from clergy and the funeral home
attendants). The natural impulse is to think that it would have been a
sad event without anyone present. Yet, it possessed a peaceful dignity
that can be missing at some funerals. The deceased had chosen the
clothing she wished to be buried in and she really chose well. If only
more funerals could possess such dignified tranquility, we all could be
much more comfortable in the presence of the deceased.
__________________________
24 August, 2010
Martyrs Theodore and Vasili of the Near Caves of the Kiev Caves Lavra
are commemorated today (1098 A.D.). Our monastery is privileged to have
relics of these great ascetics.
Vladika Lazar flew to Edmonton where he will give some talks. He always
enjoys travelling to Edmonton where he is warmly received. For the rest
of us, today has been a time of visiting dentist and chiropractor,
because, monastics also need some physical tune-ups!
It has become hot again and interest is waning in watering plants, but
they must be looked after. The faithful fig tree has offered more of
its succulent figs.
We are running low in candles, the ones that are tapered and measure
3/8 by 13 inches. More must be made soon something seems to happen to
cause the candle making to be postponed. The heat in the little candle
factory can be almost unbearable when it is hot outdoors, which is why
the work should be started in the cool of the very early morning.
_______________
22 August, 2010
When the service begins each
Sunday, it is basically the stalwards who are present. As the Divine
Liturgy approaches, th faithful come streaming in. It was no different
today, except that the church was almost overflowing with worshippers.
All the potluck food was lenten and abundant, and visitors came from
everywhere. It was especially interesting to speak to a Lipovan woman.
The Lipovani are Russian Orthodox Old Believers who have been living in
Romania for 200 years or more, and who have preserved their ancient
faith, language and customs.
The weather is very cool with a bit of rain. Despite our complaints
about the previous hot weather, the cool spell caught us by surprise.
Reader Cosmin, recently tonsured a reader, was able to gather most of
the people who enjoy singing and have good voices. In the reception
room he instructed them in breath control and singing, to the delight
of everyone. More such practices are in store for the future.
We try to teach
people the importance of wearing a cross, but not just any kind of a
cross. Those who are Slavs are encouraged to wear the eight-pointed
cross, commonly called the "Russian cross" or "Three-bar cross".
Greeks, Romanians, Serbs and Arab-speaking Orthodox Christians are
encouraged to buy Byzantine crosses with trefoil, that is with three
rounded ends on each bar, avoiding the simple Latin cross. Above all,
crucifixes should be avoided with a raised corpus. A common complaint
is that there are few places where one can purchase correct Orthodox
crosses. If you are interested, you might try:
www.festalcrations.com, or, www.stnectariospress.com/catalog. It just
takes a bit of searching to find what you both want and need.
21 August, 2010
Baby
Nicholas' baptism brought people from around the world -- Seattle, New
York, London, Bucharest, and Bogota. Meeting people can be so
interesting because what looked like ordinary people arriving for a
baptism turned out to be, for example, a professor of Classics from
Romania, a young economist from New York, and so forth. It is
worthwhile to share thoughts and opinions, and thus learn about other
people. As monks, it profits us little to avoid people, rather we must
engage them in conversation, whether theological or mundane.
The Ford
pickup tries to serve us diligently but it is ageing (like many of us).
The speedometer will have to be checked because it is impossible to
know how fast you are driving. It is one matter to drive around the
monastery property, to the monument, to the fields, to the barn, but
even going out to the recycling depot, only five minutes away, can be
an experience. So another visit to the Canadian Tire Store's automotive
repair sectin should remedy the problem. The speed limit on our country
highway is 80 kilometres per hour although you would never guess that,
seeing the city people flying by. Actually, many of the local drivers
are just as bad with speeding.
20 August, 2010
For three days the weather has been cool. We have
recovered from the heat, but we still would like some rain.
St Pimen the Ascetic of the Far Caves of the
Kiev-Caves Lavra is commemorated today and we have been entrusted with
the preservation of part of his relics. Once again, thanks to His
Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius, we have the honour of guarding the
relics of so many of the saints from the Kiev Caves Lavra.
There are two streams on the monastery property. The
one nearest the entrance is free-flowing although in summer there is
very little movement of water. The stream closer to the monastery
buildings stops running in the summer and that is when there is an over
abundance of water lilies. They are attractive in late spring but by
midsummer they become invasive and must be thinned out. Two of the
monks set out in a small boat to cut back the huge leaves, looking very
much like
Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn on the Mississippi River. The boat did
not upset although there were a few close moments.
The outdoor awning had been up for at least a month
in preparation for the outdoor Liturgy held on 25 July, the feast of
the icon, "Joy of Canada" but today it was taken down, a small rip
repaired and put away until the celebration next year.
Visitors and constant telephone calls kept everyone
busy. Vladika Lazar was indexing his new book "The Neurobiology of
Sin," Vladika Varlaam baked fresh bread and made Portuguese potato soup
with white beans and kale. A chance visit to a thrift store resulted in
purchasing 21 attractive wood frames for small icons.
The Russian edition of "Orthodox Faith" arrived in
the mail this morning. The monastery receives 30-40 copies each month
which are freely handed out to anyone interested. The English edition
is fewer, possibly once every three months, in which case about 100
copies are received. And, since Canada is bilingual, at least one issue
a year appears in French.
19 August, 2010
The feast of the Transfiguration of Our Saviour,
Jesus Christ is celebrated today. For those of you who might be
confused, today is 19 August on the civil calendar, but 6 August on the
traditional Orthodox Church Calendar. The Divine Liturgy was followed
by the blessing of the "first fruits", then a delicious meal with the
promised piroshki as a real treat and, of course, a medley of blessed
fruit.
Each summer, a kind English woman, whom we named
"Mrs Kale", brings us armloads of kale which grows abundantly in her
large garden. Today was no exception with two armfuls of kale delivered
on our doorstop. This usually means that for a few days we will be
eating Portuguese kale and potato soup!
We had some computer difficulties and that can
always lead to stress; however, Vladika Lazar managed to resolve the
problems and all is well with the computer once again.
It finally happened -- our black bears are continually searching for
food but we seldom see them.
This time, though, all of us came very close to a
huge, if not gigantic, black bear munching on our blueberries. We
sometimes carry air horns to frighten off the bears if we are alone or
in the berry field. This time no one had an air horn, and no amount of
calling or shouting had any influence, so we simply left it to continue
its munching. In principle black bears are not dangerous, but each year
there are several attacks made, some even fatal, by these bears, so
caution must always be used.
18 August, 2010
What a shock it is, after countless days of debilitating
heat, to feel a cool and refreshing breeze upon awakening. And, a
person wonders how people in hot climates can endure such heat not just
for days, but for weeks and even months. The fans have been silenced
and all is well again.
There are many blueberry farms in our vicinity and one common
complaint is hearing the early morning cannons being fired to drive
away the hungry birds. Fortunately, most of the farmers have stopped
using such noise makers (the birds simply get used to the noise) and
now have huge stretches of netting to cover the low bushes.
A brief trip across the border into Washington state to mail
books ordered from Synaxis Press was followed by preparations for the
feast of the Lord's Transfiguration. Grapes were purchased for
tomorrow's blessing of first fruits, then washed, dried and placed into
a suitable bowl. For several years we attempted growing our own grapes
but with little success. Last year they were dug up and the idea was
forgotten. Now, we see that one grape vine survived and began climbing
up a tall holly tree where, near the top, there are hanging clusters of
grapes but not yet ripe. It will probably be impossible for us to reach
them when they do ripen.
A welcome telephone call informed us that for tomorrow's feast,
one family is preparing lenten apple, cabbage and potato piroshki
(pasties - for those who are unfamiliar with them, they are very small
pies, usually elongated, with any type of filling, enclosed in pastry
and baked without a dish). Just thinking about them can make your mouth
water, particularly in this case because this family is well known for
baking delicious piroshki.
17 August, 2010
Our monastery is on a road which is a cul-de-sac so
that the traffic is never too heavy. To reach the post office in the
village we must turn off Hawkins-Pickle Road onto the Lougheed Highway.
Early this morning there was a terrible accident on the Trans-Canada
Highway and consequently much of the west-bound traffic was rerouted
onto our secondary highway. The sight was almost unbelievable, looking
like some mass evacuation.
A neighbour has the habit of accumulating things that others have no
need of.
Every once in a while he clears out his basement and
places all the items near the road for people to help themselves. Even
we have taken the occasional piece, mostly chairs and tables. today we
are taking dozens of concrete blocks to use for a garden wall.
Our fig tree gave us a dozen ripe figs today. It is
probably a Turkish brown fig tree and it produces fairly well, mostly
because it is in a sheltered area. Most people have strong feelings
about figs -- they either love them or else abhor them. Our second fig
tree is still young but will probably give fruit next year.
16
August, 2010
Monday's main task
is to take the garbage to the recycling and garbage depot. We try to
recycle as much as possible in the transparent blue bags, but there is
a lot of ordinary garbage as well. We cannot compost anything because
the bears will get to whatever is thrown out. At the depot there is a
small building where people can leave objects for others topick up free
of charge. We ourselves have taken several chairs, a desk and other
such things. In turn, we have left behind kitchen utensils, an old
stereo set, books, etc.
It was exciting to
use our new postal box. All these years we have simply walked into the
local village store, which also has the post office, and ask Elsie for
our mail. The store has much character with a wooden floor, the type
that must be swept with a special compound, and oiled once a yar or so.
In fact, it was chosen for Richard Gere's movie, "Intersection". It
remains picturesque, but now it is no longer General Delivery for us,
rather we have a large postal box. So, if anyone wishes to write to us,
you no longer have to use our long address of: 37323 Hawkins-Pickle
Road (the names of two pioneer families on this road). Instead, address
your mail in cre of: Box 18, Dewdney, B.C., V0M-1H0, Canada.
Because of the heat, one of the
doors in the large hall was left open all night. One of the cats was
found there this morning. Thank goodness no raccoons or bears wandered
in where they could have raided the kitchen.
15 August, 2010
The heat is not quite so oppressive today, still, everyone had beads of
perspiration on their foreheads, except perhaps little Yakov who
enjoyed lying on the floor. Honey was blessed at the end of the Liturgy
although it is customarily done on the previous day.
A group of teachers from Chine, here on a cultural exchange, came for
the Liturgy because they were interested in attending an Orthodox
service. Alas, no one thought of showing them our icon of the Chinese
martyrs that has its inscription in Chinese. Oh well, at least they did
enjoy the service.
Another baptism today, that of one year old Gregory who behaved
splendidly. Since the Dormition fast has begun, the parents of the
child brought a large quantity of fresh fruit to serve after the
baptism. How refreshing it is to have such fresh fruit on a hot day.
14
August, 2010
This is the hottest day of the year when even plants are beginning to
wilt. Yet, the crew of half a dozen young Moldavians began working at
dawn and stopped only once to have lunch, continuing in the hot sun,
and stopping only when it became too dark to carry on.
The entire building had been painted so that it looked new and the
balcony regained its Athonite appearance.
The icon of the Saviour with the Stern Eyes recently received its frame
which had been given a light oak stain and now is waiting in the church
to be placed on the east wall.
The baptism was touching. Little Ivan, not quite seven months old,
enjoyed it and kept smiling throughout the service.
13 AUGUST 2010
Since today is Friday the thirteenth, the media have
been engaged in asking people about their acceptance of this supposedly
unlucky superstition. Amazingly, many admitted to being wary about this
day. This brings to mind the many superstitions that can be found among
Orthodox Christian believers, such as the curse of the evil eye, and
many others. How sad it is that some people prefer to hang on to such
useless ideas rather than firmly grasping the truth that Orthodoxy
offers.
After putting in a whole day's work, under the hot
sun, four young men from Moldova, one of whom had just arrived in
Canada three days ago, came to pressure wash the konak, the white
building for the monks, and also where the printing operation is
located. They will spend the night here and paint the building
tomorrow. It is amazing to watch these East Europeans tackling such a
job and not stopping until late at night in order to complete the
preparations. Of course, youth is on their side, but also a burning
faith that expresses itself in such worthy deeds. Our experience has
been that the young people from Moldava have a living faith in which
they joyously make personal sacrifices because, since they are the
children of God, they will do whatever is possible for His sake and in
His name.
12 AUGUST 2010
Although the Dormition Fast begins the day after
tomorrow, it will be fasting day tomorrow as well, since it is a
Friday. What is to be done with the three dozen eggs, one large tub of
cottage cheese, one small one of sour cream, the cheddar cheese,
yogurt, etc? Since all of it cannot be eaten today perhaps our
non-Orthodox neighbours might benefit from these dairy products.
Vladika Lazar left for the interior of the province,
into the heavily mountainous area where he was invited to celebrate
some services for a number of isolated Orthodox Christians.
The monastery's schedule of services is posted on
our website, but many people seem to prefer a printed version.
Consequently we have had to reprint the July-December schedule again,
this time printing several hundred copies.
You might enjoy hearing Elena and Alexander Mikhailov singing "My Joy"
on Youtube. Hieromonk Roman was responsible for the words and music. On
YouTube, call up: Elena and Alexander Mikhailov
11 August, 2010
This is another beautiful day with an overcast
morning sky and a light breeze. One of the cats has brought an offering
of a mouse to show us that she loves us. Thank you, kitty, but we would
prefer that you show your admiration some other way (although you are
keeping the pests away!).
It is going to take a while to get used to feeling a
refreshing air movement now that the new window has been installed and
it can be opened. What are we to expect when the opposite window will
be installed? A rush of fresh air? Let's hope so.
On a more unfortunate note, Vladika Varlaam went out
to pick blackberries, knowing from past experience how difficult it can
be. This venture was almost disastrous when he stepped forward into a
blackberry patch, right into a concealed depression. He flew into the
thorny hedge, got his feet entangled and just lay there, wondering how
to get out. After much maneuvering, he was able to free himself and
slowly return to the main building where he was met by Vladika Lazar
who helped him to sponge his bleeding arms and to clean up. As well,
time was spent picking out thorns and almost invisible tips from
thorns. Our West Coast wild blackberries are famous for their rapid and
ungovernable growth as well as their villainous and over abundant
thorns. The rest of the day Vladika Varlaam was engaged in something
much safer -- sitting in his comfortable armchair while proofreading a
manuscript.
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8 August 2010
Scarcely had anyone entered the church to prepare for Matins and the
Divine Liturgy when people arrived for confession. Unfortunately the
Matins service is usually poorly attended with about a dozen people in
attendance, yet it is such an important service. The magnificent six
psalms are read entirely by young East Europeans and, despire the
difficulties encountered with some of the words, they resolutely carry
on with great fervour. At the conclusion of the Doxology, the bells are
rung and the Divine Liturgy begins.
Because it takes one and a half, or even two hours, for some of the
people to arrive, confession can last quite long into the Liturgy. So
it was today. Bishop Varlaam heard the last confession just as everyone
began to sing the Second Antiphon. Standing opposite the right kliros,
he suddenly noticed that the usual antiphon was being sung, rather than
the alternate one. He signalled and tried to catch the attention of the
men singing on the kliros but no one noticed him. Finally, he came over
and after it had been sung, his strong baritone voice resounded with
the alternate antiphon, somewhat confusing everyone, yet in a moment
everyone began to follow him.
After each Liturgy, we have an Agape meal where everyone brings food to
share. This means that you never know how much food to expect and today
was no exception. A number of regular worshippers were away on holiday
and many had come for the first time, not aware of the "potluck"
practice. There seemed to be a scarcity of food on the serving table
and yet, there was enough for everyone and even food left over. One
person mentioned that it reminded him of how Jesus Christ fed a
multitude of people with two fishes and five loaves.
Some came to give thanksgiving to
Christ for His goodness to them; some came because of personal reasons
-- illness or death in the family; still others had no one to talk to
and they all needed consolation or advice. Yet, as soon as the meal was
over, a car had to be blessed, an arrangement made for a bpatism and so
on, then the ill had to be visited in hospitals in two different
cities. One was a regular worshipper who had almost died the previous
night. With tears streaming down her cheeks she listened to the prayers
being said and then thanking God for His great mercy in allowing her to
live on. Another grandchild is on the way -- "O Lord, Jesus Christ,
allow me to live long enough to see this grandchild!"
The other patient,
an extremely elderly woman who had spent almost her entire life in the
Soviet Union where she became a well known doctor, was bedridden and
could not even stand. She wished to have a confession and so began the
outpouring of her past transgressions, passions and injustices. Nothing
was left unmentioned -- in the final period of her life, she had to
admit all that had weighed down her soul. After this, all she could say
was, "Thank God for all things" as her face relaxed into a peaceful
composure. There are times when the one hearing a confession is tempted
to place his epitrachelion on the neck of the one who is confessing so
that that person might hear his confession!
And so ends a
physically tiring, but spiritually and emotionally blessed day.
9 August, 2010
Today we
commemorate Saint Pateleimon, the Great Holy Martyr and Unmercenary
Physician. What a joy it was to receive a phone call today from someone
who had been diagnosed with cancer to discover that it was only a
benign tumour. Thank you, Saint Panteleimon!The refectory is shrouded
in darkness, as it has been for two days. The large window could not be
opened and often it was almost stifling in the room. A new window was
delivered and perhaps tomorrow it will be installed, meaning that fresh
air can flow through the room. Eventually the large kitchen window will
also be replaced.
For the first time
this year we had fresh corn on the cob. This variety is called "Triple
Sweet Jubilee" and it is both sweet and delicious. It is rather messy
eating corn on the cob, but how else can one sensibly attack it? Our
favourite variety was "Seneca" but no one seems to grow it anymore.
Tuesday,
10 August 2010:
Today
we commemorate Saint Irene Chrysovalantou, a great saint to whom the
faithful turn in times of special needs, and who hears and understands
the plight of those who entreat her. We also commemorate Saint Antony,
Metropolitan of Kiev, no doubt the greatest church father and Orthodox
theologian of the 19th and 20th centuries. A brief call informed us
that a person who had applied for an extremely important and
responsible position had been accepted -- almost miraculously and
despite numerous obstacles -- thanks to the intercession of those two
great saints and Saint Panteleimon (as they themselves suggested).
Glory to God for all things, known and unknown to us!
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6 August, 2010
On the traditional Orthodox Calendar, today is 24
July. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of His Beatitude,
Metropolitan Theodosius, we can celebrate the memory of our Holy
Righteous Father Polikarp the Hagiologist, because one of the numerous
relics donated by His Beatitude to our monastery is of this Kiev Caves
saint, whose date is given as 1182 A.D. You can read about his life in
the book, "The Kiev Caves Paterikon" published by our own Synaxis
Press. It is awesome to have present the relic of someone who lived
more than 800 years ago.
The hay fields are mowed, the blueberries are sufficiently plentiful
this year, mainly because the bears, for some unknown reason, have not
eaten too many of them. We have prepared some jam and one refrigerator
is crammed full of these berries. The blackberries have ripened and are
especially delicious. As well, our fig tree has begun to offer it's
ripe fruit.
The heavy smoke from the forest fires in British
Columbia has eased today, whereas all week it was impossible even to
see the mountains round about us.
Our cats (one is cow-coloured, that is, black and
white, much like a Holstein cow, while the other is a black Manx, and
thus without a tail) have brought their offering this morning -- a
single plump mouse.
Today's lunch consists of old fashioned rolled oats
with blueberries freshly picked from our own organic blueberry field,
naturally, and soy milk. It becomes even tastier with a healthy pinch
of cardamom.
7 August, 2010
This month we are having baptisms each week. There
was a time when we served funerals more often than baptisms or
marriages. With the influx of new arrivals of Orthodox Christians in
Canada, young married couples are anxious to have their children
baptized. Recently, a father and his daughter were illumined in the
same baptismal water. Today we baptized Maria, a ten month old infant,
born in Canada of parents from Moldova. The sudden outburst of joy at
the actual moment of baptism never ceases to amaze one. It is rather as
if everyone is reliving their own baptism and at the reception that
follows, the feeling of joy, radiance and shared emotion is palpable,
that is, it is so strong that it can almost be touched. We sing "Many
Years" to Maria, her parents, god-parents and, of course, all of us
present, and we pray that she may grow up as a sincere follower of
Jesus Christ and daughter of the Holy Orthodox Church.
Rain is gently falling -- at last! The parched ground has long been
awaiting this blessing. For a while, at least, we are freed from
uncoiling garden hoses and straightening out kinks that prevent water
from flowing freely, as well as carrying buckets of water to distant
plants and flower beds. Alas, rain seems to flatten most of the mallows
with their proud pink blooms, but the sturdy hydrangeas here bloom so
blue and large that pilgrims from the interior on the Prairies are
constantly enchanted upon discovering them.
The newly painted icon of Saint Macrina, set out
last Sunday on her nameday, has been left on an analoy for veneration.
In the process of arranging the relics for tomorrow's service (on the
second Sunday of each month we present all of the Monastery's relics
for veneration), the beautifully painted large icon of Christ, often
referred to as having stern eyes, was nowhere to be seen. When a
frantic search did not reveal it, someone recalled that it had been
taken away to have a glass frame built for it. What a relief! Perhaps
it will hang above the analoy where people's confessions are heard. The
stern gaze of Christ's eyes will surely penetrate even the hardest
heart.
