New Skete Monasteries News

by Brother Luke Every morning at Matins after the initial psalms and hymns we pause for a non-liturgical reading, followed by a period of silence. A book we have been reading for many months now is entitled Desert Banquet: a year of wisdom from the desert mothers and fathers, by David G. R. Keller. Here is an excerpt: Abba Lot went to Abba Joseph of Panephysis and said to him, ‘Abba, as far as I can, I say my little office, I fast a little, I pray and meditate, I live in peace and as far as I can, I purify my thoughts. What else can I do?’ Then the old man stood up and stretched his hands towards heaven. His fingers became like ten lamps of fire and he said to him, ‘If you will, you can become all flame.’ Abba Lot gives a concise summary of “monastic art.” It includes ritual prayer, fasting, personal prayer and meditation, resisting evil thoughts, and seeking peace in his relationships. Yet, he senses something is missing. He goes to his abba for advice, who reminds ...

WTC One Tönu Kaljuste directing and welcoming Arvo Pärt to the podium The gate to Dendur Temple Rear view: The dean and provost of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, white klobuk of Metropolitan Tikhon, and Maestro Arvo Pärt’s pate (I was too much in awe to ask him to turn around). Dr. Peter Bouteneff, seminary professor, musician. and co-director of the Arvo Pärt Project, and long- time friend of New Skete, to whom we owe our thanks for enabling our attendance, as indeed do thousands of souls whose encounter with the music and person of this musical and spiritual titan will remain a joy and a blessing. a reflection by Brother Stavros As it happened, Brothers Christopher, Peter, and I had the opportunity to drive down to Manhattan Monday morning, June 2, with two objectives: to see the just-opened 9/11 Museum and Memorial and to hear Arvo Pärt’s sacred work Kanon Pokajanen performed at the Temple of Dendur in the Sack...