Elder Pavlos of Sinai.

The Elder Pavlos of Sinai, who spent Saturday afternoon with us, recounted something about my own late spiritual father, Archimandrite Dimitry of Santa Rosa, that I'd forgotten. Father Dimitry, who had escaped from Communist Russia, having suffered beatings and imprisonment, never spoke against them, nor ever uttered a word in judgement regarding his former tormentors. Father Dimitry never spoke a word in judgement against anyone.

This demonstration of holiness is within the realm of possibility of us all, for it simply requires commitment on our part, and a willingness to never allow ourselves to utter a word of judgement against anyone. If we do this, we will learn we can love everyone, for when we decide to judge no one, love can enter our heart, and everyone will be the recipient of our love, and kindness, and mercy.

With love in Christ,

Abbot Tryphon

The brotherhood was blessed to have Archimandrite Pavlos of Saint Katherine's Monastery in the Sinai Desert, spend Saturday afternoon with us. Saint Katherine's is the oldest continually operating monastery in the world, and the site of the Burning Bush, which still grows within the walls of the monastery. The Elder Pavlos has been a monk in this monastery for forty years. Father Pavlos was accompanied by Sister Joanna, who acted as his translator. The Elder is not only the Spiritual Father of  Saint Katherine's, but their chief gardener, as well. He accompanied our chief gardener, Father Paul, on a tour of our large organic garden.  Our guests ate a meal with us, and left after the evening service. The brotherhood benefited greatly from the Elders spiritual wisdom, and monastic counsel.

 

Elder Pavlos of Sinai, together with Abbot Tryphon and Sr. Joanna

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