On the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, the Holy Church commemorates the life of St. Mary of Egypt, as an example of ascetic struggling for the purification of the soul and deep repentance.

This year, our monastery was visited by a group of young people from the parish school of our parish of the Protection of the Mother of God of Nyack, New York.  This is an old tradition which was only interrupted by the pandemic of recent years.  They were led by the assistant priest of the parish, Fr. Andrew Podymow, a graduate of our Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary.  We hope that this tradition will continue and serve for the edification of the children and strengthen them in Orthodoxy.

            His Grace, Bishop Luke, abbot of our monastery, concelebrated the Divine Liturgy along with the monastery clergy.  During the Hours, he tonsured Cyprian Fennema to be a reader.  Cyprian is an instructor and student of the seminary, and has been tonsured with the first step of the priesthood in his preparation to enter the military chaplaincy.  May God aid him and his wife, Maria, who also celebrated her Name’s Day on this day.