Pilgrimage to the Skete of St. Anna by Joshua Trevino (2007) »
Posted on July 29, 2010 in Pilgrimage to the Skete of St. Anna, 2007 - 2 COMMENTS
In Preparation for the Feast of the Monastery
by Rev Fr Chris Flesoras
It’s about 10 AM and it has been quite a full day thus far. Currently, I’m sitting on a small patio outside of our room. A small boat is just now approaching the Skete with additional monastics and pilgrims. I’ve finished my stint in the garden this morning which has afforded me a moment to write. Josh and Harrison continue to sweep and prep the patio as Fr. Theophilos is expecting many visitors to the house this evening and tomorrow. From what I gather, we will advance to the main dining hall around 7PM for dinner. Then…the vigil begins at 8PM…lasting until about 11AM tomorrow morning. I have nothing with which to compare it; all I know is that it will be a very long and most overwhelming evening. After services all 500 or so of us will advance to the dining hall for a common meal (divided into three shifts) and then it will be our opportunity to return to the house, rest and welcome additional pilgrims to the Theophileon Brotherhood.
It began to rain shortly after going to bed last evening. It rained and thundered with lightning filling the sky throughout the night. When we awoke for services a bit before 5AM, the sky was clear the air crisp – another beautiful Athonite day! We advanced to the Church to celebrate the Feast of St. Christina. Father Theophilos was overjoyed as we shared in the blessing of St. Christina and that of Presbytera Krissy who celebrates her name day. I served while Fr. Theophilos chanted. It truly was a blessing to commemorate the Great Martyr and to later call Krissy to wish her “Many years” from the Holy Mountain. As Fr. Theophilos told her on the phone with a smile, “In your mind, come here and join us. Our little brotherhood celebrates with you and for you.”
As service concluded we went out to the patio for coffee. This morning, we were greeted by three pilgrims who were staying at the home of Fr. Symeon. It’s truly amazing how God works…it was a father and his two sons that were with my father, father-in-law and I three years ago when we had come to receive the Holy Relic of Saint Anna! Now, it seemed as though Fr. Symeon brought us back together to celebrate the Feast of Saint Anna. Needless to say, we very much enjoyed reacquainting ourselves and enjoying Harrison’s coffee (he’s becoming quite the barista).
Upon their departure, all of us went to work, preparing for this evening. From my vantage point on the patio, it looks as though the tasks are almost done. We’ll leave shortly for the bookstore at the main house, visit the cave where Saint Gerasimos spent some time and then return for lunch and to rest for services this evening. More later…
Nick Righos 08/02
Wonderful! Best wishes to Fr. Theophilos
Nick Righos 08/03
Now I see! - the blog entry is from 3 years ago, although it was recently posted. When I read it I thought y’all were there a few days ago, and not here in Roseville. Anyway, best wishes to Fr. Theophilos and Fr. Cherubim!