Summer Update!

 We are having a very full summer so we haven't had a chance to let you know all that has happened!

Amy's Entrance

We were blessed to receive Amy as our newest dokimos (postulant) at Vespers on May 20 for the feast of Sts. Constantine and Helen. Amy is from Protection of the Mother of God Slovak Byzantine Catholic Parish in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Her entrance was a joyous occasion with her family and a couple of close friends. Bishop Robert’s insights in his homily so perfectly encapsulate the life of a monastic, calling us all into deeper union with God:

“I think I’ve learned as I have come to visit here and pray here more--and the beautiful video the nuns have given us recently--that if we take divinization and theosis seriously, a journey really that began with our baptism, first and foremost, it’s about openness to God’s love. Much less is it about what we do, what we accomplish, how many Jesus Prayers we pray, or how diligent we are in the chant or the holy services. It’s about this openness to God’s love.”

Please keep Amy in your prayers as she begins this journey deeper into God’s love for her, and please pray for all the women who are in various stages of discerning the monastic life with us.

See our photo album of the Entrance here

Spring Work Day

Thank you to all of our fearless volunteers who braved the rain and mud to help us have a successful workday. From those who helped us do a deep spring cleaning of our buildings, prepare our garden beds, cut down trees at the shrine, weed, clean the gutters, and every little odd job, we are continually astounded by your generosity.

Workdays are also such a wonderful time to get to see our friends and hear about the beautiful things God is doing in your life:  engagements, babies, getting ready for a new work opportunity, or starting college. The greatest gift you give us every work day is your friendship. Ending the day with prayer and a meal with you is a highlight for us every time.

We especially would like to thank the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch and Deacon Greg Loya for hosting us for Vespers and dinner.

May God bless you, and we hope you will come visit us to join us for prayer in the coming months.

See our Workday Photo Album here

ByzanTeen Youth Rally

We had a wonderful time with the teens who gathered for the ByzanTeen Youth Rally at John Carroll University. We helped to teach chotki-tying to dozens of enthusiastic participants. It was an uplifting experience to pray with all those who had gathered from around our Metropolitan Church with all of our bishops. Mother Natalia assisted the teen cantors of our parishes who led the services in singing. 

We were delighted to see how many of our teens are aspiring to greatness and holiness. We were also inspired to take courage and follow Christ as the Rally invited all present to be courageous in their lives.