Hi Alex,
Thanks for the idea, perhaps at some future point I may be in a better position facilitate such a project. But at this point I am at the “OH MY! I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET!!” stage myself

Every time I get to the Abbey I somehow steer the conversation to the Byzantines, but they all seem interested. At this point I guess I am more interested in helping Oblates explore Byzantine Spirituality than introducing Byzantines to Benedictine ways. The Abbey is very supportive of me and has a long history of ecumenical work as well as cooperating with the local Ukrainian Catholic and Byzantine-Ruthenian jurisdictions, although they have backed away from that due to criticism from certain parties.

I subscribe to a mailing list for Oblates and keep in regular contact with the Oblate Director of the Abbey and that's about all I can handle at this point.

When I am more firmly grounded I may take up your suggestion and I would appreciate your help if you are willing.

Thank you for the kind words!

Michael

Dear Michael,

Well, I would love to be a Byzantine Benedictine Oblate.

Perhaps you could get your monastery to establish a kind of permanent Byzantine Oblate section, with yourself as Archimandrite (I am serious, don't laugh).

I think that Eastern Christians can benefit from Benedictine spirituality and monasticism.

St Benedict's Rule is an accepted monastic Rule of Orthodoxy and the Eastern Catholic Churches, as you know. (There is an Akathist to St Benedict and he is highly honoured).

Benedict himself always pointed to St Basil and St John Cassian as sources for all his followers.

I know you are in your period of formation, but perhaps, the next time you see your Director, you could raise this and the issue of your witnessing in this regard to Easterners?

I think that you will get great support from Byzantines who will love to join you in your journey.

I'll do whatever I can!

Alex

Salva Jesu Kristu,

Actually, you may wish to contact Holy Trinity Monastery in Butler, PA. It is my understanding that they are a Byzantine Benedictine Monastery. In fact, I believe they are the only one of the Eastern Church for men that specifically follow the Rule of St. Benedict.

Dmitri.

"Well, not EVERYTHING, you know . . .

Some things only a good husband can provide . . ."
**************************************************
ALEX!!

You have taken me WAAAY out of context!

You KNOW that I meant (that I can always depend on..) your wealth of religious knowledge.

I have a GREAT husband.

In Christ,
Alice

Yes, Thank you Dmitri

Holy Trinity is a daughter house of Saint Procopius Abbey to which I am associated.

I had thought of associating with them myself but I wanted to find a house closer to my home.

PAX
Michael

Dear Alice,

That is good to hear!

spit, spit, spit - Many years of health and happiness to you and your husband!!

(I saw "My Big Fat Greek Wedding")

Alex