Dear CAPTL,

Coming to Franciscan University has been on of the best experiences of my life. The atmosphere of faith has had a great impact on my spiritual growth. Likewise the graduate theology classes are very challenging but rewarding. My professors take a strong personal interest in my performance, and have taught me excellent theology. Even more significantly, they respect my Byzantine Catholic faith and often encourage me to compose my papers from an Eastern Christian perspective.

There are two wonderful Byzantine Catholic parishes in the nearby area, and the priests at both parishes love the students. Likewise, there is at least one Byzantine priest employed by the University who works in campus ministry, although he has bi-ritual faculties and only celebrates the Roman Mass on campus. There is a community of bi-ritual Carmelites near the University, and many of them are Ukranian Byzantine Catholic priests. They have a wonderful synthesis of Eastern and Carmelite spirituality, which they share on campus.

In short, I would highly recommend at least coming for a visit. There are a good number of Byzantine Catholics here, and we usually attend the Divine Liturgy every Sunday as a group.

Please write back with any specific questions that you may have.

Yours in Christ,

Antony

Dear in Christ Anthony,

Could you give a little more information regarding the Byzantine Carmelites you mentioned. I have unusual , but great privilege and Blessing to be at once an Orthodox Hieromonk AND a member of the Carmelite Third Order. I am very eager to communicate with "such as me" If you would like to respond of list:
frkyrill@ameritech.net
Thank you...and for your thought provoking posts too.

unwoirthy monk Kyrill

Father Kyrill,

I think that they would absolutely LOVE to hear from you! This order has a deep love for our Orthodox brothers and sisters, and would truly appreciate any communication from you.

Here is a brief excerpt from their literature:

--------------

THE CARMELITE MISSIONARIES OF MARY IMMACULATE

We are a Marian community, striving to serve Jesus through consecration to Mary.

We are preparing to serve the world around us as evangelical missionaries in the spirit of Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross.

We are seeking you to join us in a life of prayer in community and privately to strengthen us daily by witnessing the Truth and Faith of the Catholic Christian Church by preaching, teaching and sharing the joy of Jesus and loving him in others.

As we believe in one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, we are determined to be of genuine assistance to our true Catholic brothers and sisters of the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches in every way possible. We are already bi-ritual and hope to be multi-ritual as the years go by.

It is our great desire to open a school to train lay, clergy and religious to be evangelists within their own parishes and urban and rural communities.

"Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things pass away: God is unchanging. Patience obtains everything."
- St. Teresa of Jesus

-------------------------

Father,

I am actually praying about possibly becoming a Third Order Carmelite myself. It seems to be a wonderful and enriching vocation. I am really pleasantry surprised to hear that you are an Orthodox Carmelite. That is wonderful! I have always thought that Carmelite and Eastern Christian spirituality go together beautifully.

You can contact these wonderful men of God at:

Carmelite Missionaries of Mary Immaculate
Monastary of St. Therese
407 North Fifth St.
Steubenville, OH 43952
(740) 282-4967

You should especially seek out either Father Seraphim or Father Anthony, because both of these men are always eager to share with Orthodox Christians.

Yours in Christ,

Antony