Greeting in Christ!
Fall brings beautiful weather and a much need silence to Saidnaya. Most of the tourists have gone, leaving only locals and pilgrims who visit the monastery seeking spiritual refreshment.
This past Sunday was especially blessed as several of us went down to Damascus in order to attend the consecration of Archimandrite Ephrem Kyriakos to the episcopate. The patriarchal cathedral was filled to maximum capacity with faithful hoping to take part in the joy of the occasion. A well tuned Byzantine choir beautifully chanted during Orthros, the consecration and Liturgy, occasionally singing antiphonally with Patriarch Ignatius or one of the many other bishops present. It was especially exciting to hear several of the litanies recited in Spanish and Portuguese by the Antiochian bishops attending the ceremony from Brasil and Mexico. Thank God.
Most of the faithful stood for the entire service and many of them seemed to have the Resurrectional Stichera after the Praises fully memorized. Quite amazing in Byzantine tone 2 (at least for me).
Both after the bishop's ordination and his sermon, the entire congregation heartily sang, "axios" accompanied by clapping and uulations. Bishop Ephrem is much loved here and is considered by many to be an elder. He lived as a monk on Mount Athos for many years before returning to Lebanon in order to establish the brotherhood of St. Michael. We were graced with his presence at St. George Monastery only a few weeks ago when he came offered some very encouraging words regarding some of the struggles of monastic life.
Immediately following the service the clergy and monastics processed, led by a marching band of course (they love marching bands here) from the church to the Patriarch's salon. Here we received a blessing from Bishop Ephrem, schmoozed a bit and then returned to the monastery.
Arabic lessons continue to progress, sometimes very joyfully and at others painfully slowly. I'm currently meeting with a professor of Arabic two time a week to focus on the formal language. Right now we're focusing on memorizing passages from the Bible. God willing this will begin to give me a better understanding of Arabic syntax and grammar as well as to broaden my theological vocabulary a bit. Professor Yassin spends most of his time living at the Cherubim Monastery, teaching the brother's and editing their translations. He moves to Damascus when the weather in Saidnaya becomes too cold for him. Its exciting to learn from him as he seems to have a lot of experience and a unique take on the world. He lived for several years in his early twenties as a Muslim sheik, "fasting and praying and studying all the time," until he came to the realization that perhaps religion isn't all its cracked up to be.
Unfortunately, my colloquial Arabic tutor has to take a special class for her company during our scheduled meetings. Thus my basic everyday comprehension continues to be a challenge.
your continued prayers and support are much appreciated.
with love in Christ,
Monk Evphrosynos (Jeremy) |
