In early March Father Maximos visited our sister monastery, Holy Theophany, in Olympia, WA. The nuns hold an annual series of Lenten talks on Saturday afternoons, and Mother Anastasia asked Fr. Maximos to speak about the divine office.

Weekdays

Have you ever wondered why Eastern Christians pray so frequently for the forgiveness of "involuntary sins"? Here is Father Maximos' reflection on the question in the form of his MA thesis recently defended as part of his program at the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute, part of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

Comments gladly welcomed.

"We Eastern Catholics have now reached the point of stability and maturity where we can offer much to the universal Church. The treasures of which we have to give are not financial, but of a rich spiritual and liturgical presence. I encourage Catholics of all traditions to support this appeal for The Anastasis Dialogue in order to help us, the "Eastern lung" of the Church, play its role in bringing more abundant life to the whole Body of Christ."

Our sisters of Holy Theophany Monastery in Olympia, Washgington have sent some more photos from the recent tonsures there.

We have placed these photos here, in our photo album.

"I have had the privilege of spending Holy Week and the Easter Triduum at Holy Resurrection Monastery in 2007. I believe such experiences should be made more available to every Catholic: clergy, religious and faithful. Please support the establishment of the Anastasis Dialogue so that the Orientale Lumen (the Light from the East) will be more accessible to all Catholics in the USA."

Bishop George (Kuzma), formerly the Ruthenian Eparch of Van Nuys, was the hierarch who first blessed us to begin the monastery. His Grace believed very strongly that it was possible, even necessary, to take secular holidays like Thanksgiving and Memorial days and celebrate them as feasts of the Church. He believed that in this way our Church culture might engage creatively with the dominant secular culture with a view to converting it just a little bit more to Christ.

Few things are more critical for our Churches than solid Christian formation of adults, a formation that draws people toward their authentic Eastern tradition without making them feel like strangers in a strange land. This book, by our good friend and Melkite priest, Father Justin Rose, from the remarkable and growing catalogue of Eastern Christian Publications, is an important contribution from a gifted teacher and experienced pastor.

Recently we enoyed a visit from some Texan friends: Brian McElroy with Fred Ellis and his son, Martin. Brian sent us these photos to be enjoyed by all.

On May 19 Father Abbot Nicholas was driving from working a farmers' market (where we sell our Monks' Oven baked goods) back to the monastery. About 50 miles from home, way out in the desert, the minivan he was driving suddenly caught fire!

Father Nicholas had the good sense to pull over immediately and exit the vehicle. Within minutes it was fully engulfed leaving, when it was all over, nothing but a burnt-out shell. Thank God, Father was unhurt. Some passing motorists came to his aid and called the Highway Patrol and local fire department.