So so great to hear, beloved brother Efraim! Thank you for the joy your message brought to us on earth, a small taste of the undescribable joy the Angels had in Heavens with your baptism and entrance to the Church

I'm so happy for you. And since your name is Ephrem you should search and read the story of Saint Ephraim's life ❤ May God bless us all!

vicky nikol Oh, I have a book about him, along with a LONG booklet about his works!

@@FolkBoyify that's amazing👏🏼

Worst decision of your life bro

I'm sorry but Catholicism is a different religion. I don't understand how two completely different religions could unite.

@@user-db2fk3fu2vHow so different? I thought we were the two lungs of the same Church?

​@@kath976 It's only from your Pope's mouth and we Orthodox will never agree on it .

THE GOSPEL OF THE WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD "the last age in which God saves man from the destruction of this old world" (In the last days, God become man to do the work He had to do and to perform His ministry of the word. He personally came to work in the midst of the people with goal of making perfect people who had the same attitude. One of the purposes of this incarnation is conquer people, the is to make perfect the people He loves. He wants to see with His own eyes the people He perfects, and He wants to see for Himself how the people He perfects testify for Him. People in this group come from different countries in the world, and come from different nationalities in the world. The purpose of doing so much work is to get this group of people, to get the testimony of this group of the people to Him, and to achieve the glory He can get from them.) Almighty God said In the LAST DAYS, GOD became MAN to DO the WORK He HAD to DO and to PERFORM His MINISTRY of the WORD. He PERSONALLY CAME to WORK in the MIDST of PEOPLE with the GOAL of making PERFECT PEOPLE WHO HAD the SAME ATTITUDE. 🙏 From the time of creation until now, He has only performed this kind of work in the LAST DAYS. It was only in the LAST DAYS that GOD BECAME MAN to DO such a great WORK. Although He endured hardships that men would find it hard to bear, and although He was a GREAT GOD who HUMBLED HIMSELF to become a common man, no aspect of His WORK was delayed, and His PLAN was not disrupted. even a little. He does the WORK according to His ORIGINAL PLAN. ☀️ ONE of the PURPOSES of this INCARNATION is to CONQUER PEOPLE, the OTHER is to MAKE PERFECT the PEOPLE He LOVES. He WANTS to SEE with His OWN EYES the PEOPLE He PERFECTS, and He wants to SEE for HIMSELF HOW the PEOPLE He PERFECTS TESTIFY for Him. NOT ONE or TWO PEOPLE are PERFECT. Rather, it is ONE GROUP, COMPRISED of just a FEW PEOPLE. ☀️🙏 PEOPLE in this GROUP COME from DIFFERENT COUNTRIES in the WORLD, and COME from DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES in the WORLD. The PURPOSE of DOING so much WORK is to GET this GROUP of PEOPLE, to GET the TESTIMONY of this GROUP OF PEOPLE to Him, and to ACHIEVE the GLORY He can GET from them. He does no work in vain, nor does He do any work worthless. It can be said that, in doing so many works, GOD'S PURPOSE is to make PERFECT EVERYTHING He WANTS to make PERFECT. In any free time He has outside of it, He will remove those who are evil. ☀️ You must know that He does not do this great work because of the wicked; rather, He gives His all because of the few people He will make perfect. The WORK He DOES, the WORDS He SPEAKS, the MYSTERIES He REVEALS, and His JUDGMENT and PUNISHMENT are ALL for the sane of those FEW PEOPLE. 🙏 He did NOT become a MAN because of those who were BAD, and especially they did NOT provoke Him to anger so much. He tells the TRUTH, and SPEAKS of ENTERING, because of PERFECT WORKS; He became MAN because of them, and because of them He could grant His PROMISES and BLESSINGS. ☀️ The truth, entrance, and life in humanity that He speaks of is not labored for the sake of the wicked. He WANTS to AVOID TALKING to those who are BAD, INSTEAD He WANTS to GRANT all the TRUTH to those who will be made PERFECT. But His work requires that, for the time being, He allows the WICKED to ENJOY some of His RICHES. Those who do not practice the truth, do not please God, and interfere with His work are all evil. They CANNOT BE MADE PERFECT, and GOD HATES and REJECTS them. 😪 On the other hand, PEOPLE WHO DO the TRUTH and PLEASE GOD and SPEND their WHOLE SELF in GOD'S WORK are the PEOPLE GOD WILL MAKE PERFECT. 🙏 Those whom GOD wants to make PERFECT are none other than this GROUP of PEOPLE, and the WORK GOD DOES is for the BENEFIT of these PEOPLE. The truth He speaks is for those who are WILLING to DO it. He does not speak to people who do not practice the truth. ☀️ The growth of knowledge and the growth of understanding that He says is aimed at those who can practice the truth. When He speaks of those who will be made perfect, He is speaking of these people. The WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT is FOCUSED on PEOPLE who CAN do the TRUTH. 🙏 Things like having wisdom and being human are dedicated to people who are WILLING to DO the TRUTH. Those who DO NOT PRACTICE the TRUTH may HEAR MANY WORDS of TRUTH, BUT BECAUSE they are by NATURE VERY EVIL and are NOT INTERESTED in the TRUTH, all they understand are doctrines and words and empty theories, which have not the slightest value for upon their entry into life. Not ONE of THEM is FAITHFUL to GOD; they are ALL PEOPLE WHO SEE GOD BUT CANNOT REACH Him, ALL of THEM are CURSED by GOD. 😪🙏 From "Only Those Who Commit to Practice Make Perfection" Fulfillment of "When I looked up, someone handed me a book wrapped in a scroll. I opened it and I read on both sides the prayers, lamentations, and curses." (Ezekiel 2:9-10). ... "His clothes were stained with blood. He was called the "Word of God." (Rev. 19:13) The kingdom He brought down and built in the worthy holy place in the highest in the sky and when all the humanity He created in the universe was occupied by it and it was engraved in His holy name and owned by His disposition "THE CHURCH OF ALMIGHTY GOD" 💐 this is the fulfillment of (Mat. 16:18) The Lord Jesus said, "And I say to you, Peter, on top of this eunuch I will build my Church, which will not prevail against him even the fear of death.". ... and fulfillment of "The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia" (Rev. 3:7-13). ... and fulfillment of "The New Jerusalem"💫 "The Spirit covered me, and the angel led me to the top of a very high mountain. He showed me Jerusalem, the Holy City, coming down from heaven from God." (Rev. 21:10). ... "For the time has come in the matter of God for the beginning of judgment in the house of God." (1 Peter 4:17) 📩 God's sheep are called and led to His glorious Throne in "THE CHURCH OF ALMIGHTY GOD" 💐 to submit again to His authority so that He can continue to teach us, guide us and protect us even in plagues, disasters, famines and wild animals It will not move us, and to completely win the war with the big red dragon in this final battle!. ... The fulfillment of "They say with a loud voice, "Salvation comes from the Lamb, and from our God who sits on the Throne!" (Rev. 7:10). ... Fulfillment that it will be built in the highest of the sky that in our Millennial generation that is KZfaq in (Isaiah 2:2 / 9:6) "In the last day, the mountain on which Jehovah's temple stands will stand out above all the mountains. All the nations will flock there.". ... "For a baby boy is born for us. The rule will be given to him; and he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 📨💌

If the abbot allows you, you can move in as a brother and stay for a while to see if this lifestyle fits you. Then if you want, you can become a real monk.

Yes but they prepare, from thousands years, for something else. ..

Faith is something you have to want, to get. It's not something you're born with, each person has to grapple with it, see its value, or reject it. I was an atheist most of my life... if you want to believe, God will enter, you have to open the door though.

Because Christ is real. So is heaven so is hell. You must choose.

@@happy777abc the concepts of Christ, heaven and hell are real. So are the concepts of the Elysian fields, Valhalla, Mictlan, and hundreds of other supposed afterlives. Your definition of choice is only valid within your singular belief system ..its not..the only one. This is when I usually point out that everyone is an atheist...you likely don't believe in the Greek Olympians or the mesoamerican pantheon...I don't either. I just don't believe in one more God than you do. I don't need the choice you offer. I'm alright with that. But thanks for your concern.

@@olgathehandmaid its an irony. I was christian growing up and into adulthood. I believed..or at least I believed that I believed. But no god ever entered my door. Experience is personal and as varied as humanity.

@@michaelfisher7170 Your experience is true, and I believe you're telling the truth, however... Belief isn't enough. Even demons believe in God and turn away from him at the same time. You know those cheesy old images of Christ at the door, I bet you do, if you google image search it... everyone's grandma had one lol. Ever noticed how there's no handle on the door?... that's because he wont enter your door if you don't open it from the inside. This is the true nature of the God you choose not to believe in now.

All the money they used to adorn the monastery could have fed the homeless.

TruthBeTold7 lol...sounds like Judas Iscariot.

TruthBeTold7 Geronda Ephraim gets in the car every day and goes out with food to feed the homeless. the monastery serves the poor

george miller I was about to say the exact same thing when I saw your comment. This truthbetold guy has a channel where he does nothing but pick apart and criticise and condemn Orthodox pastors, churches, monasteries, authors, any Orthodox he can find to criticise and condemn he seems to make sport of it. I hope I can go to St Anthony's someday. I have friends who moved nearby and they love it. My daughters go to the womens Serbian monastery which isn't too far from St. Anthonys. They always come back so happy and loving their Orthodox faith so much.

Dino Rhelos May his memory be eternal

I can't speak for all Americans, but I'm at least one American who realizes the treasure God has sent to our country in Elder Ephraim along with Saint Herman, Saint Tikhon, and others!

So true!

@Marie Vega there are orthodox monasteries in Puerto Rico Philippines even iraq

He is our precious jewel. We love the elder! Memory eternal!!

vk Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

+Michael Wilhide We all are entitled to our opinions. I respect yours even though I don't agree with it, but I believe that you can't deny that what you see here is beautiful. Have a blessed day Michael

you are the neurotic who thinks that your imagined relationship will save you without repentance

Are you replying to me or to Michael W.?

Michael

Indeed. It is not a religion. It is a way of life, and it is all a relationship with Christ, and His Saints and Martyrs served Him well. One of the beautiful sentences that the Priest reads over you when you're tonsured from being a brother to an elder is "Love Him well." "Serve Him and love Him well." This takes very hard work, and it's designed to keep you from being idle, and you have to want to stay and do this. What's so sad about those who fall away or choose to leave is that they desire the world more than they love Christ. Christ even said it Himself that if 'you love family more than me, then you are not worthy of me. If you are ashamed of me, then I will be ashamed of you before my Father in Heaven.' No one is forced into a Monastery. They choose to enter into the life of a monastic. I don't know of the circumstances behind Scott's suicide, but I am so deeply sorry for the loss of this brother in Christ. This is why there is such a need for a Spiritual Father who cultivates love and trust. It is also very dificult work, and when people make it a religion, it can become very abusive. I don't know what happened, but may God forgive all those involved, and especially, may God forgive this brother whose life ended so tragically. Father Alexander Schmemann made it very clear where he stood when it comes to religion: He said "No to secularism! No to religion! Yes! To the Kingdom of God." Even the Prophets in the Old Testament struggled with their lives, wanting to die under some of the harshest circumstances of the Middle Eastern desert life. They were also monastics. It is not an easy life, but it is because of monasticism that the Holy Orthodox Faith survives, and Elder Ephraim was under tremendous resistance when he established St. Anthony's and all the other Monasteries he founded in North America. He did this for one reason. He wanted to move this Faith away from secularism back to its foundation on Christ, His Mother, and His Saints. When the Greeks came to North America to settle, they made the biggest mistake of running the church like a business. The Kingdom of God is not a business, and ArchBishop Iacovos refused to allow Monasteries to be established here in North America. I wish I knew why he felt this way, because the Greek Orthodox Church in North America is plagued by secularism to such a degree that people come to church as if they don't care how they're dressed! They wear weigh too much fashion and expensive jewelery, clothing, too much perfume and noisy shoes that sound like flip flops! Certainly, if people want to do this, they have that choice, but not in church! There are other places designed for such. When we go to church, we are, in essence, entering the Kingdom of God. This is why there are so many Holy Icons adorning our churches. When you enter a Monastery, however, you notice immediately that you're surrounded by so much beauty with the stark contrast of the desert with all its sand, with little rain and cactus everywhere you can find it. If people knew they were walking on sacred ground, they'd more likely be compelled to take off their shoes as Moses was told to when he saw the burning bush. If I were to make this Holy Faith a religion, I'd be the most miserable person. I can't help but know I am humbled whenever I enter any Orthodox Church, because my life before I discovered this Faith was a huge mess! I won't go into that here, but I will say that this Holy Faith is because of Jesus Christ and what He did for all of us. Every year, we live through the rhythm of each cycle of our Faith, and if I were to try to recreate all the memories and wonderful experiences I've had, then it would be a dead religion. This is why as Orthodox Christians, we have a choice. We can continue to fall away from the church and follow after the world, making the church a cold dispensery of services designed as formalities, or we can renounce this world with all its trappings and pitfalls, deny ourselves, and take up the cross and follow Jesus Christ. This requires, however, that we confess our sins and give and receive forgiveness. If we are not forgiven by someone we may have hurt, whether it be true or not, we must realize that when we forgive everyone, we will be forgiven. Jesus didn't cut corners when He said to forgive some and not others, He said to forgive *all. Most importantly, we must forgive ourselves if we love who we are, warts and all. because this opens the way for growth. When we take time to visit a Monastery, we "take our souls on vacation," as Mother Christophora puts it. (She is the Abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. If we are staying more than 3 days, we are also able to offer our gifts to the Monastery by working with the Brothers or Sisters. This is also a way to donate to the Monastery, since we are not required to pay if we stay. I could go on and on, but I don't need to. I hope, however, that, by the grace of God, I've contributed to a better understanding f this Sacred Faith, albeit a feble attempt to clarify how this Faith comes through Christ, because we don't want Him to vomit us out of His mouth because of our falling away from the original purpose of this Faith. So let us worship our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ with humility, and zealously complete our lives according to His Goodness and Mercy. Heather (Anna)

+Michael Wilhide - We are called to serve others, yet it was the Lord Jesus Himself who said of her who sat at his feet, listening to his words, "Mary has chosen that good portion, which shall not be taken away." Furthermore, the monks are continually serving, all day, every day: each other, the monastery, the church and the world. They rise at 4am and are in church services for the first 3 hours or so of the day keeping vigil and glorifying God on behalf of all mankind. They work hard all day, whether in gardens, cooking, cleaning, caring for the needs of visitors (hospitality is a top priority for monasteries) or otherwise supporting the monastery. They have additional church services in the later afternoon and evening, and they intercede in their church services and in their private prayers for all the world. They would NOT consider themselves "true stars" in any way, but typically are more keenly aware of their sins and how far they are from God, yet also of His immeasurable love for mankind. They strive with every breath to humble themselves and live an authentic Christian life according to the Gospel and the living, unbroken tradition of the Orthodox Church, as passed down from Christ to the Apostles and the earliest Christians, the early monastics of the third and fourth centuries and later, all the way to our own day. It is a difficult and exhausting, yet infinitely rewarding and grace filled life.

go there and experience it yourself, then decide about it bro

Please study Luke 10: 38-42. A balance between action and contemplation is essential for human life and civilisation. Neglect of the latter in the name of ‘practicality’ or ‘relevance to modern life’ has contributed to the downfall fall of Western civilisation.

Thank you Vangelis!

Well, friend, the Holy Scriptures state to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31). The evidence for God is truly overwhelming, and I can give you a couple of considerable pieces of evidence. (1.) A Beginning Has a Beginner Science asserts that the universe began from an infinitesmally-small pin point (effectively called a zero point) where there was neither matter, space, nor time or energy. This further gives the implication that the universe had a beginning. The universe is not eternal and through analysis of physical laws which govern the universe such as the 2nd law of thermodynamics and the proof given by the space-time theorems for a space-time beginning, it is absolutely reasonable to assert with true certainty that indeed the universe had a beginning. A beginning has a beginner----if you choose to design a computer, you're an intelligence behind the design of the computer. You will then further assemble the parts and create the computer, so that it may work and function for a purpose. In the same manner, an intelligent designer (who we perceive to be, God) must have been involved in creation transcending all of the four fundamental components of the universe (time, space, matter, and energy) who brought this all to be while not being limited by any one of the components. It is an absolute FACT that matter cannot create itself, let alone such a complex universe filled with living organisms whose cells are regarded to be more complex than space shuttles. (2.) Information Science has advanced in the realm of biology, where we have been able to study what is regarded as the DNA of living organisms, which is the intriguing yet fascinating and complex genetic code that is the fundamental basis of all life. Life is produced and only sustained as a result of complex bits of information. Evolutionists (especially non-theistic evolutionists) have yet to provide an adequate explanation for how one protein was able to form by chance out of a primordial goo for absolutely no reason. If you will assert that organisms evolved from such a goo (of which there is ZERO evidence for), you will have to explain how zillions of bits of complex information can arise in order to support an organism. The truth is, there is no reasonable explanation for this question, and the only logical answer would be to assert that an intelligent designer played a role in the existence of life and the amount of information contained within a living organism, and this all supports the argument that the theory of intelligent design makes which is that information comes from mind, not from ancient ocean waters. As a matter of fact, scientists are so troubled by the lack of explanation for how life would have originated from non-life, that they've launched two brand-new fields called astrobiology and astrobiochemistry, which is the ongoing search and explanation of celestial organisms (aliens) which may be present in space near our earth who are to be held responsible for the existence of the human race, but yet after all the research conducted they have yet to find any evidence for such organisms. (3.) Complexity of the Cell The cell has been found to be filled with dozens of pieces of nanotechnology, miniature machines, which have all sorts of parts attached to it and looks like something that the Mazda would have designed. Numerous biologists have been absolutely flummoxed and stated that it looked like an engineer put all of these parts together. What would the probability be of a naturalistic random process putting all of these machines to be in order for the cell to sustain itself (which then sustains tissue, which further sustains tissue systems, which finally further sustains the living organism) in order for organisms to survive? It has been calculated that the probability of one sole protein forming is 1 in 10^164-----to use an analogy, it would take an amoeba billions of times to travel back and forth across the universe via a bridge spanning its width and no protein would have formed. An example of such a machine is seen in the flagellum motor, which you can look at for yourself. There are way more evidences than this. Living organisms were not derived from naturalistic processes for absolutely no reason billions of years ago because a random universe popped into existence through matter creating itself. The truth is Jesus Christ, who came to reveal himself as God in the flesh to us human beings, and we must believe on Him that we may be saved and granted everlasting life.

Robert Martin Christos Anesti kzfaq.info/get/bejne/d5aZd7F93dO7hoE.html

The lack of religious influence is the main reason for the filthy societys (western countries and america) we have in modern ages.

It is reported that Father Lazarus - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lbeirdRyvJeppWQ.html - who actually dwells in OR near the actual cave of St Anthony the Desert Father probably just beats out the monastery in Arizona. Again, I have been told that the trip to see Father Lazarus is physically long and hard, BUT, worth it. He provides guidance in the most real way and does NOT shove the dogma of the Eastern Orthodox Church down your throat. Father Lazarus - teaches you to observe yourself daily so that you can see "you sins." He does NOT ADVOCATE blind confession a la the Greek Orthodox Church. I know I was born into a Greek Orthodox family and am aware of the subtle dogma. The Living Christ that dwelt within Jesus, came to fulfil the scriptures and smash man made dogma. Fthr Lazarus . .. if you carefully listen to his real life examples sees Jesus and our Divine Mother in a real way. The life and conversion of Father Lazarus is a living testament to the holiness of our Divine Mother. In the surface it appears the same as the Greek Orthodox teachings which are dogmatic BUT there is a subtle difference. The best example is CONFESSION. Apart from some Greek Orthodox Monks. most priests, bishops and archbishops tell you to confess regularly and take holy communion. Fthr Lazarus carefully "explains" confession. Confession is NOT going to a priest and say " I did this, that blah, blah, blah and the priest reads a prayer. You then "feel good" do the mainly incorrect Greek Orthodox fast and have Holy Communion on the weekend OR Feast of a Saint. Sound Familiar ....I was taught 20 years in a class on prayer and profound meditation (and NO it was NOT a Greek/Russian/Orthodox scholar, priest, monk etc. It was a man who taught us how to truly pray and observe one-self to genuinely eradicate sin. Our small class was told too pray to our internal Divine Mother. It took me years to understand and truly "spiritually comprehend" what repentance is. Serious Problem - the FOLLOWING is not Repentence, I/e. felling bad or guilty; Feeling sorry and saying that you will never do it again. This is ALL " Religious Ego" AND a guaranteed short cut to more sin. The sins of Vanity and Laziness are not only fulfilled BUT strengthened. True Prayer - A group of words that include the words - Forgiveness, Jesus, Theotokos/Panagia, a whole lot of Greek, Serbian and Orthodox Saints - leads to "forgiveness of your sin(s). It does NOT How do we know? Our internal Divine Mother tells us so AND she is the only one who can turn sin into dust. Priests CANNOT forgive you ... EVEN .. if the priest is a saint. As the greatest of ALL the Apostles, who took human form after - World War II said - "you cannot pray without watching, and, you cannot watch without praying." Everything else is useless.

Well said. I'm sincere when I say that you write like one of the Fathers of the Church.

@@FrostedSeagull Frosted unfortunately you are a little (too much) confused. Obviously you haven't studied the Holy Fathers or truly lived the Mystery of Confession and Prayer in Orthodoxy, maybe not only by your own fault. Maybe you did have some bad examples or experiences where you live. And this led you jump into conclusions. Fortunately, your and everybody's Creator is Full of Love (actually He is Love) and Wisdom (He is the Wisdom) and I sincerely wish He finds a way in your life to be revealed to you, in what right now judging by what I just read seems humanly hard. I suggest you get to know (there are many many KZfaq videos in Greek and some in English about them and also even better many books about) recent, of these days, not from past almost forgotten centuries, Saints of Orthodox Church like 1.Saint Paisios, 2. Saint Porfyrios and 3. Saint Iakovos Tsalikis. To see the results of Orthodoxy in practice - right now! Practice, results not theories or some feelings. Maybe when some conditions are met, which I don't want to describe now because I don't want to implicitly offend you, you will give my advice a try. Until then, take care my brother because you are eternal and priceless

Frosted - internal Divine Mother? There are 2000 years of writings from the Apostles, to the Fathers of the Church who agree with, and corroborate the writings of the Apostles, and at no point was the "internal Divine Mother" mentioned, by anyone. Prayers that you find your way away from such strange teachings.

@@FrostedSeagull ... "The living Christ that dwelt within Jesus"?? Are you saying that you believe "Christ" and Jesus are two separate entities? Are you saying that "the Christ" is some sort of spiritual entity that came to dwell within the human being named Jesus of Nazareth? I ask, because if this is your thought, this is sadly an ancient, and damnable, heresy! Christ and Jesus are one in the same, and are inseparable. To separate them is anathema!

Imagination Central there are Orthodox monasteries in Australia.

There are monasteries all over Australia.

There is a Greek Orthodox Monastery is Forrestfield Western Australia. I'm Catholic and I know this. There are many orthodox monasteries. I pray they thrive

PANTANASSA MONASTERY 567 Mangrove Creek Rd, Mangrove Creek NSW 2250 AUSTRALIA www.pantanassamonastery.org/home.html

Slavic Pride amin

This monestary will hopefully help to convert America so we can join your holy countries rather than fighting against you

Pride is the root of all sin. Less focus on our respective countries, and more on the Kingdom of Heaven where we are all citizens. Remember please. Orthodoxy is for us all, regardless of where we're from. Glory to God for this monastery, and the well done video about it.

That's nice. How about the even more OLDER ORTHODOX churches? The oriental ORTHODOX churches.. I.e the Coptic church, the Syrian orthodox church. The Coptic church alone was founded in 62.A.D pre dating the Serbian, Greek, and Russian churches combined. These oriental churches have kept the Same ORTHODOX FAITH for 2000 years. So plz give credit where credit is due

@@The_darkside_of We do, Bless the True Orthodox Serbs, Russians, Greeks, Romanians, Bela Rus, Bulgaria

Nikodimos Kabarnos , an Easter hymn sung in HAghia Sophia cathedral /watch?v=RwFYUJb03d0

THANKS! :-)

Nikodimos Kabarnos. Many youtube videos of his perfect chanting.

Of course. Check this list as for the US: www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/female-monasteries

Well you’d have to contact them, of course. But visiting the monastery is not just for Orthodox people. Call them up and see.

You don't realize what you really want ,not all men have that strenght to become a monk . To become a monk is like you have died on earth and risen from dead to the sky. Are you ready enough to die ?

Petavius17 Always

Internet Nomad me to. I've lived for one year in Mount Athos in Greece (the place from where the first monks of this monastery have come) but i wasn't ready yet. Two years ago i left from there and now I'm ready to go back for good this time... hopefully by the end of this year I'll be there.

Beardedman here’s hoping you made it Christ is Risen!

yes....i know what you mean....but he speaks probably from his "previous" evangelical - most likely - life/perspective....it's his character... the monk i really liked was the gardener...he got it right...he nailed it when he said "spiritual life is not about finding happiness...but about finding humility and cleaning your heart...." i liked what he said...that made sense....

Yes st Anthony was a COPTIC ORTHODOX Christian. The FIRST monk, founded the first monastery in Egypt under the ancient Coptic Church

St Mark founded an even earlier church in 61.A.D. the ancient Coptic Church. Egypt has the first and earliest monasteries founded by St. Anthony who was a COPTIC monk. The Coptic ORTHODOX has not changed one thing in it's doctrine for 2000 years

....im an irish/catholic,, every time i pray to st. Anthony he appears... he really protects me... but i feel it is time for me to retribute his blessings on me

you have an inclination towards God, that's good, but you must be sure of this decision, because when someone becomes a monk they go through this phase of self crisis. When you start to live without your worldly habits and material goods you start to see yourself lose value, become like dirt. It's true though because without God we're nothing. We have to be willing to fully give ourselves to God, only a handful of people will truly do that. If you're chosen to live that life you will know, monasticism is not for everyone.