Holy Cross Monastery

Sunday of Zaccheus January 29 2012

2012-01-29T16:45:00.000-08:00

Troparion (Tone 8)
Thou didst treasure the wealth of salvation and hate unjust gains, O blessed Zacchaeus. When the Saviour came to thy house thou didst bring forth the fruits of repentance: the righting of wrongs, protection of the poor, and a new, God-pleasing life.

St John Climacus on Anger

2012-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

ANGER

So let the tyrant anger be bound with the chains of meekness, and be beaten by patience, and dragged out by holy love; and, being arraigned before this court of reason, let it be duly examined: 'Tell us, base idiot, what is the name of the father who begot you and the mother who brought you for evil into the world, and the names of your foul sons and daughters. And not only that, but tell us the designations of those who wage war against you and kill you.' And anger might be thought to reply: 'Many are my origins, and I have more than one father. My mothers are vainglory, love of money, greed, and sometimes lust. My father is called conceit. My daughters are: remembrance of wrongs, enmity, self-justification, and hatred. But my opponents, who are now holding me captive, are the opposite virtues of freedom from anger, and meekness. She who schemes against me is called humility. But as to who bore humility, ask her in due time herself.'

The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 8

Theophany January 19, 2011

2012-01-19T16:01:00.000-08:00

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hath appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Big Thank you to Fr Parthenios for the pictures!

St John of Kronstadt -- You are not alone...

2012-01-18T14:35:00.001-08:00

"When you are praying alone, and your spirit is dejected, and you are wearied and oppressed by your loneliness, remember then, as always, that God the Trinity looks upon you with eyes brighter than the sun; also all the angels, your own Guardian Angel, and all the Saints of God. Truly they do; for they are all one in God, and where God is, there are they also. Where the sun is, thither also are directed all its rays. Try to understand what this means." +St. John of Kronstadt

St Seraphim of Sarov Jan 15, 2012

2012-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

On Hope

All who have firm hope in God are raised to Him and illumined by the radiance of the eternal light. If a man does not let excessive concern for himself turn him away from love for God and for acts of virtue, then this hope is true and wise. But if a man places all his hope in his own affairs and turns to God with prayer only when unforseen misfortunes befall him, and seeing no means in his own powers to avert them begins to rely on the help of God, his hope is vain and deceptive. True hope seeks first of all the Kingdom of God, and is confident that every earthly necessity of temporal life will doubtless be given... The heart can have no peace so long as it does not acquire such hope... It is of this hope that our Savior's most holy words speak to us: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are burdened, and I shall give you rest" (Matt. 11:28); that is, hope in Me and you shall be comforted in your labor and cares.

~~St. Seraphim~~

St Basil the Great Jan 14, 2012

2012-01-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Troparion, Tone I —
Thy sound hath gone forth into all the earth, which hath received thy discourse, whereby thou didst divinely teach and make clear the nature of things, and didst adorn the ways of men. O venerable father, thou royal priesthood, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

The Circumcision of our Lord, Troparion, Tone I —
O Jesus, Who in the highest dost sit with Thine unoriginate Father and the divine Spirit upon a fiery throne, Thou wast well-pleased to be born on earth of Thy Mother, a Maiden who knew not man; wherefore, thou wast circumcised as a babe eight days of age. Glory to Thine all-good counsel! Glory to Thy dispensation! Glory to Thy condescension, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind!

Kontakion of the feast, Tone III, "Today the Virgin" —
The Lord of all endureth circumcision and, in that He is good, He cutteth away the transgressions of men and today granteth salvation to the world. And Basil, the high priest of the Creator, the radiant and divine initiate of the mysteries of Christ, rejoiceth on high.

Kontakion of the hierarch, Tone IV, "Thou hast appeared today" —
Thou hast been shown to be the unshakable foundation of the Church, bestowing upon all men a dominion which cannot be taken away, and sealing them with thy precepts, O newly revealed and venerable Basil.

Growth at our Monastery

2012-01-09T17:01:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends of the Monastery!

Christ is born! Glorify him!

Our monastery is growing! Glory to God!

Fr John and company have begun the renovations and rearrangements to accommodate our growing needs for:

1. New, metal candle-making frames (ours is 20 years old, made of wood, and beginning to wear out);

2. Doubling the floor size of our candle-making and www.monasteryproducts.org operation;

3. A library room for the monks (There are now 8 monks total)

4. Wood-working Room;

5. The re-location of our existing storage shed for our small lawn mower, and making room for our Snow Blower and Large Lawn Mower;

6. An upright, electrical washer/dryer (one-piece) unit.

Please help us raise the needed $10,000 for these expansions and renovations.

We always appreciate your help. Thank you for supporting the monks throughout the last 8 1/2 years of growth.

In Christ,

Fr Parthenios

The Feast of the Nativity of Christ

2012-01-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Christ is Born! Христос родился! ХРИСТОС СЕ РОДИ!

Ο Χριστός γεννιέται! ქრისტე დაიბადა!

St Theophan the Recluse

2012-01-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

Is someone seeking help? Help him.
Does someone ask something of you? Give it.
Has someone offended you? Forgive him.
Have you offended someone? Rush to ask forgiveness and make peace.
Does someone praise you? Do not be proud.
Does someone scold you? Do not be angry.
Do you have struggles and sufferings? Be patient.
Is it time to fast? Then fast.
Is it time to work? Then work.
Your Father in Heaven is Holy and Loving.
Strive to be holy and loving like Him.

- St. Theophan the Recluse

Monastery Needs..

2012-01-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Happy New Year to all!

We have two needs at present:
1. If any of you can help with the $200 needed for Flowers for the Church for Christmas Services (Jan 6th and 7th), please contact me (or, Fr. Michael directly: 631-682-4322).

2. To accommodate the growing number of monks, we are in need of a Washer and Dryer for the Hall.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
In Christ,
Fr. Parthenios

Sunday of the Holy Fathers January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Noah receiving his Name's day blessing...

St Herman of Alaska

2011-12-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

Troparion (Tone 7)

Joyful North Star of the Church of Christ,

Guiding all people to the Heavenly Kingdom;

Teacher and apostle of the True Faith;

Intercessor and defender of the oppressed;

Adornment of the Orthodox Church in America:

Blessed Father Herman of Alaska,

Pray to our Lord Jesus Christ

For the salvation of our souls!

A Prayerful Sighing of Parents For Their Children

2011-11-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

A Prayerful Sighing of Parents For Their Children

LORD Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother, hearken unto me, Thine unworthy servant (name), O Lord, govern in mercy my children, Thy servants (names). Have mercy on them and save them, for Thy name’s sake.

O Lord, forgive them all their transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, that they may be perfected before Thee. O Lord, set them on the true path of Thy commandments and enlighten their minds with the Light of Christ unto salvation of their souls and the healing of their bodies.

Bless them, O Lord, at home, at school, in their journeys and in every place of Thy dominion. Preserve and shelter them, O Lord, from flying bullets, arrows, the sword, poison and fire, from mortal wounds and sudden death. Guard them, O Lord, from all visible and invisible enemies, and from all danger, evil and misfortune.

Heal them O Lord, from all sickness, deliver them from every impurity, and lighten their spiritual sufferings. Grant them, O Lord, the grace of Thy Holy Spirit and a long life; grant them health and chastity in all piety and love, and to live in accord with all their neighbors, near and far.

Multiply and strengthen them, O Lord, in mental ability and bodily strength, given to them by Thee. Bless them to lead a pious life and, if it is pleasing to Thee, grant them married life and honorable childbearing.

For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, give me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant, a parental blessing for my children and Thy servants, both in this present time, morning, noon and night, and also in Thine eternal, almighty and all-powerful Kingdom.

Amen. O God, Maker of all creation, Thou hast made me worthy to be the mother of a family, and through Thy goodness hast bestowed children upon me; and so I dare to say: these children are Thine, for Thou hast given them being, hast infused them with an immortal soul, and hast raised them to life through baptism.

And in accordance with Thy will Thou has adopted them and received them into the bosom of Thy Church. Send down to me Thy gracious help in raising my children, for the glory of Thy name. Bestow on me patience and strength to do Thy will.

Teach me to plant in their hearts the root of true wisdom-the fear of the Lord-that all their lives they may tremble at Thy words. Open to them the understanding of Thy law. Until the end of their days let them act with the sense that Thou art everywhere present.

Plant in their hearts loathing for every transgression, that they may be pure in their signs. O Righteous Judge, who punishes children for the sins, but sprinkle them with the dew of Thy grace.

O Heavenly Father, order the fate of my children according to Thy blessings, do not deprive them in this life of their daily bread, send down to them in due time all that is necessary for the acquisition of blessings in eternity.

Be merciful to them, when they sin before Thee; look not upon the sins of their youth and ignorance; chastise them and have mercy on them, but turn not Thy face away from them. Turn not Thy face from the in the day of their tribulation, that they may not fall into temptations beyond their strength.

Cover them with Thy mercy, that Thine Angel may walk with them and preserve them. Abandon not my children, O Lord, and give them that which is profitable for salvation.

Amen.

Sunday of the Martyrs of Melitene

2011-11-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

November 13, 2011 22nd Sunday after Pentacost

2011-11-13T13:46:00.000-08:00

Fall color at the monastery..

St Seraphim

Hierodeacon Michael censing the church.

Reader John.

At the great entrance....

Candles ...

St Seraphim's rock....

Trapeza

Beeswax Fund Drive

2011-11-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends of Holy Cross Monastery,

Greetings in Christ!

It's that time of year again where the Monks receive and unload this coming year's Beeswax: a whole pallet--over a ton of Farm-Run 100% Pure Beeswax.

Candle-making is the monks' best means of support by our own manual labour, and we need your help, please!

The cost of Beeswax is $4,916.25 on monastery credit card; plus $378.00 for cotton wicking = $5,294.25.

If you are able, please help us to cover this large expense. We would greatly appreciate your kindness.

TO DONATE ONLINE to HOLY CROSS MONASTERY:

1. Go to our other Monastery's website (Ascension Monastery / Monastery of the Glorious Ascension) -- www.monastery.org
2. Scroll down and click on "Donations" on the left.
3. Fill out Name, Amount, and VISA/MC info on our secure server and make the transaction! (It's that simple.)

Fr Parthenios will receive these funds along with an email notice within minutes of your donation.

In Christ,
Hierodeacon Parthenios
631-681-5319
Taphos@gmail.com
Holy Cross Monastery
140 Main Street
East Setauket, NY 11733-2834

P.S. Candle, Incense, Charcoal and Book Purchases (even Donations) can be made online through our secure MONASTERY PRODUCTS website.

TO ORDER or DONATE:
1. Go to www.monasteryproducts.org
2. Add "Donation -- $1" to your Shopping Cart by clicking the Shopping Cart symbol to the right of the description,
3. During "Checkout" change "Quantity" of Dollar Amount to the # you wish to donate.
4. Complete VISA/MC info.

Many, many thanks!

November 6, 2011 21st Sunday after Pentacost

2011-11-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

A small video regarding Holy Cross

2011-10-28T18:28:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhTScO5yQ4Q&feature=player_detailpage#t=13s

Appeal for help

2011-10-26T18:42:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

We need to prepare for this year's coming winter.
In the previous seven years we shoveled all the snow by hand.
We have just priced a very powerful snowblower @ $900, that serves our needs with such a large area to be covered.
If any of you could help us, please do.
Please contact me if you are able to help!
Thanking you in advance,
Fr Parthenios

ST Dionysius~~ October 16, 2011

2011-10-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

Archimandrite Maximos at the end of matins.

Father Parthenios and Bill Wolfe

Archmandrite Maximos serving as deacon.

Reader Elias

Archimandrite John reading the Gospel.

Reader John

Fr Prodromas

Archimandrite Maximos giving a sermon on St Dionysius.

Many Years to David for his birthday!

Elias and Sophia

October 2nd, 2011 Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross

2011-10-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Rdr Nicholas Brennan for help with the pictures!

Father Parthenios, Readeers Bill and John... chanting Matins.

Hierodeacon Michael censing the church.

Archimandrite Maximos and Father Dimitri Harper.

The Choir.

Archimandrite Maximos and Hierodeacon Michael censing the church.

Father Dimitri at the alar.

The Holy Cross.

Archimandrite John

The Little Entrance with the Gospel

Reader John

Hierodeacon Michael with the Gospel

Archimandrite Maximos during his sermon on the Talens

Archimandite MAximos and Father Dimitri at the altar.

The fathers during the Great Entrance

The kiss of Peace.

Many Years for Sophia on her namesday.

The Feast of the Elevation of the Cross part 1 of 3 Sept 27th, 2011

2011-09-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

We were graced with the presence of Bishop Jerome of Manhattan at our patronal feast. We were additionally blessed with the tonsure of Bill, John and Ellias as readers (see part 2). Many years to all three Readers! May God bless you all!

Eve of the feast

Stelianos greeting the bishop on arrival....

Getting the Bishop's blessing..

Matins....

Protodeacon Fr. Dimitri Temedis.

Vesting the Bishop.

Bishop's Eagle.

The Feast of the Elevation of the Cross part 2 of 3 Tonsure /Sept 27th, 2011

2011-09-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

The tonsure of new readers..

Clipping the hair...

Tonsure of Bill (Thomas)

Tonsure of John

Tonsure of Ellias

Bill ( Thomas) reading...

John reading...

Ellias reading

Start of liturgy...

Ellias holding the Bishop's book...

Abouna Andreas and Father Vasilios...honored guests at the service.

The Feast of the Elevation of the Cross part 3 of 3 Sept 27th, 2011

2011-09-27T17:31:00.001-07:00

Kiss of Peace...

The elevation...

The living Cross

The nuns from Calverton graced our church.

Eve of The Birth of the Theotokos, September 20, 2011

2011-09-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2011 Beheading of St John the Baptist

2011-09-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Namesday to Fr Prodromas!

Eternal memory to the soul of those lost in the tragedy of 9/11!

2011-09-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ,
We are making preparations for a Hierarchal Liturgy with Bishop JEROME for our Feast Day, The Elevation of the Holy Cross, Tuesday, September 27th.

Matins @ 9 AM
Liturgy @ 10 AM

If any of you are able to take off work that day (a Tuesday) and come join us for Festal Matins, The Elevation of the Cross (by the Bishop), and the Divine Liturgy, please come... and bring your friends and family !!!

We would appreciate it if you could help us spread the news about our annual Feast.
In Christ,

Fr. Parthenios

Prayer to the Theotokos...

2011-09-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

To Thee, the Champion Leader, we Thy servants dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos: but as Thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do Thou deliver us, that we may cry to Thee: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!

Dormition of the Theotokos

2011-08-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

Apolytikion (First Tone)

In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions.

Kontakion (Second Tone)

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.

Pressing Needs: August 2011

2011-07-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends of Holy Cross Monastery,
Greetings in Christ!

I hope everyone is staying cool. The weather has been quite hot of late!

We would request your help with the following pressing needs:

1. $350 - new A/C window unit for Abbot Maximos's office,
2. $550 - necessary repairs to VW automobile,
3. $5,500 - our annual pallet of Beeswax for making Candles to support ourselves,
4. In addition to the above, we will incur traveling expenses to help our sister monastery in Resaca, Georgia.

Any support in this regard would greatly be appreciated.

Please make all checks payable to:
Holy Cross Monastery
Attn: Hierodeacon Michael
(631) 682-4322
140 Main Street
East Setauket, NY 11733-2834

Thank you for your continued support of our monastic life.

In Christ,
Archimandrite Maximos

July 17, 2011

2011-07-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

St. Methodius Third Sunday after Pentacost

2011-07-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Prayer of St Philaret of Moscow

2011-06-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Lord, I do not know what to ask of Thee;
Thou alone knowest what is needed for me.
Thou lovest me more than I know how to love Thee.

O Father, give to Thy slave that for which I do not even know how to plead.
I do not dare to ask for either a cross or for consolation;
I am only standing before Thee with my heart open to Thee.

Thou seest my needs, which I do not even know.
See and deal with me according to Thy mercy.
Purge and heal me, humble me and raise me;

I am in awe before Thee and I am silent before Thy will and Thine unfathomable ways for me.
I am bringing myself as a sacrifice to Thee; teach me to pray.

Pray Thyself within me.
Amen.

Visit to Resaca and to St Elizabeth the New Martyr Church

2011-06-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Fr Parthenios and Ms Hope Bursac for the pictures.

St. Elias icon from Holy Apostles's OCA in Columbia, SC

(a few miles from St. Elizabeth ROCOR in West Columbia, SC).

Feast of Pentecost

2011-06-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

Cantor Bill Wolf

"For the peace from above, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord."

The little Entrance

Reading of the Gospel

Fr Prodromos

The Creed in Russian

The Creed in Georgian

The kneeling prayers

The Child's version

Sunday of the Blind Man May 29, 2011

2011-05-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

Fr Prodromos assisting Archimandrite John in the altar.

Hierodeacon Michael

Bill and Rdr Christopher

The reading from....

Priest: Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel!

Archimandrite Maximos delivering his sermon on the blind man.

Archimandrite John

Elias

Ringing the bells...

St Kyrill and Mefodi NYC May 24, 2011

2011-05-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

Archimandritte Maximos and Hierodeacon Parthenios participated in celebrations at St Nicholas Patriarchal Church in NYC.

For more pictures of the celebrations and of Archimandrite Maximos and Fr Parthenios .... please follow this link.....

http://eadiocese.org/News/2011/may/pkmjmh.en.htm

and here...

http://www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws/synod/eng2011/20110525_enocarocorliturgy.html

Archimandrite Maximos

2011-05-20T04:46:00.000-07:00

Archimandrite Maximos and a kitten named Scooch

May 14th 2011 Sunday of the Paralytic

2011-05-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

St Thomas Sunday (April 30, 2011)

2011-04-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Archimandrite John

Hierodeacon Parthenios: "Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord!"

Our resident Thomas...also known as Bill...

The reading of the Holy Gospel

Hierodean Parthenios

Elias Ballard

Monk Prodromas

Blessing the Artos

Wishing Bill (Thomas) Many Years!

Bright Monday Visit to Pokrov

2011-04-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Father Alexander for his kind invitation....

Paska 2011 pt1

2011-04-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Paska 2011 pt 2

2011-04-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy

2011-04-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to Elias Ballard for these pictures.

Good Friday -- Lamentations

2011-04-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

Good Friday -- The Burial pt 1

2011-04-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Rdr Nicholas Brennan and Elias Ballard for their help in taking pictures during the services.

Good Friday -- The Burial pt 2

2011-04-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

Holy Thursday -- The Passion Gospels

2011-04-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Holy week Schedule of Services

2011-04-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday, 4/17

@ Midnight – Bridegroom Matins and First Hour

Great and Holy Monday

9 AM – The Hours with the Holy Gospels

1 PM – Presanctified Liturgy

7 PM – Bridegroom Matins and First Hour

Great and Holy Tuesday

9 AM – The Hours with the Holy Gospels

1 PM – Presanctified Liturgy

7 PM – Bridegroom Matins and First Hour

Great and Holy Wednesday

9 AM – The Hours with the Holy Gospels

1 PM – Presanctified Liturgy

7 PM – Holy Unction

@ Midnight – Matins for Mystical Supper / Betrayal

Great and Holy Thursday

2 PM – Vesperal Divine Liturgy

7 PM – Matins with Twelve Passion Gospels

Great and Holy Friday

11 AM – Royal Hours and Typika

4 PM – Vespers and the Taking Down from the Cross and Bringing Forth of the Winding Sheet

7 PM – Matins with Lamentations and First Hour

Great and Holy Saturday (followed by Midnight Pascha Services)

11 AM – Vesperal Divine Liturgy with Paschal O.T. Readings

11:30 PM – PASCHAL SERVICE

And immediately, these services at Midnight:

@ Midnight – Paschal Procession, Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy

2 AM – Blessing of Baskets and Paschal Meal

Sunday Afternoon

(No morning services on Sunday because of Midnight service Saturday night.)

2 PM – Agape Vespers with Multi-Language Gospel Readings