|
Home>>English>>Mission>>Monastery
The
Establishment of an Orthodox Monastery in South Africa
For the first time in this country's history, an
opportunity has presented itself to establish an Orthodox Monastery.
It will be situated close to Johannesburg in the Hartebeespoort Dam
area not more than 45 minutes drive from Johannesburg.
The need for the establishment of a monastery in South Africa has been evident
for many years, and whilst the intention has always been there, and with the
spiritual blessing and prayers of His Beatitude Petros VII, Pope and Patriarch
of Alexandria and All Africa, and his eminence, Archbishop Seraphim Metropolitan
of Johannesburg and Pretoria, an appropriate site has recently been identified
in a peaceful and scenic area, conveniently located to allow for day visits
and short spiritual retreats by the Clergy of our Church and other volunteers
from our community.
The spirit, practice and purpose of monasticism is integral to enhancing our
spiritual life and to provide a centre of Orthodox practice removed from our
daily trials and tribulations, as well as to entrench our religious and ethnic
identity.
The monastery shall provide a home for its monks and clergy and to those in
our community who are in dire need of a spiritual sanctuary. We envisage that
the monastery will become more than just an Orthodox presence in South Africa,
but one that contributes to the way Christianity is practiced. We envisage
a parish, a residential facilify (archondarikon) and a programme of Orthodox
theological study and practice. We envisage an Orthodoxy that will find its
voice in the world of the 21st century, which will be enriched by the realisation
ofthis dream. By helping to establish a centre of Orthodox monasticism and
practice close to Johannesburg, you will be able to enrich your families and
your own Christian experience and helping all to engage in today's social,
cultural, religious and ethical dilemmas as an Orthodox witness
The aim is to help nurture the next generation of Orthodoxy Clergy and laity
and to witness to the living tradition of Orthodox Christianity and monasticism
whilst at the same time providing a safe and peaceful location for prayer,
religious youth camps, seminars and other appropriate activities.
You now have the opportunity
to help make this dream possible.
|
