Fusion Gospel, Issue 6, Summer/Autumn 2023

ENTERHIS GATESWITH THANKSGIVING ANDHISCOURTS WITHPRAISE. GIVETHANKSTO HIM,BLESSHIS NAME

PSALM100:4

WELCOME tothe Summer/Autumn

2023magazine editionof Fusion Gospel.

Inthisissue,wecelebratethe multiplewaysweareinvitedand calledtobeEnteringGod’sGates. TheLord’steachings,andour lifestyleswithintheMonastery, looktothegatesthatGod providesforus,knowingthat the gateisnarrowandtheroadis hardthatleadstolife (Matthew 7:14).God’sgatesareentry pointstotheLord’stableand banquet(Psalm23:5,Matthew 25:10),tohisservingus— mindfulthatGodfirstlovedus andfirstservedusandfirst washedourfeetandfirstshed hisbloodforourredemption. Andmindful,ineverysituation, thattheFatherisservingus,and providingallthatweneed

materially,mentally,contextually, spiritually,prayerfullyand worshipfully.TheTrinity’seyes nevergooffourever-increasing theosis-ourdeifiedunion.

Thearticleshereingivewitness toGodtheuncreate,asour providerandgatetothespiritual intelligence,worshipand availabilitythatmakesus responsivetotheosisand deifyingglory.Themagazine containsabountyofinformation relatedtoourjourneyintothat relationshipwithGodthatisthe perfectunionofwills,aswewalk ourwalkintosalvationand eternallife.

Thisissuerevealsafullseason forSEASEMwithguestsand retreatants,newteaching programmes,ongoingprojects andmanymoregodlygates.

CycloneGabrielleleftuswitha lotofcleanupbutwiththe blessingoffirewood.We welcomedthemonastery’sfirst novicepotentialinReverend MoiraHolmes.AsMoira returnedtoScotland,weleftfor AustraliaforthemostSpirit filledweddingofJoshuaand AnniqueMcMullen.There, Australiainvitedusthroughthe missiongatewiththeLord’s promisesandprovisionleading theway:Service,ministry,gifts, blessing,sowingofseeds,and fruitsoftheosiswerethe upliftingandglorifyingfocusof thetime.Returnednow,we preparefortheinteriorityof winter,enteringhisgatesanew inthemonasterywith thanksgiving.Blesshisholy name.AndGodblessyouand yourfamily,andthoseforwhom youpray!

WithLove, PriorRobandSisterIrini

FusionGospel ispublishedseasonallybyStEnochandStElijahMonastery(SEASEM),abranchoftheSocietyfortheFatherFusionofJesus(SFFJ)Trust.Address 3743StateHighway12,Taheke,0473.PublishedinNorthland,NewZealand.©2023SFFJTrust.Reproductioninwholeorpartwithoutwrittenpermissionis prohibited.PrintinganddistributioncostsarepaidforbydonationsfromSEASEMPartnersandFriends.PrintedinNewZealand.Editor:SisterIrini.Writers: SisterIrini,PriorRob,ReverendMoiraHolmes.Sendenquiries,prayerrequestsorfreemagazineorderstoadmin@seasem.org

THEMONASTERYGATE ISTHEBRIDGE fromthe seculartothesacred.The gateisbothanentrytothe Monasteryand,fortheperson departingtheMonastery,also entrytotheworld.Likeachoice, itswingsbothways.

Whoeverentersthegatetothe monasteryengagestheforcesof heavenlycitizenshipthatactasa secondgate.Thisisthegateof thesilenceoftheheartandthe receivingofnewsightwith whichtobeholdtheuncreate, andunderstandone’s relationshipwithGodUncreate andChristSaviour.

WhoeverleavestheMonastery withoutenteringthesecondgate willhavethepeacethatwillfade andthelovethatthins.Theywill havethememoriesofParadise thateventuallyturngreyand thendisappearastheworld reclaimsitsholdontruth...and drivesthatperson’slifeinthe strugglebetweenthelightof Christandtheglitterofthe world,wheresilencecanbe simplytheabsenceofnoiseand stillnessissimplyalullin restlessness.

WepraiseGodforthemercies withwhichwearedrawn throughthesecondgate.Wegive thanksasitclosesbehindus,and astheHolySpiritlocksthat whichnoothercanunlock,and

unlockstousthatwhichno othercanlock.

Thesecondgateisthedesertof thesacrificialcrossand immortalresurrectionand terminalascensionofJesus Christ.Inthedesertweare emptiedofselfandfilledwith theFather.Hereturnslifetousin Christ,foreternalunionwiththe willoftheTrinity.This,then,is ourjoy,andourgifttotheworld andtoallcreation.

Tensionexistsbetweenunity withallthatisinChrist,andall thatisinthesolitarywalkinthe wayofthedesert.ItistheHoly Spiritwhoresolvesthistension byunifyingthemovementsof timeandspacewiththe unfathomableUncreate.The sacredisenabledtoruleinthe heartsofbelieversandtoguide theirfootsteps,toenterinto theirwordsandtoinhabittheir lovingkindness.Godbecomes human.Thehumanbecomes God.Theliberationisan awakeningtoaconsciousness beyondself,mademorepersonal bythepersonalnessofGod Uncreate,moredivinebyfusion withtheFather.

globally,thenthemonastic experiencebecomesacontinuity oftraditionandtheneedtotread unchartedpaths.

InStEnochandStElijah Monastery,welooktothe PatristictraditionofOrthodox Christianity,therecorded experiencesofsomeofthose menandwomenwhoentered Christandwereelevatedinthe Father.Welooktoourown uniquecallingtonurturethose Englishspeakersseekingthe FatherfusionofJesus,justasthe saintsandmonasticsofthe desertintheOrthodoxfaith soughtsalvationthroughtheosis inunionwithGod.SEASEMis gender-inclusive,withapriestly equalitytoit.Somemightchide usfornotconformingtothe modelStPachomius,butthisis ourstartingposition.Aswe grow,itmightchange.

Whenspirituality includesinsightinto humannatureacross customarilystrictboundaries

Ourunchartedpathsweave throughthetraditionsintheway thatweareinspiredbythe CopticliturgybutsinginEnglish thoseselectionsthatfitthe Theosisexperience.Wedon’t emphasisetherepeatedCoptic cryforforgivenessofsins. Similarly,wedon’tsingthe EgyptianPharaonicmelodiesor tinklethetriangleandsmall cymbals.WesingBenedictine plainsongchant,andsome Gregorianchant.Also,wedon’t sayourprayersattentimesthe

heartfeltspeedthatsometimesis veryakintothechantingof Tibetanmonks.Wesavourour words,offeringthemintheSpirit ofworshipandadoration.It worksbetterinourSpirit.But wedoreadandchantfromthe writingsofthedesertfathers andmothers,the Philokalia,and theAthonitemonks.Theyspeak intoourexplorationofTheosis themostsuccinctly.Inourown way,thus,theblendofthe patristicandtheunchartedpaths wetravelunfoldas,daybyday, weareshapedbythewillofGod aswebringtheCopticdesert traditionintoaWesternmilieu.

monasticsandfollowersofthe risenJesus.

Ourmonasticlifeisfullofrituals asmuchastimeslotsfor activities,andyetareall interwovenintothe personalnessoflifeintheFather. Weringbellsandgongs,light candlesandsnuffoutcandles, swingtheincensecensorand havetimesoffreshwilderness air,haveovernightsilenceand timesofchatting,timesfor feedingthechickensandducks andcatsandmomentsfor sneakingthemalittletreator two.

Thegatefromtheworld totheheavenly, isthe gateintothemindof God.TheMonasteryisthe projectoftheHolyTrinity.They inhabitthelandandtheairand thewatersandthespace.When onecomesthroughthegateinto theMonastery’satmosphere,one comesintodirectcontactwith theheartofheartsofGod.

Thetraditionisevidenced inourmonasticclothing, theartworkaroundthe Monasteryandthesmellof incense.Imagesofthesaintsand angelsandarchangelswhoare swornpatronsofthisMonastery anditscause,revealsomething oftheheavenlyinfluenceinthe monasticlife.Theyarerevered asdevoted,commissionedand capablehelperstobothChrist’s workandourpersonalwalkin HisTheosis.Theindividual’s solitarywalkinthedesertis reflectedinthestyleofliturgy, thepersonalpreferencesgivento labour,timesofsilence,prayer andstudy.Itisreflectedinthe allowanceoftimeandspacefor eachpersontosettlein,andto beginpersonallycontributingto thepresenceoftheHolyTrinity workinginallareasofthe Monasteryitself.

Thereisafinelinebetween selfishnessandselflessnessbut wefindthattheHolySpirit worksinustokeepourfocuson servingtheMonastery’sown callinginChrist:weareservants, andwhileweactstronglyas individuals,thatstrengthis meteredbyGod’swillinour humanwill.Inthissense,weare nodifferentfromother

ThegateintotheMonastery leads,forsome,tothesecond gate;whichleadstothe uncreate;whichoffersstability throughtheMonasteryRuleof Living;whichsupportsthe specialordinarinessof “partakingofthedivinenature,” asStPetercalledit—fulfilling thevisionofPopeAthanasius, “Godbecamehumanthat humanitymightbecomeGod.” Whenallissaidanddone,the simplicityofone’sown deificationisbothveryhuman andverydivine,invisibleto othersandyetunsurpassablea victoryinthehumanlife.As monastics,wesaythatthereis:

•Nogreaterjourneythangoing beyondoneself,

•Nogreaterdiscoverythan findingthedivinesourceoflife, and

•Nogreaterlovethanpouring outthiscombinedhumanand Father-filledwillinsupportof everypersonpossible.

Thecombinationofacontinuity oftraditionandtheneedtotread unchartedpathsisvitaltoour particularlifeinChrist.

Naturally,onefeelsa tremendousincreaseinlovefor allpeopleandcreatures.Healing oftheinnerpersonoccurs. Restorationofrelationships occurs.Whenoneisuncreative andunproductive,theheartof Godtouchesthatemptinessand revitalisesitwithnewlife.

Twoprimaryforcesareone hundredpercentactiveinour Monasteryenvironment.Those forcesarefirstly,thedrawingofa personintothemostGodly virtuestheycancurrentlyhope forandsustain,andsecondly,a naturaltendencytogive wholeheartedlyofthemselves, theirworksandtheircharity.

TheloveofGodispouredoutto allintheMonastery.Thereforeit iseasytobeinaplaceand venerateChristJesus,andthe holinessofthesaintswhoalso knowJesusandlongedtohave hisfusionwiththeFather.

Whenonerealisesthatitwas Godwhomadethisplaceholy andrighteous,onewillbefully availabletoreceivingGod’s blessings,tohavethemandto stewardthemandtosharethem withothersevenafterleaving throughtheMonasterygate.This isbecausewhenaperson realisesthattheMonasteryisthe literalheartofheartsofthe Father,thentheHolySpiritseals thembeyondthesecondgateof purity,andtheclearlightrealm ofGod’slovinggraceand presencewillremainwiththem forever.ThisisGod’sprayer

anywherewithintheMonastery: thatyouwillpartakeofthe divinenatureoftheFather,and dosobymeansofJesus’ deificationwhich,astheSonof God,heinwardlyimpartstoyou inyoureverydecisionandideal andaction.

GOD’SPRAYERS

Ashumans,evenwith deificationandthe partakingofthedivine natureofChrist,wecannever hopetoknowthefullextentof theprayerscomingforthevery secondofeverydayfromthe FatherandfromtheSonand fromtheHolySpiritforthe highestqualityandmeaningof lifeintheMonastery.

Theprayerforpeaceis surpassedbytheprayerforone tobringpeacetoothers.The prayerforloveistranscendedby theprayersforonetotakethe loveofGodintothewholeworld. Theprayersforspiritual perfectionareexaltedbyactsof selflesscompassionandmercy andkindness.Theprayersfor thedyingoffereternallifethat onlyGod’sheavenly personalitiescanorchestrate. Theprayersforthesufferingare forJesustobereceivedbythe suffererandthehurtpassedto Hisspiritualprovision.The prayersforthelostandtheblind andtheignorantareforpurityof heartthatrevealsfaithand hope’sGodlyidealsandcharity’s selflesslove,for,inthesevirtues, salvationispersonally welcoming,ever-present, strengtheningandassuring.One thingwearecertain:theprayers ofGodneverfailthosewho believethem,fornothingcan defeatGod’sfaithinhumanfaith.

LEVELSOFVISIONS

Whenavisitorenters theMonasterygate withamostlymaterial

mind,theymostlyseejustafarm andbuildings,animalsand people.

Whenavisitorwhoisbornagain inSpiritenterstheMonastery gate,however,theywillsensethe holinessofGodallaround.

Whenaborn-againpersonwith experienceofministeringChrist inspiritualpowerentersthe Monasterygate,ontheother hand,theywilldiscernpowerful placesdottedhereandthere,and theymightseeportalsreaching downfromheavenandParadise tojoinwiththosecomingup fromtheearthintoheaven.

Whensomeonecomesthrough theMonasterygateandthey havetastedtheclearlightofGod whoislight,thentheywillsee theFatherandtheSonChrist JesusandtheHolySpiritatthe Monastery.Theywilldiscernthe comingandgoingofthesaints andangelsandtheMonastery’s heavenlysponsors.

ArootprayerintheMonastery, then,isforpeopletohave commandoftheirmindsand theirdesiressothattheycanuse thehighestvirtuestheyyethave, andtherebyeasilyoffer themselvesupasaliving sacrificetoGod’sholytruthand beautyandgoodnessand wisdomandtherebyexperience optimumblessingandimpart perfectblessingstoothers.

For,thisisthelifeinChrist:to livefromthefoodofdivine blessings,soasto compassionatelyandjoyously giveblessingstoothersatall times,regardlessofpersonal costorhardshiporapparentloss atthetime.Weknowthatwecan neverout-giveGodourprovider andprotectorandguardian,and soweexpectantlyacceptthe figurativecrossofChristandits supernalrewards.

BEYONDTHESECONDGATE

ForthosewhomtheHoly Spiritkeepsbeyondthe secondgate,allarein ChristandChristisinall.We monasticslookintoChristinthe visitor,nevertakingoureyesoff HimandHisintentions.Inthis way,wegreetvisitorsasChrist, regardlessofhowtheyseeus. Weknowthatifweliftthemup tobethebestthattheycanbein Christ,thenthatwillallthe betterenablethemtoliftusup inprayeralso.

Weareallone.Weallsharein thelifegiventousbytheFather. Weallpartakeofeachother, withoutseparation.Weare humanityexperiencingthe UncreatethroughChristwho becamehumanandthebridgeto theFatherforallthosewho repentofseparationfromthe Father,andwholetJesusChrist ferrythemfromtimetoeternity intheirdeification.

Allofthethingsyouseeinthe Monasteryhavebeenputin placeforyou.Theyarethereto helpyoutoturnyoureyesto God.Topartakeofthedivine nature.Tounderstandyourself andyourrelationshipwiththe Father.ToclaimtheFatherfusion ofJesusasyourown.

Hewantsyoutohaveit.Tohave allthattheFathergavetohimas ahumanbeing(Revelation3:21). Itishiswishandhisjoy(John 15:11)foryoutosensethe energyofGodandthepresence ofGodandtheheartofheartsof Godwho,withhetheSon,has comeandmadehishomeinyou (John14:23)fromthemoment ofyourbaptism.

Theonewhocomesthroughthe gatewiththeunborn-againmind willreceiveblessingsaccording totheirwillandideals.The born-againpersonwillreceive

blessingsaccordingtothelifein Christ.Thepersonwithagood measureofTheosiswillreceive blessingstogiveawaytoothers, forthatistheirwayintheFather, theylivetotaketheFatherand whatisHistothewholeworld.

TheLordGodmakesusbelieve thatwhateverweprayforinthe Monasterywillsucceed,andwill occurwhenitmatchesGod’s intentionalso.Soitisthatwe monasticsaremindfulofwhat wepray,whenweprayit,and thejourneyourprayertakesus onintoitsfulfilment.TheLord GoddoesnotsendforthHis Wordinvaintoreturnempty (Isaiah55:11),andsowefirst seekGod’sintentionandthen prayandcommandnewthings tomanifest(Isaiah43:19)when weareonewithHiswill(John 8:21).Always,weprayfor others’happiness,unionwith God,andabundantopportunities tobeablessing.

TRANSFORMATION

God’supliftingpresence intheMonasteryasks eachpersoncoming throughthegatetoofferuptheir darkenedhearts,theiranger, theirdesireforrevenge,their hatred,andeventheir woundedness.

Allthesestatesofmindhavea cause.Inthelifeoftheperson theycanfeelfullyjustifiedin carryingthesedarknesses.But JesusChristliftsuphishands saying,“Youareheavyladenand burdened.Givemeyour darkenedmind.Ihavealready paidthepriceforyoubymyshed bloodonthecrossofCalvary.You donotneedtocarryyourburden oneminutelonger.Giveittome andIwillgiveyourest,Iwillset youfree”(Matthew11:28).

Hewantsyoutoenjoythe benefitsofamindandheartthat iscarefreeandsoftand

vulnerabletoHislove.Hewants youtotrusthimlikealittlechild trustsagoodandlovingand gentleparent.

Sometimespeoplefindittoo difficulttogiveuptheir darknessesandfears,soJesus hasaprayerforthemtoo,“My Christ,helpmyunbeliefandset mefree”(Mark9:24).Oncethey sayit,orrepeatitoverandover againusingtheirrosary,theylay claimtothegiftthatJesusChrist givesthem.Theyloosentheir owngripontheideaofthe burdenintheirownminds.They reachouttoChrist.Theyletthe blessingmindandthemerciful mindandthecompassionate mindenterin.ItmanifestsChrist nowonthethroneoftheirown heartofhearts.Innotimeatall, freedomandhappinesspervade them,risingupfromwithinthem orcominguponthemlikea heavenlycloudthatsoaksthem likeamist.TheenergyofGodis allaroundthem.Itisaskingto remainpermanently.Askingfor thesakeofthenameofJesus,for thenameoftheFather,forthe tirelessgloryofdeifyingthat person.

DOINGTHEWORKOF ANGELS

Jesuswouldfilltheearth with AngelsoftheDesert, andloosethemassonsof GodanddaughtersofGod.

WhowillbetheAngelofthe Desert?Itiswhoeverwilldothe worksofangelsamong humanity.Butmore.First,the humanofangeliccharacterwill havefoundChristinthedesert.

Inwhichdesertwillsucha humanangelfindChrist?

Christwillcomposethe appropriatedesertforeach person,anditwillinflict powerfulchallengesand demands.Initially,itmightseem

thattherewardsarefewandthe sacrificesmany.Eachreward, however,willbebuiltoutof eternaltruthandgoodness.Such foundationstonesformapath everleadingonwardsand upwardstothehighestvictories Godbringstoanyhumanbeing hereonearth.

Whatisthetruenatureofthe desertthatChristcomposesfor themakingofanAngelofthe Desert?

Thetruenatureofsuchadesert isnotnecessarilyasandybarren landscape.ItisChrist’sown mindinus.TheSpiritofTruth whomtheworldcannotreceive, becauseitneitherseeshimnor knowshim(John14:17).

Wefinditbeyondthesecond gate.Itisthedivineculturethat installsinusChrist’sownvalues andmeaningsforoureveryday life.Itisexclusivelythisdesertmindedness,thisseparation fromthecreatedworld,this emptinesswithintheinterior heartofapersonwhichChrist hascreated,thatenablesthe FathertoimpartHisownmind totheprospectivehumanangel. Ourmindbecomestheuncreate mindthatdiscernstheuncreate andspeakshearttoheartwith God-uncreateandseesHisface whilstitisstilluncreate.Suchan extraordinaryspiritual developmentinourintelligence anddiscernment!

SoitisthattheAngelofthe Desertbecomesanincarnation ofthemindofChristtheSonin unionwiththemindofthe Father-uncreate.Thedesertof circumstancesandopportunities shapesthisinteriordesertfrom whichtheangelbringsthewillof Godtothecreatedworld,withall itssuffering,confusion,isolation, fear,greed,violenceanddeath, whilsttheangelneverleavesthe uncreatedesertthatabidesin

theinteriorlife.Theinteriorlife ismadeoftheenergyofthe FatherandtheSon,andtheir personalpresenceseamlessly functionswithinthehuman mind.

IsGodwantingtocreatealotof AngelsoftheDesert?

AsIsaiahtheprophetwrote,God issearchingtheworld.“Whom shallIsend,andwhowillgofor us?”(Isaiah6:8),butHefinds fewamongmortalswhohave suchadesire(Isaiah59:16, Romans3:10-12).

Doyouhavethatdesire?Doyou liketheideaofJesusChrist providingadesertforyousothat youcanembodythemindofthe SonofGodandthemindofGod theFather-uncreate?Itcan’tbe achievedwithyourownmind. Youmustyieldyourmind,and choosetheenergyandthought ofasuperiormindthatthe FatherandtheSonwillgiftto youwheneveryouwantit.

THENEWDEIFIEDMIND ANDTHEGLORIFIEDSELF

Inscripture,Paulnames thenewmind, themindof Christ (1Corinthians 2:16).Experientially,onefinds thatthemindofJesuswithinthe SonofGodalsoreleasesto oneselfthemindoftheFather. Forone'sself-identitytofully shiftintothefullnessofTheosis, onebecomesFather-like.The mindoftheFathermaturesone’s deification.WebecomeGod becausewesharethemindof God.

TheParadiseFatherfirstcomes toyoupersonallyandopenly, evenaudibly,anddeclaresto you,“IamyourFatherandyou aremy(daughterorson).”This momentinitiatesatransmission, andbirthsinyoutheFather’s mind.Atacertainmomentin time,yourhumanconsciousness

iselevatedandentrytothe Fatherismadepossible.A momentagoentrywas impossiblebutnowGodhas openedthedoor,thegate,the wayintoHisglory,andnone shallshutit.

Iwillplaceonhisshoulderthekey ofthehouseofDavid;heshall open,andnooneshallshut;he shallshut,andnooneshallopen. Isaiah22:22

Thereafter,youincreasingly becomeaccustomedtolivingin theFather,discerningtheunseen andtheuncreatewiththe giftingsoftheFather’smind. Furthermore,youlearntoliaise withtheSpiritoftheFather withinotherpeople—onearth asinheaven.Youpractisethe doingoftheperfectwillofGod anew:notinimitationofGodbut intheactualityoffusionwiththe Father’senergy,consciousness andwill.Youuseyourwill.You act.And,foryears,youpractise walking,talking,thinking, working,prayingand worshippinginthisnewdeified self-identity.

LiketheGoodShepherdleading youwhoareHisblessedlittle lambbythehand,inandoutof thesheeppen,itwasGodwho openedagateforyoutoenter thesacredandtheprofound, upliftingyourownlife.Eachgate youpassedthroughincreased yoursalvationjourneyof deification.Eachgateyoupassed outofwhenyoudeparted,left yougladyouhadbeenthere. Perhapsyouleftevenlongingfor more.Tobecomeapartofthat monasticcommunity?Tospend moretimeinthesolitudeand silenceoftheholyhermits?God openedthegateforyoutobless you.Godclosedthegatebehind you,keepingtheplacesacred andhiddeninHimself.Whenyou departed,youwerenowmuch blessedandgrateful,carryinga

bigsoulbagfullofblessingsto distributetoothersintheworld. God’sgatesalwaysleadtoour increaseinbecomingGod.You havethatinyourown experience.Godmadeithappen. Godshowedup!YoutastedHis glory.Hedrankinyour personality.

Theincreaseintheveryrootof consciousnessinyourselfand thescopeofawarenessitselfare receivedbyyouasafreegift. Graceaboundstoyouthrough yourownfaithforhavingthe increase.JesusguidesusinMark 11:23-24,tellingustosimply believeforit.

Truly,Isaytoyou,whoeversays tothismountain,‘Betakenup andthrownintothesea,’anddoes notdoubtinhisheart,but believesthatwhathesayswill cometopass,itwillbedonefor him.ThereforeItellyou, whateveryouaskinprayer, believethatyouhavereceivedit, anditwillbeyours.

Theosisisthetransmissionof lifefromChristtheSonofGod andfromtheParadiseFather Himself.Securingthis transmissionisthemost significantrealityshiftonecan experience.Itisanillumination greaterthantherecognitionof one’s OriginalNature thatsitsat theheartoftheEasternreligious quests.Itismoregiftedand moreblessedbecauseitenables onetoknowtheParadiseFather inotherpeople,andtocooperate withHim,andtoloveatextreme levelsofcharityandgraciousness, andsomuchmore.

HowTheosisrisesfarabovethe Easternreligiousrewardsis somethingthatisunknownin thatmindset.BeyondNirvana, beyondtotalliberationfromthe senseworld,thereisacomplete rebirthofpersonality.Itismade inconjunctionwiththeuncreate intheFatherandintheSon,

Christ.Itcannotbeseenfrom thissideofthetransformation, norevenhintedat.Itis somethingthatonlythedeified inChristcanexperience.Andit mustbe,andis,experienced personally.Allthatwhich becomesnotwithintheEastern meditativepathwaysfallsaway inthelightofthisnewbirthof personality.Oneisbornagain, again,andopenedtoheavenly spirituality,consciousnessand mindednessthatiswholly beyondthereincarnation framework,andindeed,sadly, mostofwhatChristianityoffers theworldasthelimitsoftruth. Today,Godisthedoorkeeperto yourTheosis.Youattainmore

andmoreofitasaresultofyour decisionsandopportunities.

Whateveryouholdasyourideal andstandfirminfaithfor,willby God’spowernecessarilydraw youupinyourTheosisvirtues. Otherpeoplecan'tkeepyouout ofHispurposeforyour deification.Obstaclescan'tkeep youfromwhatGodhasordained foryou.Infact,everyobstacle willbeturnedtoyourdeification inthegloryofGod.Theuncreate alwayshasawaythroughthe created,abovethematerialmind ofhumanbeings,andthrough thecircumstancesoftheearth. It’sGod'swillforyoutoliveand toprosperinallthingsforwhich

yourdeificationjourneyinto eternalsalvationsupportsand provides.

Likeothers,weenteredthe Monasterygate.Westayedthere intheMonastery.TheHolySpirit passedusbeyondthesecond gatealso,whereTheosisrules supreme.PopeAthanasiusand otherswroteaboutit.“God becamehumanthathumanity mightbecomeGod.”Thiswe believe.Thiswehavefoundtobe true.Itisthisthatwesharewith youbywritingthisaccountfrom ourownexperience.

☩

Below:Gatesfromaroundthemonastery.

CycloneGabrielle

Thisseasonsawthearrivaland devastationinNewZealandofcyclone Gabrielle.Thecycloneleftitsmarkon thecountry,with11liveslostandmany, manymorehomessweptaway, destroyedorirreparablydamaged.In Northland,wehadthedestructionof largeforests,landslips,flooding,lossof propertyandfoodandservicessupply disruption.Ourprayerswereeverforthosegreatlyimpacted.

Themonasteryincomparisonwasfortunate.Theoldflagpolewas thefirsttocomedown,missingtheSanctuarywindowsby centimetres,theTreeofLifelostanother2largebranches,butagain theylayinsuchapositionastomissthebirdbath,thedahliasand thetiles.Intheforest,severaltreesfellandthedrivewaywas litteredwithlargeandsmallbranches.Alllivestockandanimal friendsweresafe.WhiletheStateHighwayweareonwasflooded andimpassable,andwewerepropertyboundfor10days,wetoo weresafe.Wehadnoelectricityorwater,orwifiortelephonesfor thatduration.Itwasaveryquietrisingandretiringintheevenings accordingtothesuncycleanddaylighthours.

ItisattimeslikethesenaturaldisastersthatourLordtrulybecomes ourrefuge.Whenthesafeplacesofhomeandpropertyareno longersafe,weputourtrustinGod.Througheveryaspectof disruptionanddestruction Godisourrefugeandstrength,aneverpresenthelpintrouble.Thereforewewillnotfear,thoughtheearth giveway...(Psalm46:1-2) Even,andespeciallyattheendofthis mortallife.

Wewanttothankyouforcheckinginonuswhencommunications wereavailable,foryourprayersthatweknowhelped.Wearealso gratefulforourFinancialPartnerswhoenabledustobuya generatoronlymonthsearlier.Thiskeptthefridgesandfreezers going,andenabledustocontinueasemblanceofdailyliturgy.Your blessingshavealsosecuredthenecessarychainsawsandequipment neededforcleanupofthepropertyafterthecyclone.Thisis ongoing,withanothertwo treesremovedtoday(endof April)fromthebridge waterwaythatwereblocking theprimaryculvert.

Monasterylifehereisboth interiorandphysical.Itisour greatjoytohanditalloverto God.Somedays,some occasionsrequireusto practicewhatordinarily simplyexistsinourstillness withtheSpirit.Buteverand always,inthesetimeswe witnessourLordasourrefuge andfortress,ourGodinwhom wetrust.Psalm91:2

LECTIODIVINAFORTHEOSIS

GOD’SWORDFORYOURDEIFICATION

LectioDivina isthe perfectpracticeforyou whoarededicatedtoalife ofspiritualincreaseandunion withGod.PronouncedLex-e-o Div-e-na,Latinfor‘divine reading’,youengageinspiritual orsacredreadingoftheBible. Throughthiscontemplative practiceyourfaithincreases,and bygracethemeasureofspiritual fruitandblessinginyourlife increases.Changesthatoccur commityoumoreandmoreto theLord,andtotheplansGod establishesinyoutosucceedand prosper�asyoudedicate yourselftotheosisandyour salvationpath.

Theosisisthetransformative processthatmakesaperson increasinglyandincrementally deifiedasweembraceunionwith God.Whileweneverbecome God,ourspiritualgrowthunites ourhumanwillwiththewilland energiesoftheTriuneGod,the Father,SonandHolySpirit.

JesusChrististhegiftGodgives usinWordandindeed, witnessingtousthatdivine

union.Ourdeification-our becominggodlike-isrevealedto usthroughJesus’lifeandhis example. AstheApostlePeter saysofChrist'sincarnation:

'Jesus'divinepowerhas grantedtousallthingsthat pertaintolifeandgodliness, throughtheknowledgeofhim whocalledustohisownglory andgoodness,bywhichhehas grantedtoushispreciousand verygreatpromises,sothat throughthemyoumaybecome partakersoftheDivine nature.'�

Whenweenterinto Lectio Divina,westandonJesus' promisethatifweabideinHis Word,Godwillenableusto partakeintheuncreated energiesoftheTrinity,whichby gracegivesusourdivinenature. Abidemeanswetaketoheart, westaywithandremaininGod’s word.Doingso,weexperience Jesus’heartofheartsandcome tointimatelyknowChristand Godinusbywhoseproximitywe aredeified.

SAINTBENEDICT

LectioDivina wasoriginally formulatedbySaintBenedictin the6th century.Heandhistwin

SaintBenedict

sister,StScholastica,foundedthe MonteCassinoMonasteryin Italy.AsAbbot,St.Benedict createdamonasticRuleforthe monastics.TheRulearranged thedayintowork,prayerand contemplation.InChapter48of theRule,St.Benedictwrites:

‘...thebrethrenoughttobe occupied,atfixedseasons, withmanualworkandagainat fixedseasonswithspiritual reading...’�

Aliturgicalcalendarcomprises designatedseasonalreligious

BYSISTERIRINI

activitiesoftheChurchor monasteryaccordingtothelife ofJesusChrist.Thisincludes worship,prayer,scriptural readings,feastsandother commemorations.InSt. Benedict’sRule,alargeportion oftheseasonalcalendarwas givenovertospiritualreading.

SPIRITUALREADING

IntheprologueofhisRule,St. Benedictdefinesspiritual reading:

‘Hearkencontinuallywithin thineheart,givingattentive eartothepreceptsofyour Master.Understandwith willingmindandeffectually fulfilyourHolyFather’s admonition...’�

Spiritualreadingthenislistening withourhearttoGod’sWord,as wewillinglyreceiveand understandtheWord,thencarry outGod’sdirection.Inthis manner, trustingintheLordwith allourheart�,welearnwhatis God’swill.Gradually,weentera relationshipwherebyourwillis unitedtoGod’swill.Thisunion transformsourbeing.Weshed layersofworldlylimitation, becomingincreasinglyfree,true anddivinelyhuman.

FOURDEGREESOF SPIRITUALEXERCISES

WhileSt.Benedictoriginatedthe conceptofspiritualreadingfor thecontemplativelife,GuigoII developedthestepsordegrees ofthe LectioDivina.GuigoIIwas a12th centuryCarthusianmonk whowastheninthPriorof La

GrandeChartreuseMonastery in theFrenchAlps.InGuigo’stext, TheLadderofMonks�, he providesastructurefor Lectio Divina. Thisfourstepapproach tospiritualreadingis:readingmeditation-prayercontemplation.Accordingto Guigo,thesefouraspectsare definedasthefollowing:

READING(Lectio)-Readingis theattentivestudyoftheHoly scripturebyanappliedmind.

MEDITATION(Meditatio)Meditationisthecareful investigationofahiddentruth withthehelpofone’s intelligence.

PRAYER(Oratio)-Prayeristhe elevationoftheheartofGod,so thatitseparatesitselffromthe worldandstrivestowardsgood.

CONTEMPLATION

(Contemplatio)-Contemplation istheelevationofthesoulin God,whereitsavoursthejoysof eternity.

THEPRACTICEOF LECTIO DIVINA

1.READ -Atthestartofyour spiritualreading,ensureyou won’tbedisturbedforhalfan hourorso.Prayforblessingon yourtime.Calmthebodyand quietenthemind,whileopening yourhearttoGod.Trustthatthe biblicalpassageyoureadisgood foryou.Letitfillyou-thewords, context,allofit.Letitrun throughyouasyougetthe flavourofthepassage.Youdo thisbyreadingitslowlyandasa whisperyoucanhear.

2.MEDITATE -Afteryou’veread thepassagethefirsttime,readit again.Readitmultipletimes, slowly,asneeded.Meditateor reflectonthepassage,noticing howitscontextinteractswith aspectsofyourownlife.Whatis Godhighlightingforyouabout

yourlifeandhowyoumight needtorespond?Noticetoo whatemotionsorfeelingsarise. Trynottopushasideanyfeeling oremotionbutsimply acknowledgeit.Inthesilence thatfollows,youmightliketo writedownthepassagethatGod hashighlightedtoyou,andany emotions.Throughthis meditationandreflectiontime, youwillidentifytheareaofyour lifethatGodisbringingtoyour attentionfortransformation.

3.PRAY -Again,readthe passage.Now,prayerfullyask whatitisthatGodwantsto communicatetoyouinrelation tothatareaofyourlife.Whatis God’swordforyou?Listen.Be open.Letthewordsofthe biblicalpassageflowthrough you.Atsomepoint,therewillbe aninterruption.ItmaybeGod’s voice,asingleword,aconcept,a stringofwords,animageora knowing. Itwillnotcomefrom yourownthoughtsorefforts butbytheproximityandgrace oftheSpiritofGodinyou.And itwillhaveadifferentfeeling, flavour,tone,characteristicto yourusualthinkingmind. Noticewhatcomesintothe silencebywayofGod.Letthe criticorskepticrestandreceive whatisgiven.Itwillnotbe criticalorjudgingorcensoring orshaming.Itwillberevealing. Thisisatimeofvulnerabilityin seekingandreflecting.Empty yourselfofallpreconceivedideas aswellasyourownsolutions. LetyoursoulaskGodtogiveyou awayforward.AndGodwill respondtoyou.

4.CONTEMPLATE -Having calledGodwithsuchdesireand humility,byemptyingyourselfof thoughtandemotion,youhave suddenlybeeninterrupted-your longingsoulismet.Inthis sublimecontemplation,themind slipsaway,thebodyceasesto protest,theworldquietensas youbecomeaspiritualbeing.

Tearsmayreleasethejoyof yourunionwithGod.Gently sighing.Youmayfeelthewarm embraceoftheenergiesofGod asyousitintheHolypresence oftheWord.Wonderandheart mightsoarinthemeetingof TruththatGodhasforyou aboutthesituation,yourlife,the actionorchangerequired.Let God’srevelationtoyou,fillyou. HavingmadetheFather’sname knowntous,wearesanctified intruthfortheFather’swordis truth.�Committotheinvitation Godgivesyou.Givethanks.Ask forgiveness.Offerupyour healingtoGod.Praiseorpray foranoutcome,orsimplysitin contemplativesilence.

Nowinpractice,thesefour aspectsofthe LectioDivinareading,meditating,prayingand contemplating-don’talways occurinsequence.Youcould findyourselfreadingwhen suddenly,you’reinGod’s presence.Oryoumayoscillate backandforthbetweenreading andmeditating.Thereisnoset ruleaboutsequence,butyou willfindGuigo’sguidean excellentframeworktobegin yourspiritualreadingpractice.

OBSTACLES

Attimesinthe LectioDivina,we encounterhindrancescreated byoureverydaymind.Whenwe pre-emptourmind’stendencies, weareencouragednottoget stuckonlimitinghabitsbutto noticethemandletthemgo.In thetraditionofthedesert FathersandMothers,wehavea watchfulheart,disallowing anythingthatwoulddisruptthe meetingplaceofusandGod. For,‘Whenyousearchforme, youwillfindme;ifyouseekme withallyourheart,Iwillletyou findme’,saystheLord.�Our heartmustbeopenand unfetteredasweseek.

LECTIODIVINA FORBIBLESTUDY

1.MISTAKING

Whilethis practiceofspiritualreading doesteachyouscriptureand engagesyouinbiblical reference,youarenotstudying theBible perse.Tostudy requiresintellectualattention andfocusthatlocksyouinto words,meaning,analysis, theory,thinkingandcognitive processesthatlockyououtof thesimplicityofopenness,the stillnessthatallowsGodtobe known.Thoughwetakeinthe contextofthescripturalpassage andnoticeitsrelevancetoour life,welettheobservationsrest inuswithoutfurtherinternal enquiry.Weavoidpastand futurethoughtsandstay presentwiththepassage, permittingittopervadeour spirit;simplybyholdingitin thought.

2.BEINGCUTOFFFROMOUR EMOTIONS Often,spiritual readingwillelicitemotionas youdiscernthecrossover betweenbiblicalcontextand ourlife.OrasyoumeetGod’s presence.Itisimportantto allowthisemotion.Toletitrise up,tonoticeitandpermitits fullness;thentoletitsubside again.Emotioncanbeagate openedthatChristwalks throughrevealingthewillofthe Father.Emotioncanleadto revelation,bothpersonalinsight andbeapassagethroughwhich God’svoicemaybeheardand God’swillknown.Denyingyour emotionblocksspiritualgrowth andmaydelayordenythenew thingGodhasforyou.Please,let itallcomeforth.

3.IGNORINGLIFECONTEXT Similartoallowingyour emotion,itisvaluabletothe LectioDivina processtobe awareofyourlifecontextin relationtothebiblicalpassage youarereading.Noticethe flashesofthoughtthatoverlap biblicalreference.Letthe

parallelsexistinmind,whilenot occupyingthoughttoogreatly.

4.HURRYING LectioDivina isa contemplativemeditationnotto berushedortimelimited.Slow down.TrustthatGodwillbring whatyouneed,whetherinthe timesetasidefor Lectio orlater atanothertimeofGod’s choosing.God’stimingisoften differenttoours,butalways perfect.Hurryingwon’tspeed uparesultbutmaywelldisrupt youravailabilitytorevelation andGod’swordforyou.

5.SHAMINGOURSELVES Lectio Divina isdifferentforeach individual.Howyouknowand experienceGodisuniquetoyou. Bekindwithyourselfduring yourspiritualreading.Noneed toexpectHolyHoststoappear beforeyouortrumpetingangels orbigboomingvoices.Trust andaccepttheprocessand yourself.God’svoicewillbe uniquewithinyou.Youmaynot hearavoice.Youmayseean imageorhavearevelatory knowing.Trytocultivate opennessforwhatevercomes andthatincludesemotion. Acceptthattheconnectionsyou makebetweenbiblicalcontext andyourlifearepartofthe spiritualgrowthprocess,asare theemotionsthatmayarise withthatconnection.Knowthat theLordlovesandacceptsallof whoyouare.Andtogainfully from LectioDivina,youwill wanttobeacceptingofyourself. Shamingonlycloudsaperson fromGod’struth.

6.DOUBTINGORSKEPTICISM

‘DidIreallyhearthatvoice,that word,thatphrase?’‘AmI makingthatup?’‘AmI imaginingthatimage?’‘Wasthat myownthought?’‘HowdoI knowitwasreallyGod?’

Ifyoudoubtandareskepticalat thetimeofreceivingGod’s grace,theconnectionyouhave withGodinthatmomentwill cease.Atthetime,allow

whateveritisyouthinkyou heard,saworknew.Later,ifyou needto,youcanexplorewhatit waswithyourspiritualdirector ormentor,and/orreferto scripture.Oneofthebenefitsof engaginginthe LectioDivina regularlyisthatovertimeyou willcometoclearlydistinguish betweenwhatareyourthoughts andwhatisGod’srevelationand communicationtoyou.

MatthewthePoor,inhisbook, WordsforOurLives,givesa beautifulexperienceof encounteringtheBible.Newto readingscripture,hefelt empowered,emboldenedinGod, renewedandrestored,saying:

‘OLord,thisbiblewaswritten forme,andithaslastedall thistime,almosttwo thousandyears,tillIarrived andfoundit.’�

WhenweembraceGod’swordas ifwrittenonlyforus,we�indwe arenomoreabletoclosethe dooronGodthanwewouldour dearest,mostlovedfriend.We encountertheWordasa personalandsublimeloveletter.

BARTIMAEUS-AN EXAMPLEOF LECTIO DIVINA FORYOU

Whatdoyouwantmetodo foryou?Jesusasked.The blindmansaidtohim,‘My teacher,letmeseeagain.’ Jesussaidtohim,‘Go,your faithhasmadeyouwell.’And immediatelyherecoveredhis sightandfollowedhimonthe way.��

CONTEXT

Jesusandtheapostleshave travelledsouthfromGalileeJesusisteachingalongthe Jordan.TheApostlesJamesand JohnZebedeeapproachJesus, whoasksthebrothers:‘Whatdo youwantmetodoforyou?’ Theyrespondoutofselfdesire

tositathisrightandleftinhis Glory.Heretheywantto favouritismovertheother apostles.Asthegroupheadsout ofJericho,Bartimaeussonof Timaeus,whoisablindbeggar onthesideoftheroad,callsout toJesus.‘SonofDavid,have mercyonme.’TheJewsbelieved theMessiahwouldbea decedentofKingDavidand restorethetreasuresofIsrael. Jesushearshim.Whileothers rebukethemantobesilent, Jesustellsthemtocall Bartimaeustohimwhoatonce ‘sprangupandcametoJesus’.

OurLordshowsusherethathe expectsustocometohim-to movefromourplaceofmisery, ofworldlystate,ofdependence ontheworld’sprovision,of familiarityorcomfort,andwith faithmoveinthepromisesof Godfortransformation.

JesushasrebuttedJamesand JohnZebedee’srequestto privilegethem.Jesusdidnot cometograntpowerand honourorspecialprivilegesbut toopeneyestonewspiritual insight,andthesocialand materialrealitythatthe KingdomofGodoffers.To highlightthis,Jesusasks Bartimaeusthesamequestion heaskedJamesandJohn:‘What doyouwantmetodoforyou?’ Bartimaeus’faithshinesbefore glory.Heishealedand thereafterhefollowsJesus.

LECTIODIVINA

Reading1.Readingthepassage ofMark11:46-52,letthese words�loatthroughyourmind.

Whatdoyouwantmetodo foryou?Jesusasked.The blindmansaidtohim,‘My teacher,letmeseeagain.’ Jesussaidtohim,‘Go,your faithhasmadeyouwell.’And immediatelyherecoveredhis

sightandfollowedhimonthe way.

Whatisonewordorphrasethe HolySpiritimpressesonyou?In silencemeditateonthat.

Reading2.Whatdoyoufeel? Whatspeci�icsituationinyour lifetodayrelatestothewords? GivethistoGodnow.Youcando thatinternallyorwriteitdown onpaper.

Reading3.WhatisGod’s personalinvitationtoyoufrom scripture?Youcanwritedown whatGodissayingorthe impressionsyouhave,give prayerofthanksorsimplyrestin silenceandtheSpirit’spresence. Remembertheobstaclesthat maypresentthemselves.Watch forthemandcontinuewiththe process.Withpracticeyouwill cometonoticehowyourown mindgetsintheway,andmore readilydismissitfortheopen heartednessofemptyingyour selfforGod.

ACTINGON LECTIODIVINA

LectioDivina willinvariably highlightsomethingthatyou needtochangeoraccept.Itcan makeastatementaboutyourlife, andrevealanaspectofyour thinkingthatneeds transformation.Godmay con�irmadecisionyouhave madethroughyourspiritual readingwhilehighlightingyour emotionthatwaslimitingyouin youreverydaylifeanddivine ascent.

God’swordmayalso propheticallyspeakintoyourlife foryourfuture.Godshareshis knowledgeof,planfor,loveof youandprovidenceoveryour life.Yourresponsibilityisto committoactingaccordingto thewordGodhasgivenyou.Part ofyourcommitmentin Lectio

Divina isrestinginthewordyou aregiven.Lettingtheworddwell inyou.Whenyoudothiswith faithbygraceyouare transfigured.ThelightofChrist changesyoufromwithinout. AndyourrelationshipwithGod inyoudeepens.Divinewilland humanwill,yourheadandheart, Heavenandearthmeetwithin youthatyoumayliveyour resurrectionlifeintheworld.In thisway,youtrulybegintolive theupperrungsof theladderofdivineascent.

Towardstheendofhisbook, The TheLadderofMonks,GuigoII challengeshisreaders:

‘Ohowsadistheconditionof humanweakness!Here, reasonandscriptureagreein tellingusthatperfectionis

reachedthroughthesefour levelsandclimbingthemis theexercisethespiritual personmustdo.Butwhois followingthispath?Whoare they,sothatwemaypraise them?Manyhaveambitions butfewgototheveryend. MayGodgrantustobeamong thissmallnumber.’��

Iliketothinkthattherearea fewamonguswhoeveninour humanweaknesshavethe ambitiontoclimbthedivine ladder.Myprayeristhatbyour LordJesus’mercyandthegrace ofGodwehavethewilltoopen thegate,meettheenergiesof Godandheedallthatweare giftedforourtheosisjourney. WillyoujoinmeinanthatGodgiveninvitation?

SisterIrini’sintroductory6-week courseonLectioDivinais availableonthemonastery Youtubechannel

www.youtube.com/@seasem

NOTES

1.Proverbs16:3,Pslam20:4

2.Peter1:3-4

3.ChapterXLVIII:Concerningthe DailyManualWork.RuleofSt. Benedict.

4.Prologue.RuleofSt.Benedict. 5.Proverbs3:5

6. TheLadderofMonks:GuigoII TheCarthusian. Trans.SrPascaleDominiqueNau,Rome2019. 7.John17:6,17

8.Jeremiah29:13-14

9. WordsforourLives.TheSpiritual WordsofMatthewthePoor. Pg40 10.Mark11:46-52

11. TheLadderofMonks, Pg38

John1:1

MonasteryFlourMill

PriorRob’spoolishcontinuestobea favouriteinthecommunity,andamongst guestsandretreatantsforpizzamaking dough.Thisventurepromptedustothink differentlyaboutthewheatandflourswe use.Inmanyareasoffoodproductionand cateringatthemonastery,weattempttobeselfsustaining,biodynamicallyaware,organicand environmentallyfriendly.Weareconsciousto honourGod’screationinallaspects,includingour bodyfor yourbodyisatempleoftheHolySpirit withinyou,whichyouhavefromGod.(1Corinthians 6:19)

Tothisend,wehaveanumberof vegetablegardens,orchards,herb gardens,wormfarms,composts, recycling,andcanandpickle,andmakemuchof ourownproduce.Whilewedon’thavethe communitycapacitytogrowourownwheatas yet,wehavesoughtoutthemosthealthyand sustainablewayofproducingourwheatbased consumables.Ittookabitofresearchbutwe foundtheKomoFidibusmill,madefromnatural woodandstoneforthegrindingofgrainintoflour. Thenwesourcedourgrain.

MilmoreDownsisathirdgenerationfamilyfarm nearChristchurchintheSouthIslandofNew Zealand.Theygrowcertifiedorganicancientgrain, Dinkel(triticumspelt),Rye,Barley,Wholewheat, BranandSemolina.Theirwheatwhiteflouris organicandunbleachedwithasmallamountof wholewheatinit.

Inthemonastery,weusewhite, wholewheat,ryeandspelt flours.Andnow,wemillthese ourselvesfromtheorganic grainswepurchasefrom MilmoreDowns.Theflourthat thesegrainsproduceisthe softest,cleanest,purestflour.Itis lowinglutenandhasenhancedthequalityofour dietaryintakeandallourbakedgoods.This includesourmostimportantbakingoftheholy bread,theKorban.WemaketheKorbanovera periodofaday,duringwhichtimeweprayover thedoughinasacredenvironmentusingthe stampweweregiveninEgyptandmakingthefive holesofthewoundsofChrist.Prayersareplayed andprayedthroughout.Thisistheholiestoftimes inthekitchen.

Theryeand thespeltwe useforpizza dough,andthe varietyof breadsthatwe makeinthe community andforguests. Wehave begunmakingaspeltsourdoughforourdaily bread,andevenourowncrumpets.Thisisallpart oftheself-sustainablelifeweseektoliveand promoteatSEASEMasawayofnurturingGod’s creationinthebody,thelandandhiscreaturesas wetraversetheladderofourdivineascent.

Top:OrganicSpeltgrainsmilledintoRyeflourforour Sourdoughferment.

Left:HolyKorbanwiththefivewoundsofChrist,usedin ourHolyCommunionsacrament.

Above:SisterIrini,millinggrainsforflourproduction

KomoFidibus Medium HouseMill

SEASEMBEEKEEPING- TheHarvest

Lastissueweintroducedyoutothemonastery beekeeping,andthewonderfulcommunity weshareintheNgahereBeeClub.Asthe cyclonepassedonandweathersettledsome,we wereabletocheckonthemonasterybeesand considertheseasonalharvest.Butfirst, alittlebitofhistory...

ApicultureNewZealandtellsusthat thereareonlysevenspeciesofhoneybeeinthe world.Themostcommonone,responsiblefor mostagriculturalandhorticulturalpollinationin theworldistheEuropeanhoneybee.Itlikely originatedinAfricaorAsiaandcannowbefound oneverycontinentexceptAntartica.Trulyglobal.

HoneybeeshavebeenkeptinNewZealandfor morethan150 years.Theywere originallybrought herebySisterMary Bumbyofthe Methodist missionary.She brought2hives withherinMarch 1839whenshe sailedfromBritain.

TheNewZealand bushproveda hospitableplace forbees,andthe numberofwild

AtSEASEM,wekeepbetween1and7beehivesat atimedependingontheseasonandhowwellthe hiveshavemanagedduringwinterandsurvived raidsfromotherbeesandwasps.Wekeepour hivesregisteredandensureweareeducatedabout potentialdiseaseriskstothebees.Wedoourvery bestheretokeepbeesprotected,andhealthy. Thereisawealthofinformationaboutapiculture andbeekeepingpracticeandbeelifeavailable online,includingfromourownwebsite,whichhas compiledinformationyoumaybeinterestedin. Youmayevenliketokeepbeesyourself!

SisterMaryBumby

colonies,throughswarming,multipliedrapidly, especiallyintheBayofIslands.IsaacHopkins, regardedasthefatherofbeekeepinginNew Zealand,observedthatbythe1860s,beenestsin thebushwereplentiful,andconsiderable quantitiesofhoneywerebeingsoldbyMāori–the country’sfirstcommercialbeekeepers.

Beesareanimportantpartoftheproperty’s ecosystemhereatSEASEM.Wenoticetheir absence,preferences,habits,andcommunitylife. Beekeepinghasbecomeapartofourown monasticrhythm.Ourseasonshaveadaptedto embracethebeelifeandtheseasonalpractices associatedwithkeepingbees.Thisincludestaking offaportionofhoneytwiceayear,makingsureto leaveenoughstoresforthebeesoverwinter.This season,wehadassistance,withReverendMoira Holmesonretreatatthemonastery.

Withlargerquantitiesofhoney,itisfastertousea

ReenactmentofSisterMaryBumbywithoriginalhivesat MangunguMissionHouse,courtesyKarenCoryToussaint. See Karen’swebsiteat www.kazlau.weebly.com

honeyextractor,whichthroughcentrifugalforce separatesthehoneyfromthecomb,without destroyingthecomb.Forthepasttwoseasons,we havepreferredtomanuallyharvestthehoney.

PriorRob,whoisthemonastery’sprimarybee keeper,identifiestheframestotake,andSister Irinicollectsthehoneyinthemainkitchen.With

removedofitscomb.Thecombiscollectedin cheeseclothandthehoneyissqueezedoutofthe combbyhand.Duringthistime,filledwiththejoy oftheharvest,prayersandthanksgivingaremade. Thisisaspecialtimeindeed.Thewholemonastery smellsofhoney.Thereismuchgratitudeforour beautifulbees.Andalotoftastingthedelight!

Moira’shelpthisyear,theprocessfromframeto honeyjarwasmuchquicker.Aftertheareais prepared,eachframe,ladenwithhoney,islovingly

Thebeesgiveusandthepropertysomuchlife. Theyreallyareapartofthecommunity,andwhile wedon’tsellthehoney,wedelightinsharingtheir goldenblessingwithallwhostay.Ahappyhealthy bee,isahappy,healthygarden,andaverycontent monasticcommunity.

Ourhoneyisarichblendofmanuka,hanukaand bushflowers;theresultbeingatasty,nottoo sweetfloralbounty.

MISSION MINISTRY PRAY ACT CONTEMPLATE REST

BySisterIrini

Theconceptofmissionis notnewtothefollowers ofJesus.IntheOld Testament,thereareaccountsof God sending menandwomen fromoneplacetoanotherwith God-directed purpose.God sendspeopleonmission (1Samuel15:20),andwefind thatthoughthemissionof SEASEMisacontemplativeone, theLordattimessendsSEASEM outintotheworld.Whetherthis isguestpreachinginchurches, runningworkshopsaroundNew Zealandorinothercountries, baptisms,conductingfunerals, weddingsorblessings,food provision,orprayerforpeople orsignificantsites,orreligious aidofanysort,SEASEM regularlyreceivesinvitationsto standforGod.Asindividuals, apostlesofChrist,asStEnoch andStElijahMonastery,andas Christ’sChurch,weleavethe SEASEMpropertytodeliverthe Father,SonandHolySpiritto whereverGodsendsus. Asyou havesentmeintotheworld,soI havesentthemintothe world.AndfortheirsakesI sanctifymyself,sothattheyalso maybesanctifiedintruth. (John 17:17-19)

Oneofthekeyelementsof mission,andforSEASEM,is

discerningwhetherGod’swillis intheinvitation.Andifthe invitationistrulyGod-giventhat wemaybesanctifiedintruth. Wehavelongsincelearntthat withoutGod,withoutthat sanctification,thereisno anointingorprovisioninthe mission,andthereforenoor limitedglorificationofGodin thecircumstancesofthat venture.It’strulyvaluableto rememberthiswhenyouare invitedtoattenda‘newthing’as arepresentativeofChrist.Is Godsendingyou?

Whatwefindinscripture,both OldandNewTestaments,isa four-foldgracetogod-given missionintheformof:PrayerAction-Contemplation-Rest.But, in2022whenwereceivedan invitationtogotoAustraliafor PriorRobtoconductthe weddingofadearfriend,a specialChristiancouple,we werehostingguestsinthe monasteryandundergoing severalprojectsonsitethathad usthinkingofAustraliaas ‘holiday’,‘pilgrimage’,perhaps abletobecombinedwithIsrael forEaster,andallmannerof otherideasaboutwhatthetime mightlooklike.Ofcourse,we lookedtoGodforthegreenlight onthetime,butitwasn’tuntil wereallyletthis4-foldprocess happenthatthefulfilmentof God’swillwasintheinvitation, andinus.

Intheinteriorfocusoftheosis, wemoveinandoutofourunion withtheSpiritofGod.Onthe outside,theworksweengage forthemonastery,thecallsto ministryweanswer,theprojects wecommence,thetithewegive, thecreativeendeavourswe engage,areallusuallybalanced againstthetheosisexperience.

Therewassomuchhappening atSEASEMpriortotheplanned triptoAustraliaforthe wedding.PriorRobandIhad bothcommittedtothetripbut receivednoGod-givenauthority. Nomatterhowmanytimeswe triedtonavigateourflights, dates,purposeandintentions, nothingseemedtoindicatethat God’swillwasinusleavingthe monasteryforAustralia.The Priordidnotwanttodisappoint ourfriend,andalthoughwe receivedtheinvitationmore thansixmonthsbeforethedate, upuntilamonthbeforethe weddingrehearsaltime,westill hadn’treceivedGod’sblessing togo.Wewerebothactingasif weweregoing:housesitter booked;weddingsermon writtenandotherdetails,but wehadnotreceivedthe anointingforthetimeaway.We restedinthisquandary,and trustedthatallwouldbewell,as theeverydaygoingson continuedandtimedrewnear.

PRAY

Aswedidwhenwereceivedthe invitation,weprayedonitfor

God’sblessingandtiming. Thoughwefeltwehadreceiving a‘yes’fortheevent,stillwe coulddeterminebythemany obstaclesthatwewerenotin theosismind aboutourtime away.Thenthewondrous happened.Why?Becauseinhim wewerechanged.Upuntilthis time,PriorRobandIhadbeen tickingoffthelistofthingswe wantedtodo,feltweshoulddo, wereobligedtodo,orpreferred todoasindividualsduringour timeinAustralia.Andthis approachtothewedding invitationandourtravelswas notworking.

Thenoneday,afterHoly Communion,Icameintomy room,mymonasticcell,and emptiedmyselftoGod.This meansIceasedallmyown thoughtsandideas,andprayed anew.Myprayerheldno questions,noagendas.Itwas filledwithpraise,withworship, withgratitude.WithLove.‘Your willFather,Yourwill.’

Attheendofprayer,Isatatmy computerpreparingthefinal LectioDivina recordingfor uploadtoourYouTubechannel (www.youtube.com/@seasem). Atthatmoment,Godsaidvery clearlyintomymind,‘Mission’.

Withthispersonalrevelation theobviouswasmadeknown: GodwasdirectingPriorRoband ItoregardtraveltoAustraliaas mission.Godwas sending us,not asindividualsansweringa weddinginvitation,butasSt EnochandStElijahMonastery (SEASEM);asOneBodyunder onebanner,onmission,forGod andthemonastery,unifiedwith Godfortheupliftmentand deificationofallwhomwe encountered.Ofcourse!

IcommunicatedthiswithPrior Robandwebothcommittedto theentiretyofourtimein Australiaasmission.Asisour

way,webothprayed onthewordthatI receivedformission. ‘InquireofGodthat wemayknowwhether themissionweare undertakingwill succeed.’(Judges18:5) Andwewere affirmedinresponse byourheavenly Father,andinworldly blessing.Fromthat momenton,everything,every singleaspect-fromfinancial provision,planning,totiming, flights,appointments,meetings, accommodation-allprovision forthethreeweeksaway, receivedGod’sblessingandfell intoplace.ThankyouLord!We aregoingtoAustralia!‘Goin peace.Themissionyouareonis undertheeyeoftheLord.’ (Judges 18:6)

ACT

WhenSEASEMgoesonmission, wearemindfuloftwoqualities ofourmission.Oneisthatwe respondtothecommission Jesusplacesuponhisdisciples: ‘Allauthorityinheavenandon earthhasbeengiventome.Go thereforeandmakedisciplesof allnations,baptisingtheminthe nameoftheFatherandofthe SonandoftheHolySpiritand teachingthemtoobeyeverything thatIhavecommandedyou.’ (Matthew28:19-20).Theotheris themissionthatisSEASEM, whichisGod’scommissionwith ustoraiseuptheosisin ourselvesandindividuals;and therefore,forallourworks, includingmissiontopointto, deliverandassistGodtogrowa personintheirunionwiththe indwellingSpiritofGod.Their deificationjourney.

Whetherweareevangelising, preaching,baptising,healing, teaching,praying,anointingor simplyengagingtheworld,we dosowiththefocuson

deification.Oursandothers.To thisend,weendeavourtoexist inourunifiedstatewithGod whenwearealsointheworld. Wefindthenthatwhenwe embarkuponmission,withall theauthorityoftheHolyTrinity, inwhichweareunified,the worldcurbsaroundthat authority,takingnewshape,and ultimatelyreconfiguringitselfto thatauthority.Thatholiness.

Oneofthedistinctlynoticeable aspectsofSEASEMmissionis God’sprovision.Throughout scripturewearetoldtogather ourprovisionsintheworksthat wearecalledtodoforGod.But ourprovisionsaremeagre comparedtothoseofGod’s. Knowingthis,Godplacesa mantleofprovisionoverus. ApostlePaulspeakstruewhen hesays‘AndmyGodwillmeet allyourneedsaccordingtothe richesofhisgloryinChrist Jesus.’(Philippians4:19)Andit’s notjustfinancialprovision,of course;itisspiritualprovision too-forusandforthoseweare senttoattend. Forhesatisfies thelongingsoul,andthehungry soulhefillswithgoodthings. (Psalms107:9)

Actingthenbecomessomething thatunfolds.Godwalksbefore you.Andyouronlyremitwhile onmission,asinlife,istofollow hisleading.Andyoucantell whatisleadingbecauseofthe calluponyoutohelppeople,to attendtogroups,andbythe blessingsthatpouroutupon

FromTop:Beautifulbride,Annique,walking downtheaislewithherparents;Left: weddingrehearsalwithJoshuaand Annique’sfamilyandfriends.Davidand Helenawithmiracleboys,Danielandbaby Samuel;PriorRobwithgroom,Joshua,Sister IriniwithbabySamuel;PriorRobwithhis firstmonastic

Companion;MusicalfriendPeter;Arthur teachingSisterIrinichop-sticks;Rebekah atStPeter’sCathedral,Prayerswith SylviaandnewbornGG;SisterIriniwith Colleen,sonSteve,andhisdaughter Francis;Robscatteringtheashesofhis belovedMary;SisterIrinihavingblessed andanointedsixweekoldArielle;Mum Michaela;TheFoofamily,Tahlia,Adrian, Sylviaandnewborn,Sienna;PriorRob withlittleGG.

Snapshotof PLACES

Fromtopleft:PriorRobreadingatStVerena andStBishoyCopticChurch,Melbournecity; SisterIriniatStJohnandStVerena’sCoptic OrthodoxChurchinMalvern;MaggieandwoowooatfriendMeg’soasiswherePriorRoband SisterIrinistayedinMelbourne;GoodFriday clothonthecross,StPeter’sAnglicanCathedral, Adelaide;MemorialflagsStPeter’sCathedral; St.Peter’s;YarraRiver,Melbourne;Melbourne city;Adelaidenightwalks;Beachpier,Henley BeachbrunchEasterSaturday;StFrancis Church,Melbourne;AdelaideMarkets,bread makinginspiration;andfruitsoftheSpirit; JapanesegardensAdelaide,StMaryandSt BishoyChurchCowandilla;VeganChinese restaurantGongdeLin,Melbourne;Largest Guanyininsouthernhemisphere,Sellicks,South Australia.

thoseencountersandthefruits thatresultthatpromisefuture increaseforpersonsandthe glorificationoftheKingdom.In allconfidencenow,PriorRob andIcouldtakeaction.

Australiasawblessingupon blessing.Theweddinginallits glory,wasGod’sgiftaround whichallothertheosisacts revolved.InAustralia,wevisited with23families,heldand prayedoverthem,andanointed andblessedmanybabies.We metwithourownfamily, friends,studentsand congregationmembers,with �inancialpartnersandwith Churchof�icials,priests,andthe public.Weansweredquestions thatclari�iedandedi�iedusand others.OuridentityasSEASEM emergedmoreclearlybecause oftheinvitationsmanyofyou gaveustoshareourtheology. WealsospokewithCopticand Anglicanmonasteries,meeting Christiansandseekers whereverwewent.Wetalked aboutGodwithpeopleonthe street,inthevenueswevisited, intherestaurants,intheplaces westayed.Andalways,theLord andtheunseenministryhe commands,walkedbeforeus, preparingtheway-physically, situationally,andbywayof ignitinginindividualsthegrace fortheuncreatedLightofGodto elevateaperson.Ittrulywas glorioustobeholdandtobe partofbeingsentandactingfor andwithGod.

CONTEMPLATE

Contemplationwassomething wedidalongtheway.Andit invariablyledtomoreprayer andmoreactionwithGod. Atonepointwehadtoconsider derobinginordertoparticipate intheOrthodoxChurchlife.It wasafterprayerand contemplationthatweknew withutmostfaithandassurance

thatGodiscreatinginusanew thing. SoifanyoneisinChrist, thereisanewcreation: everythingoldhaspassedaway; look,neewthingshavecomeinto being! (2Corinthians5:17)Andso, obedientlyandresolutelywe remainedrobed.Andfoundthat Christ’sChurchembracedusas brotherandsisterreligious.

Thiswasavaluableaspectof themissionaryexperience:That theworldwilltestaperson;will expectofustoobeythe humanmadenormsofthe institutionsthatupholdsociety. Andthatthedeificationpath callsustobeobedientandtrue toGodfirstandlast.Itisthe differencebetweenlawand grace,justasPaulremindsin Romans2:2, Donotbe conformedtothisage,butbe transformedbytherenewingof themind,sothatyoumay discernwhatisthewillofGodwhatisgoodandacceptableand perfectwillofGod.

It’sawe-inspiringtoreflecton themagnitudeofGod’swillin thistime.Toconsiderthelove thatwasshared.Iammindedof John’sGospel Andtherearealso manyotherthingswhichJesus did,thewhich,iftheyshouldbe writteneveryone,Isupposethat eventheworlditselfcouldnot containthebooksthatshouldbe written. (John21:25)Itwouldtake pagesandpagestogive testimony,butthestandout featureisthis:

Mytheosisjourney,ours,yours, happensinandthrough relationship.It’squiteobvious isn’tit,butforasolitarysuchas myself,thisgiftofGod’sisnot alwaysuppermostinmynotion ofwhatthedeificationjourney lookslike.Ofcourse,wemustbe inrelationshipwithGodinthe mostholyandcompleteofways toexperiencetheunifiedwillourwillandGod’swill. Be perfectevenasyourFatherin

heavenisperfect. (Matthew5:48) Butthismissionreflectedtome howourdeificationisworked outinthespaceofinteraction andconnectionwithothers.We witness,actout,andgrow valuesthroughalifeshared withpeople.Andthespiritual opportunitieswehavetodraw backtheveiloneverydaymind toletGod,theuncreatedlight, illumineus,elevatingusinto theosismind andmoments,is purposeful.Thereisabreaking downofallself-derived passions,expectations,thoughts andwaysofbeing.Webecome awareofemptyingofus.And thisneedstohappenifweareto beavailabletotheimageofGod.

Everydayrelationshipsgrowus personally,emotionally, cognitively,anddevelopour values.Relationshipsor encountersdefinedbyGod’s promisesandprovision,andour willingnesstosay‘yes’,toenter intoheavenlyservicehereon earth,havethecapacityto transformallpartiesonasoul level.Lighttouchinglight.And whenwepenetratetheenergies ofthatgrace,weseethe interconnectednessofeach personinthefacilitationof divineencounters,illumination andtransfiguringunionwith thelightofChrist,drawingeach nearertotheFather.

Ithinkbackonthelevelsof challenge,blessingandincrease Godgaveus.Youwhotrusted uswiththespiritual beginningsofyourmarital life,settingthefootingfor yourmarriedfuture.You whopassedyourbabiesintoour care,forcomfort,prayerand anointing.Youwhoaskedusto prayforyourfamily,yourloved ones,yoursickones,yourlost ones.Youwhogrilledusabout ourtheology,whocalledusto explaintheosis,toarticulateour monasticlife,pressingusinto Godfortheexpressionofwho

weare,andwhatSEASEM standsfor.Youwhoentered fellowshipwithus,welcoming usintoyourhomes.Youwho gaveusaccommodation, hospitality,transport,food, incense,spacetoworship, family,community.Youwho celebratedus,wholeanedonus aswereceivedtheHolySpirit. WhoopenedtotheWordof God.Youwhosetearsfellsoftly uponourshoulders,whose openheartednesscalledtruth andbeautyintothespace.You whosharedyourintimate stories,yourlongings,pains, hopesandfaith.Youwho introducedustoyouranimal companionsandletus participateinthetendernessof thatrelating.Youwhose laughtercreatednewbonds. Andyouwholookedbeyond religiousdividetocommonality intheBodyofChrist.What gifts!

Yes,thecontemplationtimein thefour-foldprocessofmission experienceisasublimeandvital partofmissionitself,andthe integrationofGod’sblessing, andGod’spromiseintheseeds sownforfutureservice.Itisalso avehiclethroughwhichwe cometobatheintheinfinite gloryoftheUncreatedLight,to lookuponthestagewellset,the outcomeswellplayed,the increasewellestablished,andto knowaswerestinunified spirit,onemindwithGod,that byhisgraceandglory,therewas

ajobwelldone-andweare changedforit.Hisillumination in theosismind and theosis moments hadalteredourvery being,makingmakingnewfrom old;purifyingandunveilingto usthesoul,alittlebitmoreholy.

REST

WearebackinNewZealandand inRestnow.TheSEASEM missionofFatherfusion,of theosis,continues.Sowe launchedintoconstruction workonthemainbuilding, gardenmaintenance,cleanup fromthecyclone,teachingand preaching,andthismagazine production.Ourrestisthedeep andpassionatedesirewehave togrowthemonasteryfor peoplenowandintothefuture.

WearegratefultoGod,andto JoshuaandAnniqueforbeing God’sinstrumentinpavingthe wayforourmission.Two beautifulpeoplewhoselovehas beenthecatalystforsomuch blessingandheavenlypromise.

Inrestwefindourselvesso gratefulforthosewhoglorify God,answeringthecallofhis Church,andwhoreceivehis promisesbymakingfinancial andpracticalprovisionfor missionandthemonastery.

(Matthew10:10,Luke10:7)

Yes,werestnowwithafitting sealuponourtimeonmission, andformepersonally,onthe

motheringaspectofGod’scall onmeinthattime.Aspartof ourrestinthelastweekof April,weventuredourforarare eventtoseethemovie Jesus,the Revolution.Ifyouhaven’tseenit, werecommendit.It’snotoften amainstreamcinemashowsa filmaboutamajorrevival movement.Asthecreditscame up,andthemusiccontinuedat theendofthemovie,women behindus,dancedintheaisles, newbornbabiesintheirarms.

Whenwegotup,weengaged them.Joinedintheworship. Andrightthereandthen,we heldaprayermeeting.Withmy hands,onecuppingthetiny headsofeitherbaby,wecalled intheHolySpirit’spowerand blessing.Weprayedandwere prayedover.Everypersoninthe cinemaparticipating.Gloryto Godinthehighest!

Sowhenyoureceivean invitationtoserve,takeitto God.Itmayverywellbe mission.Restintheidea.Pray onit.GetGod’sWord.Actonit. Whenyoureturnfrombeing sent,contemplatethewisdom andfruitsofourLord’severmovingstabilityofdivinelight thatistheFatherinyou.

That’swhatwedo.Infact,even asweembracethemonastic silenceagain,weanticipate God’snextinvitation!

THEINVITATION ARRIVED. ‘Wewant youtomarryus.’ Love oncemadedivinethrough Christnowseeksadditional sanctificationthroughmarriage. Plansarebeingmade.The OrderofService.Peoplewillbe makingtravelarrangements.All thehumanthingsthatgointoa weddingarerollingout.St EnochandStElijahMonastery iscalledoutofthewildernessto showitselfpubliclyoverseas. Themonthshurrybytothebig day.Athousandandonethings aretakenintoaccount. Everythingisgoingtobejust perfect.

ForaChristian,theweddingisa sacrament.Sacred.Holy. Prestigious.Itisaneventof timelessvaluethatsetsapart thecouplebythehandofGod. It'sveryhuman—words, flowers,thearticlesofthe happycouple’sownmeaningfor life—but,it’salsodivine.Its rootsareinParadise.Itsreality isintheloveofGod.Itslifeisin

themercyoftheSonofGod.Its destinyisinthehandsof mortals,comfortedbytheHoly Spirit.

Werehearseandthenwegather ontheday.Thepriestisthere. Thegroomisthere,fidgeting nearthepriest,and whisperingtotheBestMan. Whispersaboundinthe Sanctuary.Aquicksurveyof theprinted OrderOfService nowrestingonlaps.Amuse athowthegroomisholding up,giventheoutrageous buck’sparty.Chatterabout themysteriesandabout howthebridewilllookin herweddinggown,how theywillfaretogetheras husbandandwife,and howtheywillgetalong withthein-laws.

Occasionally,singlessearchthe facesofthecongregation,their ownprospectivemarriage partnermightbecloseby...a morecompleteexaminationwill beahighlightattheWedding Suppertonight.Peoplehave flowninfromalloverthenation

andabroad.It’sbeingheldin thebestlook-alike Lordofthe Rings CastleJoshuacouldhope for—Avalon,atCockatoo.The gardensareimmaculate,asis theknight’sarmourjustinside thedoor.JoshuaandAnnique areprayingthattheirlovewill beinfectiousandcalleachguest

glanceatthecelebrant.More thanalittlecuriosityhowthe couplecoulddrawamonkanda nunoutoftheirhiddenlifetoa wedding.They’reobviousby theirantiquatedclothing.They

bringacertain jenesaisquoi. Forsome,itisalittlelike enteringoneofthoseancient cathedralswiththehighvaulted ceilings.Immediately,youlook upwardasiftoseeGod.

Iamthechoseninstrumentfor orchestratingthespiritualityof thisweddingandIaccompany thePrioressofourmonastery. Whilstothershavetheir thoughts,ourthoughtsare lookingonanotherdimension. ReverendBradRumblewilldot theceremonywiththe compulsorylegalrequirements. ‘Areyougivingyourselvesto eachotherwillingly?’‘Doyou knowthatwhatyouaredoingis legallybinding?’‘Inowdeclare youhusbandandwife.’‘Sign here,alongwiththewitnesses andmyself.’

Theultimatesignatureonthe weddingcertificate,weknow,is writteninSpiritontheheartof Joshuaandontheheartof Annique.ItisembossedinSpirit intheheartsofallthe witnesses.TheCertificateof Marriagereflectsitbutitisthe SpiritofTruthwhoisthefirst andfinalsignatory.Godshows up.

Marriageisabigcommitment, andtheconsecratedceremony isthegatetoit.Christcallsthe ChristiantoHisownwedding feastinsuchaceremony.Heis thegate,thedoor,theway.No

Christianmarriageisvalid withoutHispresenceinthe home,themarriagebed,the familybudget,thevocational careers,andthecouple’sprivate prayerlifeandcommunity worship.

Theweddingceremonyisthe gatefortwoindividualstopass throughandemergeinSpiritas one.TheyhaveGod’sprovision tohavenosecretsfromone another,nolimitsontheirlove, norlimitsintheirforgiveness andever-increasing compassion,understandingand mercy.Overtime,differences, andstressesandstrains inevitablyariseinanyhealthy marriage.ItisGod’sabilityand presencethatmakesthe marriagelastforthewholelife, ‘Untildeathdouspart,’solong aseachpartneriswillingto growandtonevergiveupon marriage.Godshowsup,and notwithoutpromise.

Themostpowerfulforceon earthistheanointingthatflows outofParadise.Godisnot presenttobringblessingalone. Hebringsthepromiseofhope foreveryfuturesituation.Heis theovercomerofall temptations,sins,challenges andmisunderstandings—those unwelcomevisitorsina marriagethatwithprayerand perseverancecanbeturnedto charactergrowthandricher maritalcompanionship.

Enemiesaboundandseekto tearapartamarriagebutthe anointingofGod’sHolySpiritis alwayspresent,eveninthemost challengingsituations,tomake whateveradjustmentsare soughtorrequired.

Asthecoupleapproachthe weddinggate,theLordspraysa mistofanointingoverthebride andthegroom.Theylook aroundattheirfriends,family membersandlovedones.It’sall quitenormal.But,withthe anointing,weepingrisesup.‘I wasallrightwhenIwaswith myfamily.Butseeingyouboth herefromthemonasteryhas madeitveryreal.’

Asthousandshavedonebefore us,SisterIriniandIhavewalked throughthegatetomonasticlife inChrist.Thatlifeisallinfor Jesus.Nothingisheldback.We arebeggars,utterlydependent uponHimandHismercyand love.Onthisweddingday, though,wearethereinthe worldasthearchwaythatforms agateforthisyoungcouple.As themarriageceremony progresses,thatmistof anointingbecomesthick,heavy andpalpable.Godshowsup, freelydispensingheaven’skind oflove.Thelevelofrealness leavesthecommonworldand becomesmorethanfeelings. Love,becomestruth.Truth becomesfaithatawholeother levelagain.Faithbecomes

intimacywithGod,evenunion withGod.AndunionwithGod placesthemarriageonthe footingoffactintheFather— theverythingthatJesuslived andtaughtanddiedforandrose againfor.Theirconsecrated unionisnowbeingmadeoutof thesubstanceofeternity.Itshall endureasapowerforgoodand astrengthofhealth,notonlyas longastheirphysicalbodies endure,butinheavenlyformsof adoringfriendshipforallagesto come,evenbeyondthegrave.

Formypart,Ihavecarefully consideredmyroleandGod’s role.SotoohasSisterIrini. WhatisitthatweasHis MonasterywantGodtodo? WhatisitthatGodwantstodo withus,throughusandbecause ofus?Doweleaveplentyof spaceforGodtoactentirelyon Hisownaswell?Areweand GodonthesamepagewithHim andwithourselvesasreligious? Takingtheprojectinallits possibilitiestoGodinprayer,we waitedforGodourheavenly Father,theauthorofour individualdeification,topresent optionsandalternativesifHe wantstoadviseusonthisor thatpointabouttheceremony.

ImentiontomyheavenlyFather afewthingsthatIwouldliketo include,havingalready discussedthemwithJoshuaand Annique.

Father,Iwantthefourparents tocomeforth.IwanttheHoly Spirit’sanointingtocomeupon themwhiletheyrecitewordsto releasethecoupletobeawholly newfamily: “Thereforeaman... shallleavehisfatherandhis mother...andholdfasttohiswife, ...andtheyshallbecomeone flesh.” HolySpirit,Lord,Youwill engagetheparentsandJoshua andAnnique,meandallothers intheceremony.Wewilldiscern YourpresenceandYouraction. Wewillallknowthatfromthis momentonYou,God,have decreedthemtobesetapartas theirownblessedfamilyunder heaven,andalltheheavenly blessingthatprovidesforthem hereonearthallthedaysof theirlives.

Father,Iwanttogentlybind theirhandsforthetimeoftheir declarationofloveforeach other.ThenIshallprayupon themyourFatherlyblessingon theirmarriage.Joshuaand Anniquehaveselectedalovely silkylengthofclothonwhichis embroideredthecrossonthe headerpictureofthisarticle.It isexquisite.Iwant,YouFather, YouSonofGodChristJesusand YouHolySpirittobringYour blessingintothempersonally andpalpably.Iwantthemand allthecongregationtodiscern it,tofeelitandtoknowthatyou Godhaveboundthiscouple’s lovetoeachother.

LordJesus,IwanttogiveJoshua andAnniquetheHoly Sacramentsofbreadandwine transfiguredbyYou,Christthe SonofGod.LordJesus,atmy word,Youwillcomeintothe breadandintothewinesothat theyeattheBodyofChristand drinktheBloodofChristandit shallbethefirstthingtheydo oncemarriedinthesightofGod.

Father,Iwantyoutotouchand uplifteverypersoninthe weddingceremony.Letthem eachfeelthattheyareonholy groundlikeaspecialguestwho isparticipatingatthewedding feastofJesusatCana.Castaside alldifferences.Maytheyeach walkawayfromtheday knowingthattheyhave witnessedamarriageinGod throughChrist,andthatthey themselveshavebeenblessed overandabovewhateveritwas theywereexpecting.Father,I serveYourwillfortheir deification:mayyoudoall thingsnecessarytoyourhighest joyonthisoccasion.

AftermyFatherandIareboth agreedontheinstructions, togetherweprayerfullysignoff ontheproject.IknowthatGod willshowup.What’smore,is thatsisterIrinihasmadeher ownagreementswithGod.God knowsthatweknowthatallis wellwithGod,andshallbewell ontheday.

WebothknowthatGodwillbe visibleinusontheday,lifting uppeopleinmanyways unknowntous,becauseofthe presenceofclothedmonastics. Itisahumblingfeatureof monasticlife.Peopleoftenlook onthereligiousasthoughthey havesomespecialclosenessto Godthatsurpassesthemortals ofthecosmos.Tobelooked uponinsuchawayistobe glorifiedbyGod,thereisno otherwayofsayingit.One comestoexpectit.Thereisa magnificenthumblingfeature thatalwaysaccompaniessuch glorification,however.Itisthat itmakesoneselfintoboththe crossofChristandthefinger pointingatChristonthecross whilstthefocusisentirelykept ontheadmiringsoulandGod Himself.It’squitesomethingto experience:suchselflessbut blesseddetachment—Christin thedesert.

Ontheday,itisrainingoffand on.Wecan’tusetheoutside chapelarea.We’regoinginside. Microphones,asigningtable andchairs,andthepositioning ofthegroomsmenand bridesmaidsareallhastily adjustedtothenewsite.Ilikeit morethantheoutdoorsite,the synergywillincreaseGod’s presenceoneveryperson.And, forGodandforme,thatisthe desiredresult.Therearenofree luncheswithGod:itisalways aboutincreasingeachperson’s deification,evenifit is a weddingandtheguestsmostly appeartobepassive.Butyou know.Thingshappen.Thoughts arise.Feelingsarise.Newthings comeontoyourownhorizon. Yourattentionlingershereor there.Nobodyseesit.Butyou know.Godisdoingawork insideyou.

Thestringquartetshiftsthe melodytotheWeddingMarch—

Bach’sAirfrom OrchestralSuite number3inDMajor. Despitethelovely meltingatmosphere inthestrings,the roomtenses.Alleyes arewaitingtosee Anniquearminarm withhermumand dadastheyenterthe sanctuary.Pastor EricksonandJackie Fabian,originally fromDominicaand Trinidadinthe Caribbean,haveflown overtoMelbourne fromWellington,N.Z. wheretheyare ministering.Pastor PeterandMelinda McMullensmileas theyseetheirson Joshualightupatthe sightofhisbride walkingslowlydown theaisletohimandtheir futuretogether.Myeyes areonthemtoo,asIalso gazelovinglyintothefaceof God.

Myopeningprayer:‘Lord,God andSaviour,JesusChrist,weask yourblessingonyourson Joshuaandonyourdaughter Annique,astheycomewillingly intoyourpresenceandbefore youinthisspiritualandlegal ceremonyoftheirmarriageto eachother.Mayalloureyesbe turnedtoYou,Lord.Maywebe apartofYourgraceandlove today,andalwaysinthefuture thinkonJoshuaandAnniquein thelightofYourgraceandHoly Spiritthisday.’

Andeveryoneinthe congregationsaid,‘Amen.’

Andsoitwentontoitsultimate lovelyconclusion.Thekiss.The cheers.Thehappycouple walkingoutofthesanctuary. Thetimelessblessinglingering. Handsshakinghands.Warm

heartshuggingwarmhearts. Smiles.Words.Greetings.Joy. Wonder.Thanksgiving.Itwas perfect.Godshowedup.Sister IriniandI,unaccustomedtothe jocularityofsocialcelebrations, fadedintothebackground, blendingwiththegumtreesand theovercastweather.Still,we seetheworksofGodour Beloved.Andwearegladfor JoshuaandAnnique.Their dreamdayhascomeanditisall andmorethattheycouldhave askedfor.Theyarenowonthe othersideofthegate.Godhas theminhishand,oneunited excitedbundleofjoy.

PriorRobwithgroomandbride, JoshuaandAnnique.

TOUCHEDBY THEUNCREATED LIGHT

TheLordbroughtmeback totheplaceofmy upbringinganew.Heheld meinhisarmsafresh.Hemade ofmenotonlyaBrideofChrist, butonehiddeninhimthough visibletotheworld.InAdelaide, havingpreparedtheway,he madenewthelifeofmyyouth. Reframingitinhim,showingme hisgloryintheplacesthatstood outinmymemory.Hepulled asidetheveilbetweenthe everydayworldandthe KingdomofGod,andpermitted metospirituallyknowhishand intheworldlyeventsofmylife.

Lightthroughlight,Icameto understandhispresenceafresh throughthematterofhistory livedinhisLight.AndthisLight, theuncreatedlightknownby thecontemplative,waspartof themissionofSEASEMin Australia.Anditreachedout fromwithin,andtouchedthe Gloryinthoseitmet.

OnthisparticulardayasPrior Robsoughtasuitablehatfor outdoorworksonthe monasteryproperty,we venturedintoRundleMall. Akubrasuccessfullypurchased, Itookhimtotheplacewhere timestoodstill.Hestandsin thatplacewithme,feelsit, knowsit,hasexperienceditfor himselfatanearlierdateina differentplace.Itwashere,just beyondthesilverballs,twentyfiveyearsearlierthatIwas walkingdownthemallonmy waytouniversity.Mymindwas onthequietthingsofthe mysteryoflife.Inthatmoment, theworldaboutmeslowed. Momentumquieteneditself. People,formerlyhurrying,now walkedinslowmotionuntil theyceasedmovement.The worldhadstopped.AndI,Iwas nolongerintheworld.Looking onfrombehindtheveilof interruptedmotion.Theunseen,

uncreatedlighttouchedme fromwithinandI,nowunited withit,kneweachperson,saw theconnectingfeaturesof humanwithhuman,felttheir breathsuspended,knewtheir desires,purpose,lostness,their obliviousnessandeverydayness. Lovedeachchild,eachadult.I knewmyselfinthem.Andthe lightIperceivedinthem.There wasnoneedtobringtheminto myheart,theywerethere already.Thisgrace.Godletting creatureperceivecreaturemade God.IneverypersonIsawa beingofdivinepotential,ableto becomeGodlikenowandinto eternity.Revelation.The momentIunderstoodthis,that unseenholdonmatterreleased. Noiseandbustlingpeople resumed.AndIstoodstill. Lookingatthemall.Loving themall.Changed.Stillyoung andimmatureinmy understanding,butgivenby gracethetransfiguring experienceoftheuncreated lightthatelevatesaperson’s spirituality,andactsoutitsown momentumwithinaperson. Itwaswiththisrecollectionand sharingthatPriorRobandI walkedoutofthemalland approachedtheArtGalleryof SouthAustraliawhereIspent

Theiconic‘Spheres’inRundleMallball withSisterIriniandPriormirroringthe effectofstillnessofworldinthe uncreate.

BYSISTERIRINI

muchtimeasayoungperson. There,Ihavefrequentedone particularpaintingduringmy universityyearsatthenearby AdelaideUniversity:William Bourguereau’s VirginandChild.

Aswenearthegallery,always wearingourrobes,two workmenonascaffolding platformseeus.Theyare cleaningaverylargemetaleggshapedsculpture.Onecontinues scrubbingthesurfacebutthe other,standingup,dressedin shirtandshortsexposingarm tattoos,andanAkubrahat, placeshishandonhisheartand givesusahalfbow.He straightensagain,witha genuinesmileofdelightaswe acknowledgehisfaithwithour ownpattoourhearts.

Believersintheworldstopfor Godwhengiventhe opportunity.Theireveryday actionsareinterjectedbythe soulaliveinthespirit,aswe havefound,Godinthem recognisingGodinus.I’m mindedofhowitmighthave beenforearlyChristianswho secretlydrewthesymbolofthe Jesusfish,theIchthys, toidentifyandrecogniseother Christians.Thatfellowship arousesinusa kinship beyondbloodandmatter.Born oftheSpirit,itbringsthedivine

outinus,movingustoemotion andtoact.Therobes,thePrior’s scapula,andthecrossIwear, aretheoutergarmentsofthe Ichthysthatdeclaretothe world,hereisaChristian.But, asweknow,outersymbolsand garmentsareonlyasChristian astheinnerperson,thenew personinChrist;sheorhewho candeclareandrevealthrough theirlifealoveofGodandalove foroneanother(John13:35).In thismoment,thereisgreatlove sharedbetweenusandtheman attendingtheEastersculpture. ThatloveisraisedupinChrist forthegloryofGod.

Asweenterthegalleryfoyer, twowomenbehindthedesk lookupatourapproach.They blink.Iaskoneofthemifshe mightdirectustothe‘Virgin andChild’.Shedoes.Theother issilent.Justlooks.Weturnleft, intothegallery,andtherebefore usisthemajestywehave walkedtovisit.Silence.Prior Robmakessoundsofpraise.I drawhimclosertothepainting towitnessitsbeauty,itsdetail. Intruth,Ibringhimnearerto theintimacyofChristwho beckonsusforward,into awaitingarms.Webothknowit. Surrendertoit.TheSpiritof Godinuslooksthroughthe humanworshipintoareflection ofglory.Unified.Tearswellup. Thepowerofalivingiconto awakenapersontoChristin themistimeless.Weboth respondtothetouchoflight.

JohnofDamascus,inthe7th century,wrote,‘Weuseour sensetoproduceanimageof theincarnateGodhimself,and wesanctifysightasthefirstof thesenses,justasthrough wordshearingissanctified.’

Christsanctifiestheworld throughhisincarnation,making matterholy.Inthematerialityof theicon,theviewerisinvitedto lookthroughthepaintand canvasintoheaven,totheholy

andthesanctifyingactofprayer thatthematterofthepainting evokes.Anditisforusaswe standbeforethe Virginand Child.Onlytheprayeristhat formofunionthatweare invitedintointheuncreated light.Therearenowords,only theproximitytoGod’sgrace.

AsPriorRobmovesontoother galleries,Iremainbeforethe icon,silently,privately,inwardly givingthankstomyLord.After severalminutes,ayoung womanapproachesme.Sheisof Asiandescent,about17years, wearsglasses,aschooluniform andsportsalarge,longlens camera.It’sonlyasshespeaks thatIregistershehasbeen hoveringnearbyforsometime.

‘Excuseme’,shesays.

‘Yes?’Ithinkshewantsaphoto ofherandapainting.

‘CanIaskyouwhatyour interestisinthepainting?’The girlpointstotheicon.

Ismileather,andthenatthe painting.

‘Oh,thisisalongtimefriendof mine.’Isay.

Shenodsasifsuchfriendship withinanimateobjectsis perfectlyreasonable.Patiently, shewaits.Inthatpausebetween whatcouldbeidlechator somethingmore,Ilookwithin tomyheavenlyFatherandsmile affectionatelyatChristthechild. Andthereheis;theSpiritofGod inme,meetingmeintheplace ofmyreach.Myheartexpands withlovefortheteenager.

Withthesanctifiedtruththat thedivinisedmindspeaks,I openmyheartandstorytothe girl.Inanunabashedway,Itell oftheintimacyofmy confessionstoChristthrough thisicon,myhopes,mydoubts,

SisterIrinistandingbefore Virginand Child byWilliamBourguereau,1888, ArtGalleryofSouthAustralia

myuncertainties,myhurtsand myloves;evenmysecretdesire toenterintothereligiouslife. GodandIemphasisethislast point.Andthemeinthatunion detectstheextensionofthe Fatherashecaressesto wakefulnesshimselfinher. Lightmeetinglight.Itisevident bythechangeinherdemeanour thatthegirlfeelstheSpiritof Truthinher.Shelooksatthe paintingandlooksbackatme. Browneyes,nowwide,arefilled withtears.

Atthatmoment,theLordopens hisarmstoher.Sanctifiedflesh reachesout.Hersoul,having criedout,recognisestheicon comingtolife.Sheletsherself fallintome.Andasmyarms enfoldher,shesobsintomy shoulder. BlessedbetheGodand FatherofourLordJesusChrist, theFatherofmerciesandthe Godofallconsolation (2 Corinthians1:3).

There,suspendedbetween heavenandearthisJesusinhis mother,SaintMary’sarms,and theFatherattendinghischildin awomanoftheclothholdinga faithfilledschoolgirl.

Andafloodofspiritualmeaning bornofthedivineunionspeaks apenetratingwordtoher throughmylips.‘Youareloved. Soloved.Mychild.Fearnot.’A pause.Toanyonehearingit outsidethisdivinisedbubble,it couldseemageneralised sentence,glibalmost,buttoher, itistheanswertosomany doubtsandsleeplessnights. ‘Youareontherightpath.’

Hersobsgetlouderasher shudderingbodyrocksinmy arms. Takeheart daughter,your faithhasmadeyouwell

(Matthew9:22)Gradually,the cryingeases.Igentlytakeherby thearms,tenderlyholdingher awayfrommebeforereleasing her.Shelaughs,alaughfullof

joy.‘Iknewitwasgoingtobea goodday!’Sheexclaims.Ilaugh withher.

‘Metoo’,Iaffirm.

‘I’vealwayshadfaith.Iwas raisedCatholic,but…’,her confessiontrailsoff.Thereisno need.Iknowshehasdoubted. Shehasbeenlost,afraidto believe.Lifeandfamilyhave dealthardblowsthesepasttwo yearsofdecisionmaking.My theosismind hasshownmeher griefoverthepassingofher grandmother,herally.Hersense ofbeingculturallydifferent amongpeershasfoundher feelingaloneintheworld.God inmehasshownmeherheart ofhearts,andherlongingfor thereligiousinhercreativelife.

‘It’sokay.’Ireassureher.‘Your faithisstrong.Heknows.’Itilt myheadtowardbabyJesus.

‘Yes.Yes.’Sheisrelieved.‘Thank you’,shesays,lookingatthe painting.Webothgivethanks.

Thegirl,almostayoungwoman, isrededicatedtoChrist.Igive heramomentasshewalksoff beforemakingmywaytowards thegalleryshop;arenditionof thisiconwillhanginthehallsof themonastery.

Headingdownstairs,Ipassher comingup.Sheisstillcrying. Sheseesmeandlaughsalittle.I givehermySEASEMcardwith aninvitationtoprayersupport orachat.Shetakesitgratefully. Agatewayhasopenedwithin her,whereithadbeenleft unattended.Closedbyall mannerofworldlyshameand fear,butnotquiteshut,itnow standsopeninitsglory.

Now,asPriorRobandIwalkout ofthegallery,onewomanatthe deskfarewellsusexpressively. Theotherremainsstoic.Weare abouttopassthroughthedoors

whenwehear,‘Wait!’Andthere thestoiconeis,leadingus outside,filledwithaliveliness thatwasformerlyasleepor boundtothedesk,quietwithin her.Shestopsinfrontofalarge sculpture.Herhandsraisedup pointing.Therebeforeusisa splendidrenditionofMaryand thechildJesusgiftedtothe gallerybyFrance.

‘Nobodycomesthisway.’She laments.‘It’sapity,becauseitis sobeautiful.’There’sanelement tohertonethatisconfiding. Thismayverywellbeher bravestmoment.Shehasleft herpositionanddeclared herselfforthesakeofGod. Hallelujah.Wearesuitably gratefulandhonouringofthe sculpture,whileinwardly acknowledgingtheFatherinthe womanwhosewillhascometo theforeinher.Anactoftheosis.

ThePriorandIwalkawayfrom thegalleryandcrosstheroad. Thegateclosesbehindusbut thoseweencounteredare changedbythetouchofthe uncreatedlight. Fortheonewho sanctifiesandthosewhoare sanctifiedallhaveoneFather. (Hebrews10:10)

VirginoftheOffering byEmile-Antoine Bourdelle,Paris,1921

Opposite: VirginandChild byWilliam Bourguereau,1888,AGSA

Wecelebratedseveral servicesinST PETER’SCATHEDRAL overHolyWeekinAdelaide, SouthAustralia,afullweek beforereturningtoNew ZealandandtheOrthodoxHoly Week.Thehighlightoftheweek wasthevarietyofservicesand theircontent.Onthemorningof thefirstHolyCommunion serviceweattended,wetoldthe AnglicanPriestthatwewere baptisedCopticOrthodoxand livingamonasticlifeinNew Zealand.‘TheChurchofEngland

isinfellowshipwiththeCoptic Church,soyouarevery welcomeherewithus.’He responded.Theservicewas simple,shortandintimate, conductedintheareabeneath themilitarycolourshangingin theleftofthephotoabove.Iwas achoirboyintheAnglican Church,baptisedandlater confirmed.SisterIrinihas similarfamiliaritythroughthe ScottishEpiscopalChurch.We werefamiliarwiththeservice, andthoroughlyenjoyeditbeing whollyintheEnglishlanguage.

Thisisoneofthefeaturesofour ownliturgyinStEnochandSt ElijahMonastery,thatitisallin English.Havingthepersonal experienceoftheFatherfusion ofJesusasthecrowningpointof theGospelplacesdeificationas centraltotheOrthodoxpurpose ofthehumanlife.Itisnota realitycommonlysoughtamong CatholicsorProtestantswhere perhapsmorepoliticaland socialslantsontheGospel’s spiritualpotentialsprevail.One ofthequestionswebroughtto ourexperiencesintheCathedral

EasterSunday,HolyMeditationatStPeter’sCathedral,Adelaide,SouthAustralia PriorRobandSisterIriniinthesecondrowfromfrontontheleft.

overtheensuingdayswas,of course,‘Inwhatwaydoesthe ChurchofEnglandembrace theosis,ifatall,andhowdoesit expresstheosisthroughits prayerandreadingsand liturgicalworship?’

EveryserviceoverHolyWeek wasadelighttoexperience.The choirhasanexceptionalrange ofvocalsfromthehighestyoung sopranostothedeepbaseweso oftenhearinRussianchoirs.On oneoccasion,thechoirsanga Psalminthemonasticmanner. ItmovedtheCathedralbackinto thedaysofStCuthbertofolden Lindisfarneandthesaintsof Iona.Eachlineofwordswas sungonthesamenote, complementedbyashort ending.Betweeneachphrase, therewasthetraditionallong pauseoftwoslowbreaths beforecommencingthenext phraseofthePsalm,seebelow:

specialmoment.Giving herhearttotheLordin thatservice,standing betweenmyselfand SisterIrini,Holy SundayinChurchhada deeplayerofworldly meaning.Wepraythat theservicesheenters into,bythehandof God,willbe unencumberedbythe world’sresistancetothe light,andeverybitthe celebrationofJesus’gospel andwitnessoftheosis.

ANOUTSTANDING WINDOWINST PETER’SCATHEDRAL showcasesResurrectionSunday. TheFatherasprimordiallightis there.TherisenJesusisthere. Thetwoangelsarethereatthe emptytomb.Fabulously,soalso isMaryMagdalene,ontheright ofthewindow,dressedingreen

TheHolySacraments, footwashing,the reconsecrationof baptismalvows,meditationin solemndarkness,thefire ceremonyofearlySunday morningandthefollowing candle-litdawnservice,the sacredreadingsandother specialmomentsalldottedHoly WeekintheCathedral.Andthe Churchwaspacked!

Wehadthegreatblessingon HolySundaytointroduceadear friend,anon-Christian,toChrist andtotheosis.Afireinher spirituality,andseekingforthat unionwithGod,andtoassist othersintheirunion,she embracedtheopportunityto enterintotheresurrection mystery.Watchingthe resurrectionlightbeinglitwasa

withamitrecapsignifyingher leadership,acknowledgedby theChurchofEnglandasitsfirst FemaleBishop.

Mycuriosityledmeto researchthe relationshipbetween theAnglicanChurchand theosis.Icameacrossapiece thattalkedabouttheseparation fromtheRomanCatholic Church,andhowmuchwaslost ordilutedintheprocess: ‘Anglicanism,however,neither rejectednorlosttheosis.’The authorofthisarticleon Interruptingthesilence.com speaksfortheunbroken existenceofTheosisinthe EpiscopalChurch.Itcitesthe BishopofWinchester,Lancelot Andrewes(1555-1626),who, ‘viewstheentireChristianlifeas fulfillingthepotentialof

divinisationgiventotheChurch onPentecost,that,throughthe poweroftheHolySpirit, Christiansactuallybecome partakersofHisnature,the natureofGod.’ThegoodBishop describesitas‘theroyal exchange:hewasclothedinour fleshandwebecameclothedin Hisdivinenature.’Afteramost blessedpartakingofHolyWeek inAdelaide’sCathedral,Ifound thattheCathedral’sPassion Weekservicesadmirably expressedtheroyalexchangein itsliturgy,itsGodlyclothing,its other-worldlysoundsand smellsandtheatre,butmostof alltheverypresentwelcoming intheloveandpresenceof ChristHimselfthatwefoundin allthosewemetorwholooked uponusasabrethreninChrist’s mysticalBody.

ChristisRisen!FireVigilatStPeter’sCathedral,Prior Rob,SisterIriniandFriend,frontmiddleright

Theosisisnothing ifit isn’tpractical,downto earth,andimmediately accessibleindailylife.Sothat youmightlearnsomething aboutthedeifiedmind,atleast tothesimplemeasurethatmy FatherandIengageit,Iam offeringabreakdownofan eventthathighlightsthetheosis reality.Thisistoshowthat theosisisnotonlyaChristian theory,notjustanobjectof meditation,norapurely contemplativereality.Theosis hasbiblicalprinciplesthatwe finddemonstratedtousinthe lifeandteachingsofJesus.When theseprinciplesareilluminated inusbytheFather’sownmind withinourmind,welearnhow Jesusbelievedandwhathe believedandwhyhebelievedit. Havingbeengiftedwiththis veryspecialinsightintoour Lord,wearethenencouragedto actwiththeFatherinthesame kindofFatherfusion mindednessasdidJesustheSon ofMan.Whenwedothat, theosiscomestolifeinus.We exercisethewillofGod.What wecausetohappenisasowing ofaseedofrighteousness.We canexpectarighteousreturnon thatseedimmediately,asdid Jesus.Furthermore,wecanlook forwardtoaharvestof

righteousnessreturningtousin thefuturethatarisesoutofthis eventofseedsowinginthewill ofGodandasasomewhat deifiedhumanbeing.

TheCase

SisterIrini,myselfandour friend,Annie,arewalkingalong SwanstonStreetnearthecorner ofFlindersLane,oppositethis grandoldAnglicanCathedral,St. Paul’s.SisterIriniandIare dressedinourmonasticrobes andhaveearlierattendedthe newCopticChurchonLaTrobe Street,whereIwasinvitedto giveoneoftheHolyPascha readings.WemetAnnieatour hotelafterwardandarenow walkingtogetherbeforelunch.

StepOne-therequest

Annieasksustostopamoment asherhipmuscleneeds stretching;itachesfromtoo muchwalkingthatday.

StepTwo-thedesiretohelp withGod’spower

ItcomestomethatIwill interveneanddosomethingto relieveAnnie’spain.

StepThree-lookingforthe props

FortheFatherlovestheSonand showshimallthathehimselfis doing.Andgreaterworksthan

thesewillheshowhim,sothat youmaymarvel.

John5:20

Accustomedtotheworkingsof thedeifiedmind,Ishiftmyfocus fromthebusyeventsofthecity street.Peoplearehurriedly walkingby,perhapstocatcha nearbytrain.Theoccasional tramrumblesitswaypastus, andtouristsandshoppersare stoppingtolookintoshop windows.Ibecomeawareof whattheFatherisplanningto doaboutAnnie’spain.

IamonewiththeFather, throughChrist.Idiscernthe gentlepresenceoftheHoly Spiritwhohascomenotjust withblessingbutwith transformingpower.Ilook aroundwiththe theosismind for amaterialprop.ImmediatelyI seeit.Atall,fat,silverpower polestandingerectonthe pavementclosetothegutter.

WhateveritisthatGodisabout todo,itwillhappenhere.

StepFour-knowingwhatto do

AndtheycametoBethsaida.And somepeoplebroughttohima blindmanandbeggedhimto touchhim. Andhetooktheblind manbythehandandledhimout

ofthevillage,andwhenhehad spitonhiseyesandlaidhis handsonhim,heaskedhim,‘Do youseeanything?’

Mark8:22-24

Godalwaysfunctionswithusin timeandspace.Thetimeisnow. Thespaceisthatparticular powerpole.Iamexpectingmy humandesiretointervenetobe thecatalysttotheFather’s promptingmewhattodo.

Theosismind alwaysservesthe Father.Accordingly,inasplit second,myattentiondiscerns theFather’sdesireandhowhe wantsmetoactinordertofulfil thetaskofalleviatingAnnie’s pain.SisterIriniisawareofthe shiftinmeandpresenceofthe HolySpirit.WetrustthatGodin eachofushassetthisplaceand timeforhisworks.

‘Comeovertothispowerpole.’ Annieimmediatelytakesastep towardthepole,waitingfor furtherinstructions.

Itisherrighthipjointthatis troublingherandsoIwanther toletithangloosewithreduced tensiononit,sothatthe musclescanbeaffected.

‘Placeyourleftarmagainstthe poleandleanintoit.’Shedoes this.Acoupleofsecondsgoby.I amlookingtotheFather.There! Ihaveit.

‘Wait.Wait.Somethingisgoing tohappen.’

IsaythisbecauseInoticeinthe Fatherthatthereisgoingtobea shortpause,asifnothingis happening,butthenaftera momentortwosomething outsidethethreeofusisgoing tohappen.Itwillbeinfluential inthechangetoherhipmuscles andperhapsherskeletal alignment.Iwait,notknowing whatitisthatisgoingto happen.Then,suddenly,outof leftfield,thereitis.

StepFive-theinteractionsof God

Andwhentheycametothe crowd, amancameuptohim and,kneelingbeforehim,said, ‘Lord,havemercy...’

Matthew17:14-15a

Lessthanoneminutehas passed.Westandinthesacred bubblethatGodhasprovidedus whilethebusyworldpassesby asifwearewhollyinvisibleto them.Weareattached,asit were,bygracetothesilver powerpole.SisterIriniis standingwithherbacktothe road,alongsideAnniewhois leaningatanangleagainstthe pole,patientlywaiting.Weare oblivioustothosearoundus, whenayoungmanstepsoutof thecrowdandapproaches SisterIrini.Hepointstothe smallwoodencrossshewears

aroundherneck,oneshemade fromthemonastery’solive woodinthelikenessoftheone amonkinEgyptgaveher,which shegiftedtoaretreatant.The youngmanasks,

‘Whatdoesthiscrossmeanto you?’

StepSix-engaging Jesussaidtoher,‘Everyonewho drinksofthiswaterwillbe thirstyagain,butwhoeverdrinks ofthewaterthatIwillgivehim willneverbethirstyagain.The waterthatIwillgivehimwill becomeinhimaspringofwater wellinguptoeternallife.’The womansaidtohim,‘Sir,giveme thiswater’.

John4:13-15

SisterIrinilooksattheyoung man,probablyinhisearly twenties,withakindlylove.She engagesherown theosismind, discernsthatGodismovingin himandnotesthefellow’sgood intention.Atthesametime, Anniehasstraightenedupand movesalittleawayfromthe powerpoletolistentothe engagement.SisterIrinibegins tospeakwiththemanaboutthe crossofChrist.Shetalksina waythatisdisarming,inclusive andspirituallyuplifting.She noticesthatherresponseis pleasingtotheyoungman:God inhimisengaginghimand liftinghisinquiryupfromthe materialintothesacredlevel

PriorRobreadinganhourlyscriptureforHolyPaschaweekatSt.VerenaandSt.BishoyCopticOrthodoxChurchonLaTrobe Street,Melbourne,theplacewheresomeyearsearlierhemetPopeTawadrosIIwhoconsecratedthealtars.

whereGodacts.Inoticethat Annietooisenthralled.Godin heriselevatinghermindand spirituality.‘ThecrossofJesus ismanythingstome,andI’llsay moreaboutthat,butplease, whatdoesitmeantoyou?’ SisterIriniasksthemanwho hasbeguntosofteninhimself. Christispresent.

Herespondsthatitmeans ‘Jesus’tohim.Shesmilesand nodsknowingly.SisterIrini mentionsOrthodoxy,andthe monasticlife.ThroughGod’s mind,sheknowshetoois Orthodoxbutthatheis spirituallyhungry.Toconfirm, sheaskshim,‘WhatChurch?’

Themanthinksshemeanswhat physicalchurchdoeshegoto. Heresponds,

‘Idon’tgotochurch.Notreally.’ Heshiftsuncomfortably.‘Igoto ameetinginahousewhereone guypreaches.’

‘Christian?’

‘Yes,I‘mChristian.Ihavebeen baptised.Myparentsare Assyrian.’

Thereitis.Ameetingplace. ChristandOrthodoxy.

Heacknowledgesmycomment whenIsaythatheandhis family,beingAssyrian Christians,wouldhailfroma goodspiritualbackground.I knowseveralAssyriansfrom Iran,Persia.

‘Theiroldwaysarenotforme, though.They’reOrthodox.Itjust seemssooutoftouch.’

Ibegintospeakwiththeyoung manintermsofhiscareer, askingifhehasatradethathe worksat.

‘No.ButIthinkIwouldenjoy havingatrade.’

‘Youknowsomethingabout tradespeople,’Isay.‘Theystart outlearningfromtheir apprenticeshipmaster.Thenat somepointtheygooutontheir own.Whentheydothatthereis onethingthatcomesupon them.’

Helooksatme,unabletoguess whatthatthingmightbe.‘When theyneedtoputbreadontheir tablebecausetheyare responsiblefortheirlovingwife whoisthemotheroftheir children,theybecomemuch morematureinthewaythat theyconducttheirtrade.They don’twantdisturbances.They don’twantthingstogowrong. Theywanttodothebestthing fortheircustomer.It’sdoing thingswellthatbringsbreadto theirtable.’

Hethinksaboutthatandagrees.

‘Yourparentsandgrandparents fromAssyriaarematurenow,’I suggest.‘Theywereoncelike you.Young.Inquisitive.Onthe adventureoflife.AsChristians, theywereprobablyverygladto getoutofIranandmakeanew lifehereinAustralia.’

‘That’sright,yes.’Hisreplyis urgent.Hehasmoretosay.‘But Iliketheborn-again Christianity.Itismodern.’

‘ThewalkwithJesushaslevels toit,’Isuggest.‘Wearefirst bornagain.Wegrowinourlove forJesusandhisways.Laterin lifewemature.Wedon’twant therestlessyearswithallthe excitement.Wewantstability, calmness,thepeaceofGod. Perhapsthisislikeyourparents andyourgrandparentstoday. Thiswillbehowitisforyou whenyouareolder.’

Theyoungmannodshisheadin agreement.HelooksatSister Irini.‘Sothereissomethingto theOrthodoxfaith,then?’

‘Yes’,shereplies.‘Andlaterin life,perhapsyouwillreturnto yourparents’andgrandparents’ faith.’GodinSisterIrinipermits hertoknowthistobetrue.

‘Perhaps’,hesmiles.

StepSeven-Godmoves

ThenJesussaidtoher,“Owoman, yourfaithisgreat; itshallbe doneforyouasyouwish.”And herdaughterwashealedatonce.

Matthew15:28

Suddenly,myattentionshiftsto ahomelesswomanwhohas comeupFlindersLane.She reachesSwanstonStreetjust yardsfromwherewefourare standinginGod’sbubble.She pushesasupermarkettrolley packedtooverflowingwithher worldlypossessions.Sleeping bedroll.Clothes.Toiletries. Cutlery.Crockery.Probablya billyforboilingwaterfortea. Maybesmallpacketsoffoodand sugar.Thekindsofthings peopletakewhentheygo camping.Perhapsatoyortwo forentertainment.It’salifestyle.

Thelightsturngreenfor pedestrians.Thewomanis boweddownassheputsher wholeweightintothetrolley andheavesitontotheroadto crosstotheotherside.Thereis aslightinclineleadingupto wherethebigcathedralstands, surroundedbyrichgreengrass.

Thewomanispartwayontothe crossing.Shedoesn’tseeasmall cushionfalloutofherheavyladentrolly.Itbounceson SwanstonStreetthencomesto rest.Ilookatit.Then,forasplit second,Inoticethepassers-by. Noonehelps.Peoplestepatad moredistantastheygoby.They callitcourtesy,givingthe womanallthespacesheneeds, butitisapprehension.The womanis homeless. Tomany, sheisuntouchable.Iknow better.Inaflash,Iboundoverto

thatorphanedpillowandscoop itup.InanothermomentIam passingittothewoman,gently placingitonthetopofhersmall mountainofpossessions.

‘Thisfelloffyourcart,dear.’She isagedaboutforty-something, blonde,pretty,weathered,aged bythehardnessofthelife,wary ofanyonegettingtoocloseto herstuff.Iknowthefeeling.

Shegivesmeaquickglimpse andamumble.‘Thanks.’Notime tostopandchatforshemust crossthewidestreetwhilethe walkingpersonisgreen.With onehandshetucksthecushion intoplacewhileshesteersthe trolly.Alliswellnow.ThenIam movedbytheloveofGod.

SisterIriniandIcarryapurseof coinstogivetobeggars.Bythen wehavegivenmostofthem alreadytopavementdwellers wemetearlier.Iknowthereare afewdollarsleftinthepurse.I handhertheweightylittleblack leatherthing,allzippedup.It �itscomfortablyinyourhand; somethingshewillprobably treasureforanagetocome.

‘Here’ssomethingforyour dinnerlateron.’

Shewelcomesitwiththe faintestofsmiles.Holdsthe purseinonehand.Itmeans somethingtoher,thiskindness, butsheisintentongettingto

theothersideoftheroad,and sheisbarelyhalfwayacross.

‘Thankyou.Thankyou.’

SisterIrini,followedbyAnnie, hasalsoleapttoassistthe woman.Sheadjuststhepillow onthepileasitwobbleswith thetrolleymovement.Annie putsherhandsuptostopthe traf�icincasethelightschange.

‘Doyouneedhelptopush?’ SisterIriniasks.

‘No,no,thankyouthough.’The womanseemssurprisedbyall thekindness.Godhasrevealed friendship,andaskedtobe receivedinfriendshipbyher. Weregroupasthewoman reachestheothersidesafely. TheyoungAssyrianhaswaited. SisterIriniseesthechangein ourAssyrianfriend’sface.Heis astonished.Utterlydisarmed. Godistouchinghisheart.Heis awake.Whatheseesisthe livingGospelinaction.‘Thisis God’scharity!ThisisGod’s lovingcareforpeople!Thisis whatIwantformylifetoo!’

Ourtimeofconversationcomes toanend.

‘Thinkkindlyonyourparents andyourgrandparents.They havealoveforGodthatyou mightnotrecogniseyet,or understand.Butonedayyou

will.Lovethem.Honourthem. Godwillhelpyou.’

Helooksatme.Utterlyatrest. Peace.Certainty.Theosisis gaininggroundinhim.He smilesatSisterIrini.‘Iwill.Isee thatnow.’

AsSisterIriniandIsayour farewellsof‘Godblessyou’,with ourheartswideopenforwe lovehim,hewalksoffsmiling, somehowlighterinstep, headingfortheFlindersStreet Station.Theosishasbeenahelp, toallofus.

‘How’syourhip?’IturntoAnnie whohasn’tsaidawordthe wholetime.

Shemovesherlegaround.‘It’s goodthankyou.’

WestoptolookattheCathedral, StPaul’s,givingthankstoGod forourAssyrianmeeting.We lingerinthatholybubbleGod providedforusuntilwediscern itevaporatinglikeamorning mistwhenthesuntouchesdew. Ipointwithmyglance.‘Let’sgo acrossthelightstotheStation, andonabit,andstandonthe bridgeandlookatthewatersof theYarraRiver.’

Weheadoff.Anniestepsout withnomuscularpainatall. ThankyouJesus,foreverything.

Ihavelongfeltthepullof NewZealand,butnever reallyknewwhy.Imet SisterIriniin2017when shelivedinScotland.Itwasto beasixmonthone-to-one spiritualdirectioncourse. Now,overfiveyearslaterIam blessedtostillcallhermy spiritualdirector.Iwas disappointedwhenshe returnedtoNewZealandin 2019,butslowlyIbeganto dreamaboutvisitingthe monastery.Itwasstrangeto mebecauseIhaveno backgroundinchurchlife, nevermindamonasticone. ButbyGod’sgrace,itfeltlike itwasjusttherightthingfor metodo.

Forovertwoyears,Ihad regularlyattendedtheZoom liturgythemonastery broadcastsofHoly Communion.I’dalsolistened tomanyoftheteachings. Whenitbecamecleartome thatGodwascallingmeto NewZealand,Ibegantalking withPriorRobandSisterIrini abouttryingoutforthe

From Retreatantto Aspirant

ByRev.MoiraHolmes

monastery.Weallagreedthat avisitwasagoodidea. Ihadnoqualmsor apprehensionaboutflyingall thewayfromScotlandonmy own.Godwasdefinitelyinthe arrangements,placingmeon thelastflightnorthfrom Aucklandbeforethecyclone Gabriellehit.Thefirstweek wasastrangeone,withno powerorrunningwater.It wasalsoaverylovelyone, withnoorlittle communicationwiththe outsideworld-preparingme fortheweekstocome?

Igrewupinaworldofsilence, withundiagnoseddeafness,so Ialwayshadmyheadstuckin abook.Thatpartofthe monasticlifecamenaturalto me.Partofmyrecentjourney isrelatestofindingmyvoice, particularlyaroundsinging. Oldchildhoodwoundsrun deep,andthesewere triggeredwithmostofthe liturgybeingsung.Ifound thatIwasabletosingquietly alongwithSisterIrini,which wasprogressforme,butthat

wasnotenough!Iwas challengedtoprojectmyvoice moreandtoevensingsolo. Thatwasveryuncomfortable, andstillscaresme(the singingsolo).Ihavepractised mysingingonmydailywalks, withonlythetreesandbirds aroundtohearme.SlowlyI havegainedinconfidenceand ambeginningtounderstand thatifyouareglorifyingGod withyourvoice,othersaround aremorelikelytohearonly

ReverendMoiraHolmesarrivesin NewZealand

thatmessageandmaynoteven noticethequalityofyourvoice.

SlowlyIbecamemorefamiliar withtherhythmofthe monasteryandhappilyfellinto theroutine.Ifoundmyself sinkingdeeperintotheliturgy andmyrelationshipwithGod. SisterIrinikindlyofferedsome booksformyreadingand,as partofCompline,readingsare givenfromMatthewThePoor andthesereallytouchedmy heartandsoul.

Abouthalfwaythroughmystay, PriorRobprovidedmewitha blackrobe,similartothosethat heandSisterIriniwear.Ifound thisextremelychallengingand initiallyfeltoverwhelmedand vulnerable,withahuge resistancetowearingit.The nextdayIwasvisitingan Anglicanretreatcentrefora coupleofdaysandwassohappy toremovetherobebeforeIleft themonastery.SisterIrini

collectedmefromtheretreat centreandItoldherthe challengeIhadwiththerobe. Sheexplainedtomethe significanceofarobe;asthe garmentthatseparatesa contemplativefromtheworld andtheformerpersonthey wereintheworld;andasa symbolfortheworldto recogniseapersondedicatedto Christ,andtobeupliftedintheir spirituality.SisterIrinithentold methestoryofhowshehad beengivenherrobe.I understoodthenthattherobe offersitselftothemonasticina verypersonalrelationshipof Christiandevotion.

WhenIreturnedtothe monastery,IwastoldIdidn’t needtoweartherobeanymore. Irecognisedthatmychoices,my discomfortsandgrowtharealla partofthediscernmentprocess forareligious.WhenIwasgiven theoptionnottoweartherobeI wassurprisedbymyreaction. Alongwithrelief,Irecognised disappointment.IfeltthatI wantedtoovercomethat challengeandwhenIputthe robebackon,itwasnow strangelycomfortable.Iseemed tobegiventheopportunityto withdrawfromthemonastic processorproceed.Icontinued toweartherobethenbychoice untilmylastday.

IamreturninghometoScotland achangedwoman;more confidentinmylifeasa ChildofGodandlookingto discernwhatGodhasin storeformenow.Mytime atSEASEMhasaffordedme theopportunitytodelve deeperintothemysteryof ChristtheRedeemerand howhefeaturesinmylife.

I’mnowrestingmorein himratherthanlookingto externalsourcesfor validation.Whatevermy futureholds,itwillseeme moreandmoreimmersedin

theloveofGod.PriorRoband SisterIrinihavehelpedopenmy eyesandhearttothiswondrous loveandthereisnogoingback.I realisethatitisnotnecessaryto havebeensteepedinreligionall yourlifetobeabletohearGod’s calling.Igivelovingthanksand gratitudeforthistimeandlook forwardtothedaywhenIwill return.

SincereturningtoScotland, Moirahascommunicatedher desiretoenterSEASEMforthe Aspirantjourney;atimewhen apersonlivesinthemonastery forthreemonths.Itisa discerningtimetoseeifthe personisattractedtoorcalled tothecontemplativelife,ifthey fitwiththecommunityandlike thelife,andifthecommunity findsthemsuitabletojoin.Itis atimeofaskingwhetherGod hassetasidethemonasticlife forthem.Moirawillreturnto SEASEMforthispurposeat Christmas.PleasejoinPrior RobandSisterIriniinpraying forMoira’sjourneyofreligious discernmentasourLordwould wantitsoforherinherservice andowndeificationwalk..

Moiraembracingthemonasticrobe; herewithSisterIrini

MoirapartakingofSEASEM’sfamous homemadepizza-partoflivingthe communitylife.

Moiraputsinthefinalpieceofthe TowerofBabeljigsaw...(Genesis 11:1-9)Acontemplativetoolfor monasteryretreatants

SowingSeedWithUs

Theseedthatyousow withSEASEMfor God’sworksisfruitful becauseyourfaithisstrongin thesowing.Wepraythatby readingthismagazineandby engagingwiththemonastery yourself,youcanseehowrichly yourseedisplantedhereat SEASEM,andwhatGodisdoing inthemonasteryitselfaswellas inthecommunity,bothlocal andglobal,throughSEASEMand yourPartnership.

Weknowandtrust thatyougivethe amountof financialseed,prayer,time,gifts thatGodtellsyoutogiveinyour tithingordonationstothe monastery.

GOD’SSTOREHOUSEPROMISE

Youcanexpecttoreceiveyour offeringmultipliedbacktoyou basedonGod’sscriptural promises.Andweseethistime andtimeagain.

Whenwegivetheexactamount Godtellsusto,andwhenwe expectamultipliedreturnon ourseed,weenterinto partneringasanactofworship. Wepartnerandworshipin unionwithGodthroughthe veryactofgiving.

Wheneveryougivetothe monasterywecelebrateour faithpartnershipwithyou,and thatGod’spromiseisaspiritual strengthforyourneedsandfor

journeyintounionwithGod:

Bringthefulltitheintothe storehouse,thattheremaybe foodinmyhouse. (Malachi3:10a)

Aswereceiveseedwealsoful�il God’spromisebyalwaystithing onourharvest;whether throughprayer,teachings, mentoring,gifts,foodor �inancialseedtothosewho spirituallyfeedusthroughtheir Godlyworks.

TheirworksareGod’s storehouse,justasourworks areGod’sstorehouseforother peoplewhospirituallyfeedoff God’sworkthroughus.

Andtherebyputmetothe test,saystheLordofhosts,ifI willnotopenthewindowsof heavenforyouandpour downforyouablessinguntil thereisnomoreneed. (Malachi 3:10b)

TheLordful�ilsthispartofhis promisewiththeguaranteeof meetingyourneedsthrough yourfaithbyhisblessing.He doesthisforeveryone.Andin allofthis,wearetrulyblessed andgivethanksthatyouare withus-partneringand plantingseedwithus,evenas wearehandsinthedirt,�illing God’sstorehouse.

INNEWZEALAND

DonateorTitheto: SFFJTRUST ANZBANK AccountNumber 06-0350-0842697-00

INTERNATIONAL WISEisafast andcost-effectivewayto sowyourfinancialseed withSEASEMbysending moneyabroad.

DownloadtheWiseApp, signinwithyourbank accountorcard,click ‘Send’andadd

SFFJTRUST AccountNumber

06-0350-0842697-00

PAYPAL

DonateorTitheto: donation@seasem.org

SEASEMisaregistered charityinNewZealand. Foryourtaxpurposes,NZ CharityNo.CC56492

WhereOurTitheGoes

Everyseedthatwesowat themonastery,wesow 10%intothoseprojects andpeoplewhoarespiritually feedingusorwhoseworksor ministryupholdsusandour commissionwithGod.

SUPPORTOFDESERTMONKS

ondonationstoproducethese works:StMacariusMonasteryis thesourceofallourbooksand teachingsofFr.Mattael Meskeen,MatthewthePoor. AbuSeifeinConvent,whichwas themainresidenceofTamav Iriniandwhichproducesher collectedworksandstoriesthat spirituallyblessus.

NEWCONTEMPLATIVE COMMUNITIES

TheyknowthatthisistheLord’s blessing.

GARDENVEGETABLES

Themonasteryhasitsprimary spiritualconnectionwiththe desertspiritualityofthe Orthodoxtradition.Wehave closefriendsdwellingincaves, ofteninperilousconditionsin EgyptintheWadyelRyyan desert.Thesemonkscontinueto hostusandourfriendsand ministerswhovisitEgyptto stayinthemonasteries.Most recently,togreateffort,some ensuredournewrobeswere madeandgivenintohandsto reachus.Aportionofourseed goestothesemonkswhowould otherwisehavefewmeansof carvingoutormaintainingtheir caves.

SUPPORTOFMONASTERY LIVINGAND LITERATURE PRODUCTION

Wedrawonavastrangeof writingsfromtheOrthodox traditionforourownspiritual growthandfortheteachingswe passontoyou.Aportionofour tithegoestotheEgyptian monasteriesthatsolelyrely

Throughourinternational contactswehearofnew contemplativeandmonastic communities.Aspartofour commissiontoadvanceFather fusionweprayerfullytitheinto these.Anexampleisanew contemplativeorderoutofthe EpisocpalChurch.

EASTERSUPPORT

Closertohome,eachyearwe contributetotheneedsof severalindividualsorfamilies whoarestrugglingtoprovide forthemselves.Insowinginto thespiritofresurrectionand renewalofthetime,ourtithefor theseasonisgivenwiththe ChristianmessageofEaster.

FAMILYCHRISTMASFUND

Wealsogiveaportionofour financialdonationstoafamilyin needatChristmas.Hokianga Healthstaffhelptofacilitatethe donationwemakethatenablesa Christianfamilytogather,eat togetherandgiftgivewherethey otherwisewouldnotbeableto.

Yourfinancialseedhelpsto keep,grow,maintainand beautifythemonasteryforthe monasticcommunityandforall themanymembersofthe public,internationalretreatants andourcongregationandlocal communitywhopartakeof God’sblessingandworks herein.Someofyourfaith generosityliterallygrowsseed inthegroundhereorfeedsthe poultrysowecanhelpfeedthe needy.Thisyeargonewe donatedover500kilosof vegetablestoindividualsand families,alongwithscoresof dozensoffreerangeeggs.

MINISTRYWORKS

Duringtheyearthelocaland globalministriesthatweare associatedwithorknowabout becauseofourownsupportof theirworks,mightbepraying forseedforaproject,a missionorapracticalelement ofotherworksinChrist.AsGod willsus,wesowintotheir works,knowingtheLordwill markoutgoodsoilforastrong growthandharvest,enriching livesandtheBodyofChrist.

ItisbythegraceofGodthatwe receiveyourseedandthatwein turn,byfaith,sowintothose placesGodpointstothrough ourprayer.Thankyoufor helpingusspreadtheWordof God,tosharethelifeand ministryofthemonastery,and tohelpsomanyinneed.