Last Saturday I headed out by train to Geelong [a city about 75km south-west of Melbourne], and then a short trip by taxi to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Gorgoepikoos (“She who is Quick to Hear”), up on a hill overlooking Geelong, where I was not only attending Matins and a Divine Liturgy, but also [...]
Heading down to Melbourne tonight until Sunday morning.
[I received a free flight when I bought a shaver late last year: given it is "free" I am leaving rather late tonight and coming home Sunday morning: but I am not complaining -- free is free!]
Seeing Wicked tomorrow [Friday] night; meeting a friend at the The Holy [...]
A beautiful sunny Sydney winter day: and what better way to spend it than outdoors!
Before heading to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, I headed up to Sydney’s north-west to the small town of Arcadia, home to a Benedictine Monastery. I did not attend Mass in the monastery [I thought it would take me longer than [...]
Back to the Georgian holiday: and, again, wonderful memories come flooding back. Add to the joy of happy memories that I also get to see “the bigger picture” of life, and it is all somewhat of a help as life enters another bumpy stage.
New Shuamta Convent was our stop after Alaverdi Cathedral [which I [...]
While Davit Gareji was the most challenging and inspirational monastery visited for me, that is not to suggest the others had no impact on me: for they did. I will split the other monasteries visited into several posts and try and be brief for the sake of the sanity of any readers. If [...]
Founded by St Davit [one of the thirteen Assyrian Fathers who travelled to Georgia in the 6th century], with his disciples Ss Dodo and Lukiane, the Davit Gareji monastery complex [click here for a map of all the monasteries: we visited Lavra and Udabno] was, for me, one of the most moving parts of the [...]
A brief update on my second-last day in Tbilisi. A lot more to come when I get back to Oz.
It has been wonderful: far better than I could’ve hoped. Three wonderful tour leaders, eight inspiring fellow travellers, and a great driver. I feel blessed to have been here; thanks especially to John [...]
Well, in 34 hours at least [not that I am counting].
Final day at work today for 3 weeks: it has been a busy week, a frustrating week [see below]: but I think I am at a place where I can leave with some confidence I have done all that is required and have [...]
…he watches the stars and by them he steers his ship, using them to direct him to harbor.
But a monk watches prayer because it sets him on the right course, directing him to that harbor towards which his way of life should lead.
A monk gazes at prayer at all times so that it may show [...]
Initial ramblings here.
Thank to all for your kind comments and the wisdom of your experience. Jennifer’s [hello, and welcome!] comments on her finding herself pregnant [probably unlikely for me ] echo what a friend told me yesterday as he drove me to Brisbane airport — look into it, and doors may open [...]