On visiting monastic communities (08/29/04)

On visiting monastic communities

Most visitors to the Holy Dormition Monastery at Univ are locals, though foreigners do occasionally appear. Tourist buses from Lviv stop for brief look-arounds. But so far the summer session has been available only to select laity from Ukraine. That is probably all that the community can accommodate, and not only in practical terms. An influx of enlightenment-seeking Westerners could seriously disrupt the contemplative atmosphere and the monks' careful balance of work, rest and prayer. Differences in language, culture and standards of conduct could be disruptive.

There are, however, some innovative, English-speaking Byzantine-rite monastic communities in the United States that are open to contact and communion with the laity. One is Holy Transfiguration Monastery (also known as the Monks of Mount Tabor) in the mountains of northern California about three hours' drive north of San Francisco (P. O. Box 217, Redwood Valley, CA 95470-0217). Located in an area reminiscent of the Carpathian Mountains and built in the rustic Carpathian style, the monastery was founded by the Belgian Archimandrite Boniface Luykx.

A new branch of this community is Holy Transfiguration Skete at Eagle Harbor, on the shore of Lake Superior on Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. With the newly built wooden Monastic Church of St. John the Theologian, the community is seeking to create a center of worship, theological research and music. Local people attend Sunday liturgies, and faithful come occasionally for retreats. While isolated, the center welcomes visitors. Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis, Toronto and Winnipeg are all within a one- or two-day drive. (See John Fedynsky, "Byzantine Rite monks, part of Ukrainian Catholic Church in U.S., ready to dedicate monastery," The Ukrainian Weekly, August 17, 2003). The monks welcome visitors to their services (telephone: 707-485-8959).

- Andrew Sorokowski

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