The Shepherd, October 2007
BUILDING PROGRESS
THE NEW MONASTIC HOUSE, designed by architect Irina Aldersley, is now practically finished, except for dealing with a few minor things and dealing with the inevitable snags. The majority of the work on the “hard” landscaping around the house has also been completed, and so we will now need to work on the sowing and the planting. Already we have started cultivating the new kitchen garden. As we go to press, we are hoping the builders will now begin the necessary work for the refurbishment of the Old Mortuary Chapel, which is the second phase of our complete project and will provide us with better facilities for the parish, an exhibition room, disabled toilets and guest rooms for over-night guests.
ONLY £15,000 TO MEET TARGET!
WE HAVE NOW raised just over £635,000, and so are only £15,000 short of our target figure of £650,000. Of course not all this money is yet in the kitty. Some is pledged and yet to come in, but we have only counted formal, written pledges, and so far, we are glad to say, most people have been honourable enough to met their commitment without defaulting. Indeed, some have been kind enough to increase their regular contributions. May they all receive the blessing for - to paraphrase the Psalmist - making their vows and paying them to the Lord. With various necessary modifications to original plans, we have run about £15,000 over our original estimate for the new house, and more extensive damp damage has been found in the Old Mortuary building than had been anticipated, so it may be that we will find that we may need to re-adjust our target figure. The urgency of the third phase of our project has become more and more apparent during the wet Summer we have just experienced, so we ask you to continue your support. At this stage we are simply not sure what the exact final cost will be, but we ask you to help us by continuing to support the appeal as generously as you possibly can. Any “extra” received now will be held for the re-roofing of Saint Edward’s Church.
OTHER THINGS
FATHER Hierodeacon Sabbas flew to Athens on Friday 28th September (n.s.) to spend a week at the Sacred Monastery of Saints Cyprian and Justina. Having converted to Orthodoxy in this country and joined our brotherhood shortly after his Baptism, he has hitherto never had the opportunity to witness the Orthodox monastic life as it is in a regularly constituted monastery, living within the context of a culture shaped by Orthodoxy.
On Tuesday 25th September (n.s.), while we were at morning service, a freak storm hit the area. The local papers spoke of a “twister.” We had to rush round the church deploying basins, buckets and towels, and sadly the beautiful Copper Beech tree which stood over against our property was split in two.
Through the good offices of Richard Dexter, the Fleet Parish Magazine this month carried a short description of the Liturgy and the Blessing of the New Monastic House by Bishop Ambrose. Mr Dexter came with Mrs Faith Meyrick, who has several times visted our community and is the sister-in-law of the late Archimandrite David of the Brotherhood of St Seraphim of Sarov in Little Walsingham.
PRACTICAL TIP
AS THE PRESENT WRITER knows well enough - (on Holy Cross Day the journey back from the Convent which usually takes about 90 minutes in the middle of the day, took about four and a half hours because of traffic conditions!) - in this day and age, it can be very difficult to be punctual. However, one should always try to be on time for the Divine services. There is a significant difference between making every effort to be on time and then arriving late because of extraordinary or un-foreseen circumstances, and simply being casual about coming in late. Some people seem to think that it is acceptable to come late and then even to approach to receive Holy Communion. Some even plan to arrive late! How many times does a priest have to answer the query, “When does the service end?” Such carelessness with regard to your Church commitment is already sinful. Would you plan to turn up for an appointment, an interview, or even a social engagement late? It would be rude, inconsiderate, and probably not to your advantage. Then why do you treat God will less concern that you would a friend, a colleague or someone offering you their professional services? If, by some mischance, you do arrive late, be considerate of the people already gathered in church. Do not distract them by parading round the church venerating icons at particularly solemn moments in the service, by making a fuss about getting “your place” in church, or by greeting everyone around as if you were entering as a celebrity rather than as a sinner. Simply stand near the back and try to cause as little disruption as possible. Certainly without explaining why you were late to the priest and obtaining a blessing, do not approach to receive the Holy Mysteries but simply postpone that to another day, when you will be able to prepare more thoroughly.
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