This week I had the privilege of driving to the Holy Archangels Monastery and having a private consultation with the head of the Monastery, the Abbot, Father Dositheos. We chatted for a time about current affairs. I was surprised by his ability and awareness of the world’s issues, as they are a quiet order of praying monks who I do not think to leave their grounds.
We spoke of my concerns for my daughter, and he confirmed signs I didn’t realize were associated with this (demonic) condition. He also talked about this kind of occupation and the push back from those who lay claim to the person if they have been successfully moved out and then a short time later move back in.
My daughter is having many of the signs of these issues. This was interesting to confirm, and an intention to help us was set by this group of Praying Greek Orthodox Monks. I will return with her tomorrow morning for blessings and prayers. His ideas are simple, have her wear a cross, if not a necklace, then a tea shirt with a cross on it. I did find some cross earrings I’ve ordered. I am guessing she will enjoy the earrings. He also gave me a rope prayer rosary, two prayer books, a book about a pilgrim searching for how to pray, and holy water to sprinkle on her head. I also received as a gift three icons of the archangels, one for my purse, one for my room, and one for Adelia’s room.
He didn’t know if their skills and spiritual tools could help, but they are willing to try.
Going into the Monastery was interesting, like going into a kingdom of a kind, silent, where I only saw a gardener making his way across the grounds; the monks seemed to be in the chapel. This was confirmed where at one point, the door of the building I was in and the chapel door must have opened at the same moment. I heard the great sound of male voices chanting in unison for the love of Christ and His glorious mercy.
Honored to experience a blessing at the completion of our visit, I was asked to come behind the wall we had spoken through, shown to kneel next to the Abbott. He showed me a special stole, one meant for this kind of blessing. He placed the part for his neck over his head where it rested on his broad shoulders, then covered my crown chakra with the vestments. As the Father prayed for Adelia and me, an energetic light began to shoot out the top of my head. In response, Abbott moved his hands to the side in surprise, continued to pray for us both in the ancient language, and at the end using English for my benefit.
Another surprise to the visit, the Abbott himself has a cell number! It’s true, he gave it to me and asked for my cell and our names. I texted him our names and received a lovely icon of Lord Jesus, one hand raised in blessing while the other showing scripture, perhaps a bible or prayer book.
I love learning about the gifts of God and how they are poured out into His beloved servants. There was a great deal of compassion and love in this place and in the eyes and hearts of those in this space following the monastic path.
I had, at age 46, struggled with a decision of whether to continue my work in the world or to join the Convent – Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in San Francisco. I had already been approved; despite my baptism in a Lutheran church, The Reverend Mother asked me to decide soon. She was what appeared and an ancient woman shrunken from time, ready to pray, serve and love those who came to her. At that point, God stopped this idea in me; the work I was called to do was fully in the world, not behind cloistered doors.
I thank God for the many ways we can love, adore, worship, and interact with ‘Him’ the angels, and all the holy ones. We are so blessed to live in this time, where we can choose who we are and how we feel most deeply connected with God. It is as if God has made it incredibly easy to find ways to let His love in, connect with Him, and have a personal relationship with Him. We are incredibly blessed.
