GOOD FINDS
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BY MELISSA MENDONCA
Photo courtesy of Hieromonk Innocent
eat, work, love.
M A N T O N ’ S M O N A S T E R Y O F S T. J O H N TUCKED AWAY on 42 acres of Ponderosa pine trees in Manton is the Monastery of St. John, a foundation of prayer, work and love for the Eastern Orthodox Christian monks who call it home, and a place of retreat and renewal for those who visit. Founded in 2006 when the monks outgrew their original home at Point Reyes Station in Marin County, the Manton location was chosen after an extensive search that went beyond California. “We made the decision fairly quickly as soon as it was discovered,” says Hieromonk Innocent, the monastery’s Superior. “We had grown to about eight members at the time. After moving here, even more people came.” Manton offered land that could be developed with a church, and a milder climate for those who fared poorly on the coast. The bells ring early at the Monastery of St. John, calling the monks to prayer at 5:55am. They move through a schedule of private and group contemplation that includes chanting, reading, singing and work designed to move them closer to God. “We’re finding our salvation,” says Innocent. “What that means is that we know that we are far from God and we realize that something has to change. We need to be transformed.” The spiritual tradition the monks follow was established in the fourth century by St. Pachomius and St. Basil.4 continued on page 52 AUGUST 2020
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