New Skete Newsletter 2012 Winter

From the Monastic Communities of

new skete

No. 20 Winter 2012

Mission: New Skete is a monastic community of men and women rooted in the tradition of the Christian East.

Through prayer, worship, and the work of our hands, we seek to respond to the mystery of God and the Gospel’s power to transform human living.

Welcoming all, we seek to bridge the old with the new and to witness to the sacredness of all creation.

INSIDE: Book review /3 Training Tips /7 Monastics Q&A /8

We managed to get a photo of our recent Jubilarians, Sister Rebecca, Brother John, Sister Cecelia and Brother Peter, who have celebrated 50 years of monastic life.

Reflections on the Pilgrimage what was going on at church that weekend. Each year brings or the past several years, familiar faces, new visitors, and the Saturday after old friends and offers Transfiguration and I do believe those everyone an opportunity the prep days leading to experience a day of who come, for up to it have been devoted quiet reflection, spiritual to our annual Pilgrimage whatever reason, uplifting, or simply a hike at New Skete. I’ve missed leave a little along a forest trail or time only one Pilgrimage, richer from the with puppies and dogs. when we took our older For me, the pilgrimage son to Notre Dame two experience. is more the former, even years ago to begin his in the busyness of the day. After doctoral work in Philosophy. It preparations and setup have been felt strange not to be a part of completed, being able to begin

By Nadia Christy

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more inside: Amira (a little song) /4 The Right Place at the Right Time /5 ‘I Love It Here!’ /6 From the Nuns’ Garden /10 Confessions of a Reluctant Traveler/Fundraiser /11 Advancement and Stewardship /13 From Marketing and Communications /14 Volunteer Profile; Scholarship recipient /15 Recipe; Fr. Toon /16 Community News /17 Prayer Upon Leaving New Skete /22 Calendar of Events /23 SERVICES: All of our church services are open to the public.

DIVINE LITURGY Sunday 10 AM preceded by Matins in Holy Wisdom Temple at the Monks Vespers 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday in Holy Wisdom Temple Weekday Matins 7:15 AM Tuesday through Friday at both the Monks and the Nuns Saturday Matins 8 AM in Holy Wisdom Temple

b o o k rev i ew

A Life Together

The annual Pilgrimage begins with Divine Liturgy.

the day with Divine Liturgy reminds me why we are ultimately there—to share in communion with each other throughout the day and in the Eucharist with Christ, as we continue to celebrate his wondrous Transfiguration.

The theme for this year’s Pilgrimage brought this to light even more, and I was thankful to enjoy the lecture by the keynote speaker, Kyriaki Karidoyanes FitzGerald, rather than remain on the food serving line. It was a pleasure to listen to her speak about Persons in Communion: A Theology of Authentic Relationships. In a nutshell she summed it all up beautifully for me with one phrase, an African proverb that says, “I am because you are; because we are, I am.” I have kept this with me each day since, and wonder at my relationships each day with my family, my friends, my coworkers, the children I teach and their parents, and anyone who crosses my path on any given day. Being more acutely aware that I am who I am in part because of that person in front of me, remembering that in that person is Christ, is, hopefully, helping me to be a better person for that other person.

The Pilgrimage is a wonderful day in so many ways. I do believe those who come, for whatever reason, leave a little richer from the experience. As for me, that extends to whether I’m in the serving line or attending the talks.

The day is one of fulfillment and joy, simply because we are in communion with one another, sharing such a special time together. n

CONTACT US: Monks of New Skete PO Box 128 Cambridge NY 12816 Tel: 518-677-3928 Email: monks@newskete.org

Nuns of New Skete 343 Ash Grove Road Cambridge NY 12816 Tel: 518-677-3810 Email: nuns@newskete.org

Companions of New Skete PO Box 189 Cambridge NY 12816 Tel: 518-677-8863 Email: companions@newskete.org

Please visit our three New Skete Communities at www.newskete.org Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

Wisdom of Community from the Christian East Bishop Seraphim Sigrist

by brother christopher

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rdinarily when one thinks of Eastern Orthodoxy the mind spontaneously moves toward the tradition of prayer and inner life so eloquently described in works such as the Philokalia, The Way of the Pilgrim, and even those of the contemporary writer Metropolitan Anthony Bloom.

This movement is altogether understandable, since so many believers, both Christian and non-Christian alike, continue to find spiritual wisdom, deep inspiration, and encouragement from these and other similar sources.

Orthodoxy is valued for its insight into mysticism and union with God, but its influence on a popular level seems to pretty much stop there. Certainly, if one considers the word “community,” few people would expect the Christian East to have anything distinctive or challenging to say to today’s church.

And they would be wrong. Orthodoxy and the Christian East have a rich tradition of reflection on this topic, which most Christians are unaware of, particularly through the notion of sobornost—the way the East understands catholicity and universality and how this can affect daily life on a practical level.

But it needs to be unpacked. It was thus with

real joy that I read our friend Bishop Seraphim’s new book, A Life Together: Wisdom of Community from the Christian East. What makes this book so distinctive and unique is that it doesn’t simply dish out Orthodox fare through a megaphone, but uses the tradition to engage and dialogue with wisdom he finds everywhere. The book has the tone of a meditation, a conversation between friends, and the author never comes across as pompous or one-dimensional. There is a sense of openness and wonder that acknowledges that postPentecost Christianity is not a Brother static reality, but a new world to Christopher be continually explored. What we have all thought the church to be turns out to be something much more elusive and mysterious, to be discovered anew. Such a discovery will invariably cause us to reflect on the meaning of real community and unity, in both church and world.

There is little doubt about the urgency of serious reflection on these realities. In this age of globalization, if we cannot live together on this planet with tolerance and compassion we shall surely perish. Perish.

Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

In such a context does the ideal of a human spiritual unity, sobornost, take on vital relevance. Sobornost is more than a word; it is an ideal of unity expressed in a conciliar way, in a coming together in love in community.

The importance of the word gained increased significance in Russia with the Slavophil movement, which saw it as a “middle way for humans between the loss of the personal either in collectivism or in alienated individualism. They found in it a model of an ideal communal life” (p.35), a vision of the whole world becoming unified under the impulse of the Spirit. Freedom is paramount here, and out of its dynamism sobornost is a task for us to realize in ever deeper ways.

Bishop Seraphim exIt is contemplative plores the way sobornost relates to Jesus’ teaching in scope but quite and why it is central to accessible, and it has the Gospel. He shows that it is not simply a the virtue of packing concept originating out deep thought in short of Russian philosophy, but one that is apparent paragraphs. in the graced period of the early church, which Russian thought later aspired to. Indeed, sobornost is at the heart of true life itself.

It reflects a deeper communion of love that we can experience even now, albeit in an imperfect way, and he points to modern examples of community that reflect this vision.

He is also realistic on broader levels: simply because the ideal hasn’t been realized fully in no way suggests that the effort is futile, and he is suggestive in exploring the interrelationship of sobornost and ecumenism realized in love and friendship. There is irony in the fact that the pluralistic world we live in actually promotes a vitality in Christianity.

This is a delightful book that one can return to easily and profitably. It is contemplative in scope but quite accessible, and it has the virtue of packing deep thought in short paragraphs. As a result, it is ideal for daily meditation. But plan to savor the book slowly. The vision of community it promotes is worth all the possible connections. n Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

Amira

(to the music of “Maria” from West Side Story) Amira I’ve just met a pup named Amira And suddenly I’ve found, How frustrating that sound can be!

Amira Say it soft and she pays no attention Say it loud and she’s off in the opposite direction Amira I’ll never stop calling Amira!

Come! Sit! Stay!

(Apologies to Leonard Bernstein)

Sister Melanie

The Right Place at the Right Time

beautiful lawn watering Melanie’s many plants when Sister Melanie lost her balance e have visited the Monastery and fell, breaking her femur. She was imannually for many years. Usually mediately taken by ambulance to the hospital we have tried to visit in the spring in Bennington, Vermont. After the operation or fall to avoid the hot or cold to fix her leg, she spent the rest of our time at weather. Believe it or not, in the summer it New Skete in the hospital. usually is as hot in the New Skete Despite being wheelchair bound, For some reason, area of New York as it is in Opelika, her husband, Brother Stephen, spent our town in Alabama. something told us that every day with her at the hospiEarly this year we began conwe should visit then. It tal. We stayed at Emmaus House sidering a date for a visit to New with Sister Brigid to maintain the Skete. We settled on July, although was a good thing that household. Although quite elderly, we knew it would be hot. For some she was able to accompany us to we did, as that was reason, something told us that we services every day. should visit then. It was a good when Sister Melanie During this period, the Monks thing that we did, as that was when would need us. and Nuns commented to us that it Sister Melanie would need us. was fortunate we had been there to We always stay with the Comhelp care for Sister Brigid. Without thinking panions: Brother Stephen and Sisters Melaabout it, we responded that God had sent us. nie and Brigid. The second evening we were We will always believe that it was meant for there, Sister Melanie and Carol were on their us to be there. n

By Bill and Carol Luther

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Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

‘I Love It Here!’

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who’s the boss?

By Raja

i, everyone, my name is Raja. I’m new here in America from Germany; what a great place! I really lucked out. I am black and tan and quite good-looking; I know how to put on the charm for my four-legged and two-legged friends. I’m still working out my place in the New Skete pack; I can be dominant Gregory tries to or submissive, depending on the dog. I think all the chase me, but male canines are very fine, he can’t catch but I have my eye on two me; I have four of them. I’ve never been a mom but I’m ready to legs and he prove that I can be the best. only has two.

What is my day like at New Skete? Well, my master (Brother Gregory) gets me up at 6 a.m. with a quick walk around the water shed. I don’t do well doing my poops in the cement run like most of the dogs; I prefer doing my business on green grass. My master keeps on saying, “Go do poopy! Go do poopy!” What’s the rush? It takes time.

Then there is breakfast in my crate while Gregory gets his coffee. He is a grouch until he has his first cup of coffee. I can hear nice music and bells ringing from the church before I walk with my master to the dog exercise pens. I share my pen with Kahn. We get along just great; we play all day—and he is a hunk. Ruff! We play and play all day long, and I bark at passing dogs just to let them know that I’m the boss. It’s very safe being behind a six-foot chain link fence, so I can bark and tell those other females off, and they can’t touch me. Once Gregory took me to see some tourists who came on a big bus; a lady was eating a ham sandwich, and I ate it right out of her hands. I love people food! I love meeting people who come to the monastery in big buses

Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

Training Tips:

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Raja and Brother Gregory.

because I know that they bring food.

After a tuff day playing with Kahn (Ruff!), it’s dinner in my crate, then a good nap until 6 p.m.. Gregory gets anxious that I might poop or pee in my crate, but I’m a clean doggie. Again, it’s another walk behind the water shed. Gregory tries to chase me, but he can’t catch me; I have four legs and he only has two. I want to keep playing, but he gets out of breath so fast so we have to stop. The best part of the day—or should I say evening—it’s up the stairs to the bedroom, and I can smell the cookies in his hands. Gregory and I have fun; we play in the bedroom with belly rubs and scratches behind the ears. The signal for bedtime is when I get the cookies and some baby talk from Gregory. n

by Brother Christopher

ecently a client came to us to enroll her dog in the training program.

She owned a 2-year-old male Labrador Retriever, who seemed to be a pleasant dog. She had several ordinary hopes for their relationship; for example, she hated the fact that her dog pulled her down the sidewalk when they took walks, and she wanted to be able to walk calmly through her neighborhood and village. She also knew how impossible it was for her to get her dog to come when called when the dog was playing with another dog. The dog would simply ignore her and only return when he was finished playing. She wanted to be able to call her dog back to herself reliably from a distance while the dog was off leash. I nodded, and said that I believed that our program would help her achieve these goals. As we continued with the interview, her dog suddenly jumped up on the couch and went into a down next to her. She patted him and said, “That’s a good boy.” Then she looked at me and asked, “Is it okay that he does this?”

I responded with a question: “On your entry form it says that your dog occasionally growls when he is made to do something he doesn’t want to do. Is that, in fact, the case, and can you give me an example of when he does this?”

“Yes,” she replied. “He can be stubborn.

Sometimes it will be with the dog walker when she is trying to get him out of the crate; at other times it will be me, usually when I’m trying to get him off the couch.”

“I think you have your answer, then.

Part of what your dog experiences is a confusion of leadership, and that can be problematic in a relationship with a dog.

For example, hopping up on your level instead of staying on floor level is a recipe for challenges. Growling may follow if you’re trying to get him off the couch and he isn’t in the mood. If you back off, he’ll be less likely to see himself as having to obey you more generally, and the behavior will become more embedded. One of the purposes of the training program will be to re-orient his perception of you as a benevolent leader that he wants to obey.”

I am often asked about letting both puppies and dogs up on the Do yourself a favor: couch or bed. don’t allow your dog In each case I try to explain that such up on your level practices can lead to in the first place. your dog perceiving itself as being on your level, thus encouraging confusion about who is in the position of leadership. It can also make your dog overly dependent on your presence and can lead to separation anxiety, as your dog will begin to expect that you’ll always be with her. Do yourself a favor: don’t allow your dog up on your level in the first place. Teach your pup a down stay, and work on having him lying next to you for increasing lengths of time. This will implicitly reinforce his perception of you as leader and lay the foundation for a healthy, long-lasting relationship based on mutual trust and respect. n Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

QA

from the Monastics

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Brother marc What drew you to New Skete?

Having been here from the beginnings of New Skete, I can say that I was attracted to pursuing a way of life with a strong community focus and monastic foundation, with the practice of regular prayer, liturgy, work together, and spiritual pursuit, in a setting that is appropriate and supportive for this. I was particularly interested in choral music and chant along with hymnography in the English language, especially at that time, when it was not as widespread as it is now. I felt that here I could best utilize my energy and talents professionally and serve the church and society.

How did God call you to become a monastic?

I had a strong but pretty flexible religious upbringing, which early on gave me the language to express my own desire and the context to hear the challenge and be attracted to this area of life. So I think of it as a strong invitation couched in family support and unique circumstances that opened up for me an unusual array of opportunities in the church. The thought of the priesthood and monastic/religious life colored my school life until seminary theology studies, when I was able to be a part of the beginnings and inspiration of New Skete.

Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

What is your fondest memory of New Skete?

That might be difficult to choose, but some of the more colorful and down-to-earth experiences that are a part of life here stand out for me: seeing our first dairy cow give birth—to twins—out in the pasture, and every whelping of the German Shepherd puppies, helping with their birth.

If you found out for certain there was a heaven and a hell, how would you change your life?

After so many years I have experienced a bit of both in very real ways, so I have little doubt that life is a lot bigger than we can ever imagine. Yet, I still need to make the same decisions to grow and do the right thing as always, because heaven and hell begin and end in yourself. One is dynamic life more abundant; the other is a spiral of destruction. I see this as the call and challenge for us to reach out to each other to help and to be helped.

If you had to name the one most important ingredient of human beauty, what would you say it is?

I am an artist, but even so I feel that listening is the most human, and the most divine, of the attributes of beauty of body and soul. To see or experience deep listening is transforming and attractive and gives meaning to life.

If God were to whisper one thing in your ear, what would you like Him to say?

Who would not like to hear what Isaiah said: “I have called you by name, you are mine.” (43:1) n

sister cecelia What drew you to New Skete?

The reason we (a group of 5 Poor Clare nuns from Evansville, Indiana) visited many years ago was that the monks seemed to have a type of intentional community similar to the one we desired: a small interrelating group of monastics whose lives were centered on prayer rather than social work or pastoral duties. I was impressed with the monks’ reverence during the services, and all the services were sung. When not at the services, the monks seemed like ordinary folk who were exceptionally friendly, hospitable, and at ease. They had started out with very little financial help but had already accomplished a great deal. It gave us hope that we could also do that if God so willed it.

What drew you to painting icons?

New Skete had a preponderance of Brother Seraphim’s icons, which tended toward a rather abstract type of iconography. The darks to lights tended to be extremely differentiated, with little blending. The hands and faces tended to be bizarrely shaped. The perspective was intentionally changed according to iconographic dictates.

I did not care for them!

In the eighth grade I had been given an icon holy card of the Vladimir Theotokos, which I loved. I was delighted to find out where this type of religious painting had come from. Later, in studying the Eastern Rite, I was inspired by many of the Orthodox icons I found. I discovered the reason for the inverted perspective, and it made sense. I started painting icons when told to do so by the abbot, and, ironically, I was given instruction by Brother Seraphim.

Then, when I helped build our monastery

and was working full time outside the monastery for over 3 years, there was no time for icon painting. An iconographer from New York City, Constantine Youssis, was commissioned to beautify our temple with his icons and frescos, and he agreed to teach me as well. For over a year I made the trip to New York City once a month.

Mr. Youssis devoted his whole day, from my arrival at 10 o’clock to 4 or 5 in the afternoon, instructing and critiquing my work. His admonition was to study and copy the masters, and my own style would emerge. It was indeed a challenge!

Icons were not as well known or as popular in 1975 as they are today. Initially, the challenge of producing the icons found me hoping that an angel would come and complete the various commissions.

It never happened! Now, after more than 400 completed icons, I find the challenge enjoyable, rather than being so nervous about whether the recipients will like their icons and find them inspiring.

How did God call you to become a monastic?

As a very young child I always pondered why God had created the world. What was the meaning of life? What was I supposed to do with this life? Did God have a plan? Did a God even exist? In my junior year in high school I read a book by a Trappist monk.

Half way through the book, I was touched during my night prayers by the thought that this was what I had been created to do, how I should live. While I initially was thrilled to have the answer to my prayers, I struggled for 2 years, as I did not want to live such an ascetic, celibate, contemplative, monastic life. I frequently said no but was never at peace until I said yes interiorly. So I became a Poor Clare, reputed to be one of the strictest orders in America.

There have been many ups and downs throughout my life, as is true for most if not all people. Now, after 52 years, here I am, happily living this monastic life. n Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

From the Nuns’ Garden

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By Sister Patricia

t Christmastime I greatly enjoy having bright red poinsettias decorate our church and our monastery. The beauty of it is wondrous! I have tried to save plants from one year to the next so we can have more of them. Before poinsettias can bloom, they need 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness and 4 hours of daylight for 40 days. I have tried putting them in a closet and lifting them out each day, but that process consumes too much time and energy to have ever worked for me.

When we had a large addition to our monastery built some years ago, I acted as the architect to make it possible with our very limited income.

Getting involved so thoroughly was challenging, but also fun. It allowed me to plan the building so that one end of the basement level faced south and could be used as a greenhouse. Now this room, which others rarely use during our long winter nights, lets the sunlight flood the plants during the day 10 Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

and makes it easy to get poinsettias to bloom here in the north.

In early spring I start cutting off any remaining blooms and shorten the stems. It is best to repot the plant with fresh soil and add fertilizer. New growth appears quite soon.

I just feed and water the plants, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings. When all danger of frost is past and the weather is warm, I take them outside and place them on a plastic drop cloth so that the roots stay inside the pots. The only care I give them during these months is checking to see if the rain has Sister supplied the necessary water.

Patricia At the end of August, the night temperature sometimes goes down to 50 degrees, so the poinsettias go back

Before poinsettias can bloom, they need 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness and 4 hours of daylight for 40 days. into our basement greenhouse. As the longer days of darkness come with our winter, the 40 days of long darkness and brief daylight naturally happen. The leaves turn bright red, or white, or pink. Thus we can enjoy many more poinsettias than we can afford to buy. The beauty they add to our Christmas celebrations always lifts our spirits.

Now my problem is….. how many poinsettias should I keep? n

Confessions of a Reluctant Traveler/Fundraiser

by Brother Luke

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hen I joined the monastery in September 1995, I had no idea that I would ever be making trips to visit friends of the community with a view to “building and cultivating relationships.” But when I become Prior of the Monks of New Skete in September 2000, I was disabused of any preconceptions I may have had about my life in community. As we continue to implement our strategic plan, including some adjustments to that plan, at least one aspect has not changed: the important role that “Advancement and Stewardship” will play in our future.

While retooling our businesses, including restructuring both the Dog Training program and the German Shepherd Breeding program, we are also inaugurating new product lines for the fall to go in a new direction in marketing and sales. Our gift shop and guest quarters are now located in the Monks’ residence, a move that has been appreciated by our visitors and attracted more customers. We have welcomed new novices into our community, Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012 11

and we continue through social media and mother exhumed and buried elsewhere if special “seekers’” events to invite others to you aren’t going to survive!” Hearing that, join us. Two “seekers” attended this event I realized I needed to emphasize that the here in October. All of these initiatives are strategic planning and its implementation signs of our confidence in our future and in constitute a sign of our dedication to a viour dedicated way of life, and we hope that able future, not its abandonment. you and our many friends who continue to I heard many stories about New Skete support us share this confidence.

Shepherds, some who had won championBut I am getting ahead of myself. That is ships in obedience competitions, others who briefly what I wanted to say to the friends I were accomplished therapy dogs, and all was scheduled to meet during a trip to Cali- who were loved as family pets, companions, fornia and Texas at the beginning of Octoand protectors in the best sense. Some friends ber. However, on October 1, when I flew out gave valued advice from their own business to San Francisco to begin an eleven-day trip experience on how we might make changes to visit friends of the monastery, in some business practices, and I was concerned not only about followed up in e-mails with what I should say, but also additional ideas and suggested In the end it seemed about how it would be received. contacts. that the best approach Part of the retooling of our I also visited dog parks for businesses was the result of our was to tell it like it is and the first time. It was an eyeassembling better financial data, opener to witness the interacthen listen to our friends’ tions between so many different which revealed that they were not profitable! Some, such as responses, trusting that dogs (and their owners) and to our food businesses, where be proud of how well the New they value who we are and Skete Shepherds behaved. we could no longer compete in today’s market, would need Some of our friends were what we do and will offer to be discontinued and new not New Skete Shepherd constructive suggestions owners but learned about us products inaugurated. Others, the dog training and breeding through our dog training books and reflections. businesses, would need to be or through having their dogs restructured, eliminating some trained by us. Some were hired help, revising the way we did training, friends who grew up attending the monasand rethinking the way we managed the tery church services but now lived far away breeding kennel. How to say this and not while maintaining their connection with us. sound like we’re hanging black crepe paper Since I am a native Angeleno, born in all over the monastery in preparation for our Santa Monica and raised in the San Ferdemise, and yet not minimize the challenges nando Valley, I was also glad I had a couple to the point of misleading people into think- of days over a weekend to visit with my ing that nothing has really changed? brothers and sister, including an afternoon Needless to say, the long flight (and I at the annual craft fair in Manhattan Beach, hate to fly) gave me lots of time to ponder California. I have to admit also that it what I should say. In the end it seemed that was not unpleasant to spend those days in the best approach was to tell it like it is and weather in the 80s and 90s after leaving then listen to our friends’ responses, trusting Cambridge, New York, where the temperathat they value who we are and what we tures were already dipping into the 40s! do and will offer constructive suggestions Thank you to all who graciously received and reflections. And that is what happened. me during my travels. Your friendship, supFriends were sympathetic and supportive. port, and encouragement renew our dedicaOne joked, “Maybe I should have my tion to our life and mission. n 12 Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

Did you know?

not be a cause you are familiar with, but now you have a bit more information and may choose to get more directly involved with XYZ Charity in the future.

Development — Development is the process of educating existing friends, clients, acquaintances, and potential donors about

By Karen Gladstone the organization’s goals. Then, once they Director of Advancement and Stewardship have become more involved, a gift may be ave you ever wondered: what exactly proposed for their consideration along with is “Advancement?” If you think it’s the reasons their donations are needed, such just another word for “fundraising” as the construction of a new building or to or “development”… you may be fund a special program that the organization surprised. has deemed necessary. These benefactors also As you may know, during the past three receive updates and news of projects they conyears the New Skete monastics have been in tribute to as well as other projects in the future. the midst of strategic planning for the future Fundraising is an outcome of Development. of New Skete. One question remained in the Advancement — Advancement is a forefront of their minds: how can we best deliberate, integrated way of nurturing relaserve the people who need us: the spiritual tionships to increase understanding and supseekers, friends, visitors, guests, port among constituents who have and those who don’t yet know us?

How can we best an interest in the organization or a Over the years many people common interest. Advancement on serve the people who behalf of an organization includes have shared their financial blessings with New Skete in the form need us: the spiritual engaging volunteers, advocates, of donations, and it is because and supporters in the mission and seekers, friends, of continued generous gifts like future direction of the organization. those, along with the work of their is a willingness to listen with an visitors, guests, and Itopen hands, that have enabled and will mind and sometimes follow enable the Nuns and Monks to those who don’t yet the advice and guidance of friends continue their mission. Looking and supporters. While fundraising know us? to the future, they considered how is an important outcome, Adbest to coordinate the involvement vancement invites and welcomes and acknowledgement of their donors and people’s ideas directly into the organization in friends, as well as manage future donations a way that is very different from Fundraising and gifts. They needed a way that would best and Development. It invites people to share in align with their mission: fundraising, develthe challenges at hand, be a direct part of the opment, advancement? Is there a difference? solution, and celebrate in the success of goals Fundraising — As the word suggests, achieved. it means raising money for a nonprofit After delving into the nuances of each organization or charity. It’s a great way for method, it seemed clear to the planners here friends of an organization to reach out to that Advancement is the best fit for New others and share a bit about their passion Skete. It seems Advancement is a fancy word for the charity. Example: Your friend says for something that the always kind, hospiI’m participating in a Walk to benefit XYZ table, and gracious New Skete Communities Charity. This is why it’s important to me; have been doing for years…building longwill you make a donation? It may or may reaching, lasting friendships. n

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Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012 13

From Marketing and Communications

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By Ida Williams Director of Marketing and Communication

n a blink of an eye... a year goes by. The holiday season is here again, and the new gift catalog has been completed and sent to the printers. This year the catalog has a new style; it includes stories and photos of the history of the Monks, the Nuns, and their churches.

A plethora of new items is offered this year: the New Skete Shepherds 2013 calendar, new boxed greeting cards featuring both the dogs and the churches, music from Cappella Romana recommended by Brother Luke, German Shepherd plush toys in 3 different sizes, giftware for the dog lover, dog soap made from the milk of sheep from a nearby farm, and wool felted sheep milk soap that is sure to leave your skin smooth and polished.

Fans of the New Skete cheesecake can join the Cheesecake of the Month Club and have automatic shipments made to them or to a gift recipient throughout the year. Club membership comes in 3, 4, 6, or 12 month plans.

On October 4, 2012, New Skete participated in a business development show hosted by four of the surrounding counties’ Economic Development Councils. After the panel presentation, New Skete cheesecake was served to the 200 attendees, and literature promoting the use of the cheesecakes as holiday gifts for employees, customers, and clients was distributed.

Visits to New Skete by groups and individuals saw an increase this past year. Brochures and letters inviting guests to “Visit the Monastery in Our Midst” were distributed to area Chambers of Commerce, visitor centers, senior centers, and lodging establishments. Guests were invited to enjoy the world-famous cheesecake, admire the liturgical art, reflect in the gardens, tour the churches, trek the hiking trail, and browse the gift shop. Visitors are always welcome to join 14 Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

the brothers and sisters for services.

Rain did not dampen the spirits of those who attended the three New Skete annual events.

When the New Skete Open House was held in conjunction with the Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival on June 2nd, the soggy day kept the hot air balloons from leaving the ground, but did not keep the attendees from enjoying church tours given by Brother Stavros, demos of puppy socialization and dog training, tours of the Meditation Garden at Emmaus House, tours of the Nun’s bakery and the Chapel Community’s bake sale at the monastery and cheesecake sale at the evening Taste of Cambridge. Brother Stavros commented that this was the highest-ever attendance at the Open House. The summer Pilgrimage on August 11th saw a light drizzle throughout the day. The woods hike was led by Brother Luke and Carl Patka when our guide, a New York State Forest Ranger, was called away by an emergency, attendees at the Pilgrimage were plentiful and enjoyed the presentation by guest speaker Dr. Kyriaki Karidoyanes FitzGerald, a theologian and licensed psychologist. Dr. Karidoyanes FitzGerald, a noted author and lecturer on Orthodox spirituality, is the founder and coordinator of St. Catherine’s Blessing of the Vision, an association of Animals in celebration Orthodox women theoloof the Feast of Saint gians. Finally, at the annual Francis, on October 4. Blessing of the Animals in celebration of the Feast of Saint Francis, on October 4th, we were treated to another rainy day. Despite the dreary weather, attendees came in record numbers. Along with the representative dogs were 2 cats and 1 goat.

All the animals and their people fitted themselves into the Church of the Transfiguration for the service of blessing, and refreshments were served afterward under a tent by the bell tower.

V o l u n t eer

P r o f i le

Janet Christensen Salem, New York

New Skete Volunteer Puppy Socializer, 5 years What do you do as a “puppy socializer”?

I spend one on one time with new puppies.

I give them time and attention that will give them a head start in their new home with their new people. Initially holding and petting a puppy then walking them or grooming them teaching them to handle stairs.

Sometimes you really get to know the mother of the puppies and when you are caring for their puppies it makes you feel like you are almost like an extension of them and you are caring for them in her honor.

What is the best part of being a New Skete Puppy Socializer?

When I do my best I leave feeling really good inside for the whole rest of the day!

What is the worst?

No worse thing about working with a puppyit’s hard to have a bad time with these puppies.

Why do you do it?

I pet sit and I like working with animals especially dogs. I have

learned so much from volunteering here, specifically from Brother Luke and Brother John. I really feel like I am in the right place here.

What is your favorite memory of being a socializer?

I never really have a favorite puppy that I work with but one time there was this one little boy puppy that was just so good. He learned everything and did everything they’re supposed to (when they are supposed to.)

Why do you think people should volunteer their time for New Skete Communities?

Great exercise! Learn about something you never knew and you meet new people- it’s like a family- and you feel appreciated.

If you are interested in volunteering at New Skete, please call or e-mail Karen Gladstone, Director of Advancement and Stewardship, at (518)677-3928 ext.

220 or karengladstone@ newskete.org

New Skete Literary Scholarship Winner Hunter Dansin, Cambridge High School Class of 2012, was the 2012 recipient of the New Skete writing scholarship. Hunter’s English teacher, Pamela Fries, says of Hunter, “It is this keen power of observation and reflection that will make him an awesome writer. I think his faith will lead him in directions he has yet to discover.”

Students were asked to respond to a question from Hamlet, Act II Scene ii: “There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.” Does each of us create our own reality then? Below is an excerpt from Hunter Dansin’s written piece: Taken at face value, Hamlet’s quote means that if we believe something it makes it true. Interpreted like this, it seems easy to contradict this statement. Just because I believe I can fly doesn’t mean I can jump off a cliff and survive. However, when the statement is put in the context of human behavior its meaning becomes clearer.

Hamlet was in fact most likely referring to the tendency of people to distort truth, or make their own truth. Thus it is not truth itself that we define by thinking: it is our perception and interpretation of it. Whether it be on the basis of greed or desire, or from the oppression of society and suffering, or the fact that a person simply doesn’t care; it is a human tendency to contradict the truth.

It is because of this tendency that in order to define a universal truth that actually exists we must rely on a source that is untouched by human imperfection.

We wish Hunter all the best in his future writing endeavors!

Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012 15

R ec i pe

A favorite New Ske te Christmas cake

Maraschino Cherry Nut Cake Ingredients One 8-oz package cream cheese 1 c margarine (or butter) 1 ½ c sugar 1 ½ tsp vanilla 4 eggs 2 ¼ c sifted cake flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder ¾ c (8 oz) well-drained chopped maraschino cherries ½ c chopped pecans ½ c finely chopped pecans Preparation Thoroughly blend softened cream cheese, margarine or

butter, sugar, and vanilla.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

Gradually add 2 c sifted flour with baking powder.

Combine remaining flour with the cherries and ½ c nuts.

Fold into batter.

Grease 10-inch bundt or tube pan.

Sprinkle with ½ c finely chopped nuts.

Pour batter into pan Bake at 325 degrees 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Cool 5 minutes. Remove from pan. Glaze with white drizzle icing.

Calling all Green Thumbs! (or Green Thumbs at heart!)

The gardens at the Companions need the work of many hands to look their best! If you are interested in volunteering, please call or e-mail Karen Gladstone, Director of Advancement and Stewardship, at (518)677-3928 ext. 220 or karengladstone@ newskete.org.

Fr. Toon

By Br. ambrose 16 Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

N e w s f ro m t h e c o m m u n i t i e s Transitions

Sadly, since our last newsletter a number of community friends and family members have passed away, including Muriel Brennan, a long-time friend, benefactor, and New Skete Shepherd owner; Olga Ferencz, Brother David’s mother; and Edward (Gilly) Winner, Brother Stavros’ brother. We also bade a bittersweet good-bye to Pat Nash at a potluck brunch on October 21. She moved back to California on November 1.

Michael Taylor (novice Benedict) and the monastic community, engaged in the discernment process since 2010, reached a mutual recognition that this was not the life for him at this time. He is now with our friends at Emmaus House in New York City, where he is involved in social work, a vocation he has been drawn to for several years. We blessed his departure this summer (see prayer, p. 23 ) and wish him well in his new endeavor. Also, Brother Isaac began a leave of absence on September 10 to deal with some family matters. We keep him and Sister Macrina, also on a leave of absence, in our prayers.

This summer, Sister Melanie, Prioress of the Companions, fell in her garden and broke her leg. Her extended time in hospitalization and rehabilitation led us to realize that Sister Brigid, now entering her 90s, would need more care than could be provided by the Companions, and so she was able to enter the Wesley Extended Care facility in Saratoga Springs, New York, only 40 minutes from us. Sister Brigid has transitioned well into their

Brereton, Chapel Community members, were married at New Skete on October 20.

Important maintenance work also completed at the Nuns’ monastery, where their bakery roof after 30 years was repaired and beautiful brown and tan shingles were applied in between rainy days.

Travels

Pat Nash

programs and joins two other Nuns of New Skete there, Sisters Rachel and Sarah. Later in the summer Sisters Rachel, Sarah, and Brigid had a great time celebrating a summer outdoor picnic at Wesley with Sister Cecelia.

Marina Paul and Patrick

June 25 through 29, Brother Marc attended a choral workshop and Master Class at St. Vladimir’s Seminary lead by Vladimir Gorbik from Moscow. At the workshop Brother Marc met many other church musicians, including Nazo Zakkak, a choir director and jazz musician from California, who wrote a new choral setting of “Radiant Light for New Skete. Brother Christopher flew to Portland, Oregon, in late July to participate in a wedding at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and to meet with the local St. Nicholas Synaxis, a prayer

Marriage of Marina Paul and Patrick Brereton celebrated by Brother Marc..

Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012 17

N e w s f ro m t h e c o m m u n i t i e s

Gina and Steve Grossman with their German Shepherds, Kenny, left, a New Skete Shepherd, and Cody.

group associated with New Skete.

Brother Stavros traveled in August to Washington State to visit our good friends Henry and Mary Ann James. During his stay he met with a group of twenty-four guests invited by the James’s and spoke to them about New Skete.

In October, Brother Luke traveled to California and Texas to meet with friends of New Skete, including in San Francisco Steve

Brother Luke visits with Carol Le Sauvage and Milo, A New Skete Shepherd.

Katz (Millie Katz’s son); Steve and Gina Grossman and Kenny, their New Skete Shepherd; Betsy Bencken and Bear, her New Skete Shepherd; old college friends Michael and Carolyn Saade; Barry Schutz, a colleague from Washington DC days, and his wife, Karen; and New Skete Shepherd owners in Los Angeles, Carol Le Sauvage and Milo; Michael and Margo O’Connell and Astro;

In Houston, Brother Luke met with Alice Pratt and her friends, the Edwards.

18 Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

N e w s f ro m t h e c o m m u n i t i e s

Steve and Cindy Norstrom and Max; Barbara Durell and Lex; and Kyle McNeil and Zeus. In Houston, Brother Luke met with Alice Pratt, a long-time friend of New Skete, and her friends the Edwards, as well as Bill Congdon, son of Chapel Community member Anna Chapman.

(See story on p.11) On November 14, Sister Cecelia and Brothers Marc, Christopher and Luke traveled to Parma, Ohio, to participate in the 17th All-American Council for the election of the new primate for the Orthodox Church in America, who is Metropolitan Tikhon, formerly Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. As a stavropegial institution, New Skete is directly subject to the new Metropolitan.

Also on the 14th, Brother Stavros represented the New Skete Monastic Communities at a gathering of Roman Catholic and Orthodox, both Byzantine and Oriental from the Albany Capitol District, hosted by Fr. Peter Olsen at St. Basil’s Parish

We enjoyed a three-day visit in June by members of the Sankt Ignatios Institute of Orthodox Studies in Sweden.

in Watervliet. The meeting gave the clergy a chance to meet one another and share common pastoral concerns in the spirit of our common historical and liturgical roots, and our 21st century American cultural milieu.

Visitors

On May 17, Don Bisson, a Marist Brother, led a conference on

formation at New Skete. Fr. Michael Plekon, of St. Gregory Orthodox Church in Wappinger Falls, New York, preached at New Skete on the Feast of the Ascension. Over the Memorial Day weekend we welcomed Bishop Seraphim Sigrist, who celebrated Divine Liturgy and preached on May 27.

Several groups visited this summer, season including a May 31 visit by

the Gill St. Bernard School for a program on “The Wonder of Dogs” and a three-day visit in June by members of the Sankt Ignatios Institute of Orthodox Studies in Sweden.

Kevin Lawrence returned in the summer after leading his Music Institute in Burlington, Vermont, to conduct the monastic choir in services and lead choir practices.

Sister Rebecca’s sister Carol and her husband, Chuck, visited from California in July, and Pat Cassidy’s brother Peter and his wife, Franna, visited in October.

Kennel Comings and Goings

Puppies from a Lila and Hoss breeding at play in their 2nd month.

During the summer we had a major plumbing repair at the puppy kennel. We also welcomed new litters of puppies from Lila, Jessie, Kessy, Ronja, and Esme. We Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012 19

N e w s f ro m t h e c o m m u n i t i e s

N e w s f ro m t h e c o m m u n i t i e s

Br. Luke with Kahn, Petra, Ajax, and Amira

also retired and placed Petra, Xenia, and Basta in new homes. New puppies are also being raised for the breeding program, including females Vashti (a Ronja pup) and Amira, and male Ajax (Kessy pups).

Julia Gates, who works in our puppy program, has been intimately

involved in negotiating our recent imports of German Shepherd Dogs from Germany. In our continuing effort to make connections and assess the quality of German Shepherd Dogs, in late August we sent Julia to Ulm, Germany, to attend the Sieger Show. Thousands of dogs and dog

breeders participate in this annual show. The resulting contacts will be valuable to us as we move forward with our dog breeding program.

We were pleased to welcome again at the end of October Marc Goldberg, a dog trainer from Chicago, who offered valuable

Dr. Kyriaki Fitzgerald was the keynote speaker at this year’s Annual Pilgrimage.

consultations to both the breeding and training programs.

Special Events

On April 15, the St. Andrew Brotherhood continued the tradition of scheduling the final Lenten Mission Sunday Vespers, Palm

Procession into Holy Wisdom Temple for Divine Liturgy at the Annual Pilgrimage in August.

20 Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

Sunday evening, at New Skete. The New Skete Chapel Community and the monastics contributed dishes for the supper after the service.

On June 2, the annual New Skete Open House was held in conjunction with the Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival weekend.

Pilgrimage volunteers tend to guests as they choose from the many different menu selections.

Well over 100 people visited the monastery that day, touring the Nuns’ Bakery and the monastery churches at the Monks, visiting the Meditation Gardens at Emmaus House, and attending puppy socialization and dog training demonstrations.

Hunter Dansin, a graduating senior, won this year’s New Skete Creative Writing Award, which was presented as part of the June 21 Cambridge Central School Awards night (see details on p. 15).

The communities celebrated on Monday, July 23, the 50th anniversary of religious life for Sister Rebecca, Brother John, Sister Cecelia, and Brother Peter.

All our volunteers, including the many faithful puppy socializers, were invited to a picnic at Emmaus House on August 4.

We welcomed our good friends Fr. Tom and Dr. Kyriaki Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012 21

N e w s f ro m t h e c o m m u n i t i e s Fitzgerald as special guests for our Annual Pilgrimage on August 11, at which Dr. Kyriaki Fitzgerald was the year’s keynote speaker.

Rain on October 4 did not dampen the spirits or shrink the crowd that attended this year’s St. Francis Animal Blessing.

We moved into our Transfiguration Temple for the Blessing Service and then enjoyed refreshments afterward in the shelter of the Bell Tower and an adjacent tent.

Individuals interested in monastic life at New Skete are welcome to participate in special “Seekers” events during the year. This year these events were held during the week of May 7-13 and the weekend of October 19-21. n

Would you prefer to get all your New Skete news and updates electronically? Please let us know! Sign up for email notices, Facebook updates, e-catalogs and e-newsletters.

Visit www.newskete.org to complete the “sign up” form and receive updates.

For more information contact Karen Gladstone, Director of Advancement and Stewardship at 518-677-3928 ext. 220 or karengladstone@newskete.org 22 Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012

N ew S kete • J u l y 8 , 2 0 1 2

Prayer upon leaving the Communities of New Skete

B

less all of us present here, Lord, as we now pray: Michael, with open arms we graciously received you into our midst, and now with a blessing you put off the monastic habit and leave us, that you may pursue your journey elsewhere.

May you always treasure what you have learned and experienced of the monastic way.

May you continue to seek and receive the light of truth and compassion in your life.

May you come to know the deep mercy of God embracing you and following you wherever your path leads you.

E

cale n dar o f eve n t s & celebra t i o n s

x p e r i e n c e

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25

Christmas Vigil Monday 5 PM Matins 9 AM, Liturgy 10 AM

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6

Michael Taylor

May you constantly rediscover the mystery and wisdom of Cross and Resurrection.

Feast of Theophany

SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 – SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Communities’ winter retreat During this retreat, the monastery is closed to the public

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2

May you find ways of learning, living, and loving that can dispel every fear and hesitation of body, mind, and spirit.

Encounter of Christ (Observed on Sunday, February 3)

May you ever direct your energies and desires toward serving others in the way of the Gospel and in the love of Christ.

Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)

We ask for your prayers, just as we will keep you in ours.

Through the prayers of our holy communities and all those who wish you well.

Amen.

The priest intones “Many Years.”

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Lenten Retreat

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

MONDAY, MARCH 18

N

e w

MONDAY, MAY 13 – SUNDAY, MAY 19

Experience monastic life An opportunity for seekers to experience life at New Skete

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Paralytic

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

Feast of Mid-Pentecost Anniversary of the Dedication of Holy WisdomTemple at New Skete

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

New Skete Open House We join in Cambridge’s Annual Festival; our Open House includes exhibits, tours, dog training & puppy socialization demonstrations

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

S

k e t e

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Communities’ summer retreat During this retreat the monastery is closed to the public

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Nativity of the Theotokos (observed)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Cross Vigil

Saturday, SEPTEMBER 14

Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

SATURDAY, September 28

Fall Festival: Blessing of Animals

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

Feast of St. Francis

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

Feast of Ascension

Fall Retreat

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 – SUNDAY, october 20

Beginning of Great Lent

Pentecost

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

SUNDAY, JULY 7

Experience monastic life An opportunity for seekers to experience life at New Skete

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

Feast of the Theotokos of the Sign Patronal feast of the Nuns of New Skete

Easter (Western)

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Palm Sunday

Feast of Emmaus Patronal Feast of the Companions of New Skete

SUNDAY MAY 5

Feast of the Transfiguration

MONDAY, MAY 6 – FRIDAY, MAY 10

Annual Pilgrimage Post-festive Matins, Liturgy, & Vespers; Healing Service, food court, tours, hikes, dog training demonstration, exhibits, gift shops

Pascha, Orthodox Easter

Bright Week: Communities’ spring retreat with reduced schedule of services During this retreat, the monastery is closed to the public except for services and the nuns’ gift shop.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15

Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos Communities of New Skete / Winter 2012 23

The Communities of New Skete c/o The Monks of New Skete P.O. Box 128 Cambridge, NY 12816