OISM Excursion to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Monastery

On April 27, 2007, seminarians from Holy Cross, St. Tikhon's, St. Vladimir's, and Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminarires gathered for a spiritual pilgrimage at the Monastery of St. Nektarios near Roscoe, New York.   The purpose was for common prayer and brotherhood among the Orthodox seminarians of North America.   Seminarians from distant locations such as St. Herman's Seminary in Alaska unsurprisingly did not attend the three-day event.  

St. Nektarios' Monastery provided a perfect setting for an Orthodox retreat.   Set remotely in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, it was possible to leave behind worldly cares.   The group attended the Athonite-style services with beautiful Byzantine chant.   The seminarians helped the monks in their labors and shared in common meals.   Abbot Joseph gave a spiritual talk to the seminarians along with another group of Orthodox pilgrims. We wish to thank the Abbott and the brotherhood of St. Nektarios Monastery for their hospitality shown to the visiting seminarians.