That’s fabulous news Paul! A happy scribe makes for a happy readership. I’m winding up thirty hours in the center of London and have been prattling a lot with you in my head. As we’ve discussed before, I wish London were more English. But you can’t always get what you want, as Sir Mick has said. Anyhoo, I hope you have a fabulous time on Mount Athos. I look forward to your notes.
The trip to Athos is a gift indeed, Paul. I was able to go in 1988 and again in 1990, and there were already a few graded roads from Daphne to Karyes and elsewhere. I highly recommend trying to walk to as many of your destinations as possible. If you head down the western side of the peninsula from St Paul's towards New Skete and St Anne's, you will be treated to some austere and fearsomely beautiful scenes from the narrow footpaths! May it be blessed!
Or I suppose just as logically it proves prayer does not work worth a tinker: "For a thousand years the monks on Athos have been praying for the world. Perhaps this is only reason we’re still here. "
My catechist, who was both a priest and a philosophy prof, called the workings of prayer a "mystery in the the strict theological sense," as it's one of those places where divine sovereignty and human freedom, the relationship of which is the bigger question, seemingly bump up against each other.
It could be argued that we’re still here shows the inefficacy of the Athonite prayer and lifestyle - and I suppose my Protestant version also - “but the day of the Lord will come like a thief, the heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and SPEED ITS COMING. 2 Peter 3:10-12 but in any case “we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth the home of righteousness”. 2 Peter 2:13
Excellent, hope your time on Mount Athos is blessed. For anyone curious, there's a great book that's a sort of journal of the author's time there called "Short Trip to the Edge: A Pilgrimage to Prayer" by Scott Cairns. Highly recommend it.
How did you get a permit to stay on Mount Athos for 1 week? Someone I know (who is not Orthodox) who is going next month managed to get only a 3-day pass. Also, are you going up the highest peak on Mount Athos?
I won't be there for a full seven days (maybe next time) - but Orthodox people are allowed to stay longer than other visitors. Whether I will get up the mountain remains to be seen!
Happy 50th Paul! I turn 50 in a few days and my husband gave me a trip to Israel. I’d rather go to Athos honestly, but since I’m a female, I’ll live it vicariously through your writing.
Enjoy your time away Paul, life has more true meaning lived as a human animal!
That’s fabulous news Paul! A happy scribe makes for a happy readership. I’m winding up thirty hours in the center of London and have been prattling a lot with you in my head. As we’ve discussed before, I wish London were more English. But you can’t always get what you want, as Sir Mick has said. Anyhoo, I hope you have a fabulous time on Mount Athos. I look forward to your notes.
All the best,
Bill
Looking forward to your return, Paul, and your stories of Athos - I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience. Wishing you safe travels and much joy.
Mount Athos... wow!
Enjoy!
A splendid birthday present. God bless your pilgrimage and give you good rest and strength.
The trip to Athos is a gift indeed, Paul. I was able to go in 1988 and again in 1990, and there were already a few graded roads from Daphne to Karyes and elsewhere. I highly recommend trying to walk to as many of your destinations as possible. If you head down the western side of the peninsula from St Paul's towards New Skete and St Anne's, you will be treated to some austere and fearsomely beautiful scenes from the narrow footpaths! May it be blessed!
Thanks for the tip!
Or I suppose just as logically it proves prayer does not work worth a tinker: "For a thousand years the monks on Athos have been praying for the world. Perhaps this is only reason we’re still here. "
Good luck logically proving the efficacy of prayer!
Exactly, my point exactly, thanks
Or its inefficacy, of course ...
Of course, and isn't it wonderful to be in harmony, like oil running down Aaron's beard
Harmony is overrated. He came not to bring peace but a sword.
But surely the sword is just the least bit of overkill for a discussion on how if at all the power of prayer can be logically proved.
My catechist, who was both a priest and a philosophy prof, called the workings of prayer a "mystery in the the strict theological sense," as it's one of those places where divine sovereignty and human freedom, the relationship of which is the bigger question, seemingly bump up against each other.
It could be argued that we’re still here shows the inefficacy of the Athonite prayer and lifestyle - and I suppose my Protestant version also - “but the day of the Lord will come like a thief, the heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and SPEED ITS COMING. 2 Peter 3:10-12 but in any case “we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth the home of righteousness”. 2 Peter 2:13
Have a wonderful August, Paul. Hope it leaves you feeling refreshed, revitalised and renewed.
Excellent, hope your time on Mount Athos is blessed. For anyone curious, there's a great book that's a sort of journal of the author's time there called "Short Trip to the Edge: A Pilgrimage to Prayer" by Scott Cairns. Highly recommend it.
I hope you enjoy your time away.
What a fantastic birthday present! May you have a safe and soulful experience. Look forward to reading all about it when you return.
How did you get a permit to stay on Mount Athos for 1 week? Someone I know (who is not Orthodox) who is going next month managed to get only a 3-day pass. Also, are you going up the highest peak on Mount Athos?
I won't be there for a full seven days (maybe next time) - but Orthodox people are allowed to stay longer than other visitors. Whether I will get up the mountain remains to be seen!
Happy 50th Paul! I turn 50 in a few days and my husband gave me a trip to Israel. I’d rather go to Athos honestly, but since I’m a female, I’ll live it vicariously through your writing.
Happy Trails - proving once again, that life is nothing but an endless quest for rich source material. Have fun!
Wishing you safe travels and a most rewarding journey!