First Time at the Monastery...

[LordHaveMercy]

I'm going to a monastery in Texas with some friends during the summer for the first time, but I don't know what to expect...
                    What should I bring? Any advice?

[minatasgeel]

I'm going to a monastery in Texas with some friends during the summer for the first time, but I don't know what to expect...
                    What should I bring? Any advice?

how long are you gonna be there for?

[TITL]

Expect not to sleep until you get back home.

Also, buy a bag of these for the monastery: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QcnrrMCJ5GI/S4tAjXUN1hI/AAAAAAAABpI/8M10aCtHEwQ/s400/slippery+visit+2010feb+073.JPG

It's guava candy.

[CopticStrength]

Those candies are so tasty yum!

I would bring my iPod with all of the spiritual songs and Alhan on it, because when your there and alone, you can sit and contemplate on the words or tune. I don't know if they allow iPods over there, though.

But anyway, anything that will help you think deeply. That's just me though, because I'm the type that likes to be quiet, others may want to explore and have an adventure at the monastery.

EDIT: Welcome to Tasbeha, by the way

[minatasgeel]

Also, buy a bag of these for the monastery: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QcnrrMCJ5GI/S4tAjXUN1hI/AAAAAAAABpI/8M10aCtHEwQ/s400/slippery+visit+2010feb+073.JPG

It's guava candy.

mainly for abouna arsenius.....i got him 2 when i was there 2 weeks ago.

I would bring my iPod with all of the spiritual songs and Alhan on it, because when your there and alone, you can sit and contemplate on the words or tune. I don't know if they allow iPods over there, though.

the abouna's will not control what you have or don't in your own room but i wouldn't recommend it for that reason. I think it is better to spend your time reading, speaking to the monks and annoying them for spiritual guidance. you can have the ipod anytime outside the monastery but you will not have the monks outside or the peace you get into the monastery. 


i'll post a longer response with more details on what to take to the monastery and some small guidelines.

[Timothym]

bring a spiritual book and if you dont have one bring some money because their bookstore is awesome! Also if you are a male, bring work boots or "gezam adeema" old crappy shoes with which you do not feel any parting affection as you will not want to bring back either the shoes or the old jeans with you if you are requested to work on the farm every morning and evening after Vespers like they did with me Also if you have any prayer ropes (sibha) make sure to bring some because they always need to sell or give away. If you know how to make one, bring extra rope because they'll ask you to teach some of them.

[LordHaveMercy]

how long are you gonna be there for?
[/quote]

I'm staying for a few weeks or so, but in the summer. (it took me a while to find out how to quote )

Expect not to sleep until you get back home.

Also, buy a bag of these for the monastery: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QcnrrMCJ5GI/S4tAjXUN1hI/AAAAAAAABpI/8M10aCtHEwQ/s400/slippery+visit+2010feb+073.JPG
It's guava candy.

I would but I'd probably finish them before I get there. By the way, I'm kind of a mavgouha , is that gona be a problem?

Also if you have any prayer ropes (sibha) make sure to bring some because they always need to sell or give away. If you know how to make one, bring extra rope because they'll ask you to teach some of them.

I've never heard of prayer ropes, what are they?

And also I've been trying to download some alhan from this site for 2months but I couldn't figure out. Can someone write me a tutorial?

[minatasgeel]

Take enough cloth for a week....then you can do laundry there.

take a bed sheet and pillow pillow case. it's the summer, it will be very worm there.

you will get less sleep because of the schedule of services there, work and time you'll be spending with monks.

DO NOT miss any of the services...no matter how tired you are. if you can't simply go to the services and pray with everyone, what else would you do.

I recommend you become close to a specific monk for guidance but also be good with other because everything they do or say may have benefits no matter how small.

prayer robes: http://www.stmosesbookstore.org/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=ilvm_fly_showroom_mall.tpl&product_id=1995&category_id=58&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

obedience is a virtue......practice best there.

being mafgou'a might be a problem. food options are limited--after all, you are in a monastery. you eat whatever is there....and you better because if not, there would be no other food for you.

i forgot to ask an important question and you may not answer if you donn't want to...are you a girl or guy??

[Timothym]

I've never heard of prayer ropes, what are they?

And also I've been trying to download some alhan from this site for 2months but I couldn't figure out. Can someone write me a tutorial?

If I may ask, are you Orthodox? I'm just wondering because of the sacred heart picture you have...just paint over the heart in red to match his clothes and then itll be semi-Coptic Anyways, the prayer rope or as it is called in arabic: sibha or masbaha is a rope of 33, 41, 50, or 100 knots. Each knot on the rope is made with a specific sequence of interwoven crosses. Tradition states that it was taught to a monk when the devil kept on untying his knots in order to help him focus on his prayers. The prayer rope then is what can be compared to the Roman Catholic rosary only we do not pray hail mary on it. We usually say the Jesus prayer/arrow prayer: Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me the sinner. You can repeat this in order to keep focused on Christ. You can also say similar short prayers for your family and friends.

To download hymns, go to the media tab at the top left of the page. Under it there is an option for liturgies, hymns of feasts etc. So lets try it together. Go to media, then scroll down and click liturgies. The first option on the list is Fr. Anthony Hanna's St. Basil Liturgy. Left click the title. Then you will see Track01 and Track 02 with a "download" button beside it. Simply click the download button and accept it to download. You can download up to 20 selections per day. God bless! Let us know if you're still having trouble.

[LordHaveMercy]

[/quote author=Timothym link=topic=12825.msg150834#msg150834 date=1327044156]
[/quote]
If I may ask, are you Orthodox? I'm just wondering because of the sacred heart picture you have...just paint over the heart in red to match his clothes and then itll be semi-Coptic Anyways, the prayer rope or as it is called in arabic: sibha or masbaha is a rope of 33, 41, 50, or 100 knots. Each knot on the rope is made with a specific sequence of interwoven crosses. Tradition states that it was taught to a monk when the devil kept on untying his knots in order to help him focus on his prayers. The prayer rope then is what can be compared to the Roman Catholic rosary only we do not pray hail mary on it. We usually say the Jesus prayer/arrow prayer: Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me the sinner. You can repeat this in order to keep focused on Christ. You can also say similar short prayers for your family and friends.

To download hymns, go to the media tab at the top left of the page. Under it there is an option for liturgies, hymns of feasts etc. So lets try it together. Go to media, then scroll down and click liturgies. The first option on the list is Fr. Anthony Hanna's St. Basil Liturgy. Left click the title. Then you will see Track01 and Track 02 with a "download" button beside it. Simply click the download button and accept it to download. You can download up to 20 selections per day. God bless! Let us know if you're still having trouble.
[/quote]
Yes, I am  coptic orthodox and male. I just like that picture.  Also, I'm wondering if I should bring my tonya, toiletries etc..?
I'm curious to know about the story about the monk if you don't mind telling me.
Also, whenever I log on then go to the audio recordings, it logs me out automatically.

[minatasgeel]

Yes, I am  coptic orthodox and male. I just like that picture.  Also, I'm wondering if I should bring my tonya, toiletries etc..?

if you are a deacon, a tonia is a must. toiletries are also needed....you will be living there for a month soooo.....

[mabsoota]

is there a monastery where women can work on a farm too?
that would be a great way to spend a week or two.

[minatasgeel]

is there a monastery where women can work on a farm too?
that would be a great way to spend a week or two.

there are two new convents, one in San Antonio TX and another in Ohio. I am sure after sometime they'll get to that point. But, i have heard that retreats in convents (led my nuns of course) is much stricter in dealing with girls who go there for retreats. ya3ny texas monastery accepts church retreats lead by priests with girls, couples who are married and girls if with their family or brother. but of course, the monks don't spend much time with them. they don't watch over them.

[mabsoota]

how do u mean 'stricter', stricter than digging the ground?
if it means manual work, then i think it's good.
i can't really imagine what it is you describe.

[†Je Nai Nan†]

keep this convo going, I'm going during spring break  I wanna learn too