He lived for many years as a monk at the Monastery of St Cyril of White Lake, where his ascetic struggles won him the respect of his brethren. To flee from the admiration of men he moved further north to Valaam Monastery. But he still attracted the good opinion of his community, so he secretly headed still further north, planning to reach the uninhabited Solovki Island in the White Sea (a large bay of the Arctic Ocean). When he reached the coast, everyone who might take him tried to dissuade him from living in such a harsh place. He answered 'My children, I have a Master who has the power to renew the strength of the old and to enfeeble the young if He so wills. He makes the poor rich, clothes the naked, provides for the destitute and satisfies the starving with a measure of food as he fed five thousand men in the desert.'   While waiting for seasonable sailing weather he met St Germanus (July 30) who lived nearby as a hermit. Together they found a fishing boat and, casting all their trust on the Lord, made the dangerous two-day voyage and set up a hermitage on the island. It became known as a holy place, and thenceforth those living in the world knew not to settle on Solovki, or even to set foot there without good reason. After six years, St Germanus departed, and Sabbatius was left alone.   When he was old, he began to fear that he would die without receiving the life-giving Mysteries, of which he had not partaken since he left Valaam. So he returned to the mainland where he met an abbot Nathanael just as he was taking Holy Communion to a sick man. Sabbatius persuaded the abbot to hear his confession and grant him the priceless gift of Holy Communion. He then settled in a nearby chapel and made ready for his departure from this life. A wealthy merchant from Novgorod visited him to ask for his blessing. The Saint said to him, 'Spend the night here and you will see the grace of God.' The next morning the merchant came to Sabbatius' cell and found that he had reposed during the night; his cell was suffused with a beautiful scent.   The following year, St Germanus, along with St Zosimas (April 17), returned to Solovki island and founded a monastery there, which proved to be the nurturing ground of many Saints.

In this podcast we discover wonderful wisdom from A Monastery's Kitchen to bring Christ into everything we do.

So what is the monastic life all about? Legalism? Works based salvation? Matthew explores this topic in today's episode.

Matthew talks about what all Christians can learn from monastics, and encourages us to develop a relationship with a monastery.

Elissa demonstrates how the idea of the monastery is a very useful illustration to help all of us, especially our youth, understand how to be Orthodox in this world.

Fr. Michael begins a two-part series on discussing the comparison between vocations: marriage, monasticism, and singleness.

I had a conversation recently in which I couldn’t explain very clearly a comment I made several times, and as a result there was a certain amount of misunderstanding. I realize that perhaps many people have this same misunderstanding, and since it has to do with the Kingdom of Heaven, and how it “comes” or how we actually enter and live the life of the Kingdom of Heaven while we are still on earth, I thought that discussing this misunderstanding and how to overcome might be a good way to begin our discussion of “Let Your Kingdom come (as in heaven, so also on earth).”

This week, the guys watched Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade. They discuss what it’s like to not be the intended audience for a work of art, listening to experiences we don’t share, the human need to make sense of tragic events, and the album's struggle through infidelity and pain. They end with their Top 5 Music Videos.

Fr. John explores what exactly monasticim was in the days of St. Macarius.

9. How the Monastery Came to Be on the Top of the Mountain by Alvin Alexsi Currier (Conciliar Press, 1999). Book 2: Basil's Search for Miracles part 7 (chapters 14-16 ) by Heather Zydek (Conciliar Press, 2007).

41. Book 1: "Friend of the Holy Spirit: St. Seraphim of Sarov." A short story for children by Katherine Bolger Hyde. The Handmaiden, Vol 11, No.4, Fall. (Conciliar Press, 2007) Book 2: Katie Visits a Monastery, by Elizabeth Saxild (St. Nectarios Press, 1998)

42. Book 1: Extracts from Rejoice jr. Orthodox Christian Publication. For subscription information please contact Taisia Mills at (704) 894-0363. Book 2: Katie Visits a Monastery, by Elizabeth Saxild, part two (St. Nectarios Press, 1998)

43. Book 1: The Meeting of Our Lord from The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Mother Melania (Conciliar Press, 2002) Book 2: Katie Visits a Monastery, by Elizabeth Saxild, part three and conclusion (St. Nectarios Press, 1998)

Fr. Ted discusses the history and importance of monasticism.

How old is monasticism in the west? Are there historic connections between eastern and western monasticism? What does the western monk strive to achieve? Is the praxis similar for the western (Roman Catholic) and eastern (Orthodox) monk? These are questions Kevin asks Fr. Simon O'Donnell (OSB), a Benedictine monk (and former novice master) of 42 years at Saint Andrew Abbey, Valyermo, California.

Steve McMeans talks to Fr. Josiah about St. John Chrysostom and his views on the relationship between marriage and monasticism. This show will suprise you...!

An Interview with Hieromonk Damascene

We continue the series of interviews with Fr. Jonah Paffhausen. In this program Fr. Jonah discusses monasticism as a response to the Gospel. While monasticism is a specific calling, there is also a foundation of universal principles that all Christians are called to. Steve and Fr. Jonah also discuss the process of becoming a monk, some of the pitfalls of monasticism and some common misconceptions about monks and monasteries.

Dn. Michael interviews his wife Gail about her recent trip to St. Paisius Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Safford, Arizona.

Steve discusses both his desire to be a monk and marriage and family as the "domestic monastery."

Dr. Albert Rossi reflects on the spiritual lessons that can be learned from the famous Mona Lisa.

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews Dr. Michael Legaspi about the experience of his daughter becoming a monastic.

Learn about this beautiful new CD recorded in English and available from St. John of San Francisco Monastery

Listen to an interview with Bev Cooke about her new book from Conciliar Press: Royal Monastic: Princess Ileana of Romania. This is the true story of a princess who later became Mother Alexandra, the founder of the Holy Transfiguration monastery in Ellwood City, PA.

Learn about a new initiative from His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP to start two new women's monsteries in North America. We talk with Project Director Fr. John Anderson.

On this special episode of Ancient Faith Presents, Mother Abbess Gabriella speaks at the Third Annual Winter Dinner to support Holy Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery in Rives Junction, Michigan. Her talk is titled “Thoughts: A Monastic Perspective.”

Interview with Mother Gabriella at Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI.

Bobby Maddex interviews Alexei Krindatch, the Research Coordinator for the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America and the editor of the new book Atlas of American Orthodox Christian Monasteries.

Bobby Maddex once again interviews Alexei Krindatch, the Research Coordinator of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, about the new Assembly study, Fast Questions and Fast Answers About American Orthodox Monasteries.

Bobby Maddex interviews Fr. Thomas Colyandro and Hieromonk Mark about the new Orthodox Monastery of the Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow in Monteagle, TN. Listeners can learn more and help support this amazing monastery here.

Bobby Maddex, the Director of Digital Media for Ancient Faith Ministries speaks with Hieromonk Fr. Basil and Hieromonk Archdeacon Sergius of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, West Virginia USA. They are here today to tell us about the new church the monastery is building and how you might be able to help. If you would like to help please go to; Church donation page: https://www.holycross.org/pages/new-church Video #1, “Let the Walls of Jerusalem Be Builded”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjDsuvUIPec

Ancient Faith Radio correspondent Chrysanthe Loizos takes us "behind the scenes" at the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA. With the blessing of the Abbess, Mother Christophora, Chrysanthe gives us a glimpse into the daily life of the nuns as well as their purpose and goals.

Michael McMonagle has been sentenced to nine months in custody and a further nine months on licence.

We examine when and why creative role identity causes entitlement and unethical behaviors and how this relationship can be reduced. We found that the relationships among the creative identity, entitlement, and dishonesty are contingent on the perception of creativity being rare. Four experiments showed that individuals with a creative identity reported higher psychological entitlement and engaged in more unethical behaviors. Additionally, when participants believed that their creativity was rare compared to common, they were more likely to lie for money. Moreover, manipulation of rarity of creative identity, but not practical identity, increased psychological entitlement and unethical acts. We tested for the mediating effect of psychological entitlement on dishonesty using both measurement of mediation and experimental causal chain approaches. We further provide evidence from organizations. Responses from a sample of supervisor-subordinate dyads demonstrated that employees reporting strong creative identities who perceived creativity as rare in their work-group rather than common were rated as engaging in more unethical behaviors by their supervisors. This paper extends prior theory on negative moral consequences of creativity by shedding new light on assumption regarding the prevalence of creativity and the role psychological entitlement plays.

A worshipper holds up a cross during the Good Friday procession at the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem's Old City, March 29. — Reuters

A 76-year-old monk died on Monday after being attacked by a man shouting "I am Jesus Christ" in a monastery in southeastern Spain, the religious order...

Two powerful market leaders are joining together to form one powerhouse partnership. Hospeco Brands Group, a United States-based, full line manufacturer of personal care, cleaning and protection products to serve the janitorial, industrial supply, automotive, foodservice, health care and hospitality markets, is announcing a merger with Monarch Brands, wholesaler and manufacturer of microfiber, commercial laundry linen, institutional textiles and wiping products.

Classic, crisp wafers wrapped in a pink lemonade flavored creme, the new flavor delivers a refreshing taste experience with hints of strawberry.

MONAT Vegan Protein is a smooth blend of plant proteins and superfoods, delivering 20g of  protein in each serving with 0g of sugar and 100 calories.

With the launch of the new line, WTRMLN®  doubles down on its unique positioning as the authority on watermelon and all its hydrating benefits.

Strawberry Lemonade, the latest flavor of their functional hydration and wellness beverages, brings a refreshingly sweet and mildly tart addition to the core Complete Hydration™ beverage line. 

With a blend of organic lemons, Brazilian wildflower honey, infused with real Peruvian ginger, Uncle Matt's Organic has produced a blend of better for you organic ingredients without the guilt of calories and sugar.

The vitamin and electrolyte-packed drink mix, made for on-the-go convenience with added immunity-boosting ingredients like additional Vitamin C, Zinc and Elderberry, boasts only 2g of sugar and 20 calories per single-serve stick.

True Teak is grown in the highlands of Thailand on plantations that are specially managed for longer life cycles of 25 to 30 years

by Wm. Steven Humphrey

Who's ready to have some fun? Well, the Mercury is here to help with FREE TICKETS to see some of Portland's best concerts and events—our way of saying thanks to our great readers and spread the word about some fantastic upcoming performances! (Psst... if you want to say thanks to the Mercury, please consider making a small monthly contribution to keep us alive and kickin'!) And oh boy, do we have some fun events coming at ya this week! CHECK IT OUT!

• Enter to WIN FREE TICKETS to see Reverend Horton Heat on February 27 at Crystal Ballroom!

Seeing REVEREND HORTON HEAT live is a transformative experience. Flames come off the guitars. Heat singes your skin. There’s nothing like the primal tribal rock & roll transfiguration of a Reverend Horton Heat show. Get your tickets now, or enter to win here!

Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, Thurs Feb 27, 8 pm, $35-$50, all ages

• Enter to WIN FREE TICKETS to see Des Demonas on November 17 at Polaris Hall!

A favorite of Henry Rollins and Iggy Pop, Washington, DC’s DES DEMONAS blend post punk, funk, blues, psych rock, Afro beat, and more into their own unique sound — listen LIVE when they share new tunes from their highly-anticipated sophomore LP, APOCALYPTIC BOOM! BOOM! Get your tickets now or enter to win a free pair!

Polaris Hall, 635 N Killingsworth Ct, Sun Nov 17, 8 pm, $15, 21+

• Enter to WIN FREE TICKETS to see Karina Rykman on November 15 at Mississippi Studios!

She’s opened for Khruangbin, performed on America’s Got Talent, soundchecked with Phish at MSG, and much more — catch dynamic jam rock bassist Karina Rykman LIVE when she returns to Portland! Get your tickets now or enter to win a free pair!

Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, Fri Nov 15, 9 pm, $20, 21+

• Enter to WIN FREE TICKETS to see Mason Jennings on November 16 at Mississippi Studios!

Hawai’i-born, Minneapolis-based folksinger Mason Jennings returns to Mississippi Studios with tunes from his latest record, Holy Dive, and beyond! Get your tickets now or enter to win a free pair!

Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, Sat Nov 16, 8 pm, $30, 21+

• Enter to WIN FREE TICKETS to see The Bygones on November 17 at Aladdin Theater!

Luminous indie folk duo The Bygones share nostalgic songwriting from their debut, self-titled release! Get your tickets now or enter to win a free pair!

Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie, Sun Nov 17, 8 pm, $25, all ages

• Enter to WIN FREE TICKETS to see Sam Grisman Project on November 16 at Aladdin Theater!

A longtime Dawg Trio member with his father David Grisman, Bay Area bass player Sam Grisman upholds the legacy of Dawg music with his new musical project. Don’t miss their return to Portland! Get your tickets now or enter to win a free pair!

Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie, Sat Nov 16, 8 pm, $32.50, all ages

GOOD LUCK! Winners will be notified on Monday. Check back next week for more FREE TIX from the Mercury!

On October 5, SpaceX Crew Dargon blasted off to the International Space Station. Anna Kikina, a woman cosmonaut from Russia, was on board the SpaceX spacecraft. "A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon Endurance spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronauts Nicole Mann as mission commander, and Josh Cassada, pilot. JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Koichi Wakata and Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina, also aboard the Dragon, will serve as mission specialists for their science expedition in microgravity aboard the space station," NASA wrote. The participation of a Russian cosmonaut in the launch launch was made possible owing to the cross-flight programme: a Russian cosmonaut boarded SpaceX, and an American astronaut flew to the ISS on board a Soyuz spacecraft.

Florence researchers are about to excavate the bones of the woman they believe served as the model for Mona Lisa. Their hope is that facial reconstruction will prove once and for all if Lisa Gherardini was the subject of the Leonarda da Vinci portrait that has mesmerized viewers for centuries. The painting has long also been known as La Gioconda, linking it to Gherardini's husband, Francesco del Giocondo, who commissioned da Vinci to paint his wife. Digging will begin later this month at a convent in central Florence where Gherardini was buried in 1542, Newser reports. The team will be led by Silvano Vinceti, an art historian who last year announced that he had found the remains of the Renaissance genius Caravaggio, although his claim was disputed by other scholars.

REX Photo A deplorable statement has been made by hegumen of the Orthodox Docheiariou monastery on the Holy Mount Athos. The highest cathedral of the state may face destruction in case of an earthquake, which happen there quite often. The case is about Archistrategos Cathedral. As Archimandrite Gregorius (Zumis) revealed, the cathedral has fallen into the state of desolation after Greece left Athos to the mercy of fate. The authorities have not undertaken any measures to restore monuments so far. Centre for Maintenance of the Athos Heritage which was been established by the state, has been left without funding. According to the hegumen, monks of the monastery have been struggling for adoption of a plan on restoration of the Cathedral for as long as 28 years. But it has not been adopted still. And it is impossible to restore a huge Cathedral by themselves, for charity only.

Cosmonaut candidate Andrei Babkin, who was dismissed from his flight position in September due to a runny nose, wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his address to the head of state, Babkin wrote that he would like independent experts to assess his health condition. In response, the Roscosmos Cosmonaut Training Center (CTC) said that an extended consultation was held on July 12. Members of the ENT section of the Main Medical Commission, as well as specialists who had previously treated the cosmonaut, were present at the meeting. As a result, no grounds were found for revising the previous medical conclusion in relation to the cosmonaut candidate.

Pseudoalteromonas fuliginea sp. PS47 is a recently identified marine bacterium that has extensive enzymatic machinery to metabolize polysaccharides, including a locus that targets pectin-like substrates. This locus contains a gene (locus tag EU509_03255) that encodes a pectin-degrading lyase, called PfPL1, that belongs to polysaccharide lyase family 1 (PL1). The 2.2 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of PfPL1 reveals the compact parallel β-helix fold of the PL1 family. The back side of the core parallel β-helix opposite to the active site is a meandering set of five α-helices joined by lengthy loops. A comparison of the active site with those of other PL1 enzymes suggests a catalytic mechanism that is independent of metal ions, such as Ca2+, but that substrate recognition may require metal ions. Overall, this work provides the first structural insight into a pectinase of marine origin and the first structure of a PL1 enzyme in subfamily 2.