Prayer to the Theotokos...

To Thee, the Champion Leader, we Thy servants dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos: but as Thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do Thou deliver us, that we may cry to Thee: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!

Dormition of the Theotokos

Apolytikion (First Tone)

In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions.

Kontakion (Second Tone)

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.

Pressing Needs: August 2011

Dear Friends of Holy Cross Monastery,
Greetings in Christ!

I hope everyone is staying cool. The weather has been quite hot of late!

We would request your help with the following pressing needs:

1. $350 - new A/C window unit for Abbot Maximos's office,
2. $550 - necessary repairs to VW automobile,
3. $5,500 - our annual pallet of Beeswax for making Candles to support ourselves,
4. In addition to the above, we will incur traveling expenses to help our sister monastery in Resaca, Georgia.

Any support in this regard would greatly be appreciated.

Please make all checks payable to:
Holy Cross Monastery
Attn: Hierodeacon Michael
(631) 682-4322
140 Main Street
East Setauket, NY 11733-2834

Thank you for your continued support of our monastic life.

In Christ,
Archimandrite Maximos

July 17, 2011

St. Methodius Third Sunday after Pentacost

Prayer of St Philaret of Moscow

Lord, I do not know what to ask of Thee;
Thou alone knowest what is needed for me.
Thou lovest me more than I know how to love Thee.

O Father, give to Thy slave that for which I do not even know how to plead.
I do not dare to ask for either a cross or for consolation;
I am only standing before Thee with my heart open to Thee.


Thou seest my needs, which I do not even know.
See and deal with me according to Thy mercy.
Purge and heal me, humble me and raise me;

I am in awe before Thee and I am silent before Thy will and Thine unfathomable ways for me.
I am bringing myself as a sacrifice to Thee; teach me to pray.

Pray Thyself within me.
Amen.