A Romanian monastery in Canada: “Monastic life is not an escape from the world, but a journey towards God”

“Monastic life is not an escape from the world, but a journey towards God. A monk does not withdraw from people; rather, he seeks to carry everyone in his prayers. This calling is both a gift and a great responsibility,” says Hieromonk Policarp Athenagoras, abbot of the only Romanian Orthodox monastery in Canada.

The Romanian Orthodox Monastery of Mono, dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St Ephraim the New, is located in the province of Ontario. In an interview with the Basilica News Agency, Fr Policarp speaks about the call to faith, the essence of monasticism, the distinctive character of Romanian Orthodox believers in North America, and the challenges of building the Mono Monastery.

“A monastery is not built of stone, but of prayer, sacrifice and people who seek God and holiness,” the hieromonk emphasised.

Childhood in the Romanian Orthodox Church Basilica.ro: Where were you born, and how did you first come into an Orthodox church?

Hieromonk Policarp : I was born in Tulcea, Romania, into an Orthodox family. My earliest memory from this earthly life dates back to when I was about three or four years old. I was standing inside the Holy Altar, beside…