The monastic life is not running away from the world, but running towards God: Jerome. Polycarp, abbot of Mono Monastery in Canadatranslated
"The monastic life is not a flight from the world, but a run to God. The monk does not give up on people, but tries to lead everyone in prayer. This calling is a gift and, at the same time, a great responsibility," says Hierom. Policarp Athenagoras, abbot of the only Romanian monastery in Canada.
The Mono Romanian Orthodox Monastery has the patronages of "The Exaltation of the Holy Cross" and "Saint Ephrem the New" and is located in the province of Ontario. Father Abbot gave us an interview about the call of faith, the essence of monasticism, the specifics of Romanians in the American diaspora and the challenges they face in building the Mono Monastery.
"A monastery is not made of stone, but of prayer, sacrifice and people who seek God and holiness," the hieromonk emphasizes.
Childhood in the Romanian Church Basilica.ro: Where were you born and how did you first end up in an Orthodox church?
Jerome. Policarp: I was born in Tulcea, Romania, in an Orthodox family. My first memory from this earthly life, around the age of three or four, is from the Holy Altar, near the Holy Table of the Greek Church "Buna Vestire" in Tulcea, next to the father teacher...
