A Latin Catholic...at a Coptic Orthodox Monastery

  • Thread starter Thread starter Pope_Noah_I
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
P

Pope_Noah_I

Guest
Would it be considered okay for a Catholic to reside with Coptic Orthodox monks for an extended period if he wants to have, for lack of a better term, have the “original” monastic experience? I feel drawn to the eremetical life, and I think it would be a valuable experience for me.
 
Pope_Noah_I said:
Would it be considered okay for a Catholic to reside with Coptic Orthodox monks for an extended period if he wants to have, for lack of a better term, have the “original” monastic experience? I feel drawn to the eremetical life, and I think it would be a valuable experience for me.
Click to expand...
It’s probably OK since Catholic Priests have resided at Coptic Monasteries for extended periods. One even wrote a book about his experience (I’ll have to get the title later when I get home).

A more difficult issue will be getting permission from the Copts to stay. Coptic Monasteries are very popular pilgrimage sites. Most do not permit even overnight stays without a letter of introduction from a Coptic Priest, and any stay of more than a few days would probably require special procedures.
 
Pope_Noah_I said:
Would it be considered okay for a Catholic to reside with Coptic Orthodox monks for an extended period if he wants to have, for lack of a better term, have the “original” monastic experience? I feel drawn to the eremetical life, and I think it would be a valuable experience for me.
Click to expand...
I visit St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Monastery in CA often. It should not be a problem. I know of 2 men (both RC) who each stayed a year at the monastery. Both told me what a culture shock it was, not so much the monastic life but the Coptic culture. Very little privacy, food issues, hygiene, language etc.
 
Pope_Noah_I said:
Would it be considered okay for a Catholic to reside with Coptic Orthodox monks for an extended period if he wants to have, for lack of a better term, have the “original” monastic experience? I feel drawn to the eremetical life, and I think it would be a valuable experience for me.
Click to expand...
When I was Roman Catholic I stayed at a Russian Orthodox monastery for 5 days with a friend of mine (also Roman Catholic). I would write or call them in advance to see what their policy is. I would also discuss the matter with your priest as well. You don’t want it to appear that you are going behind anyone’s back.

In Christ,
Andrew
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top