I myself am an Orthodox Christian Monastic woman in America with the tonsured saint’s name of St. Elizabeth (Romanova) (the Grand Duchess Serge) same as your Convent (Monastery) patroness and saintly model hold this responsibility to work and pray in the manner of the Orthodox Tradition in which we were formed. As woman, living on Mount Athos or even pilgrimaging there is NOT an option as no women are permitted on Mount Athos. So while we are able to read of the fruitful labors of this saintly Russian Orthodox Elder of Mount Athos, I make a statement for the reading public to understand about the monastic way in that the path to our salvation may not be the same as this road through Mount Athos.

Here in America, a monastic tradition inspired by an elder of Mount Athos has brought some of the reading public and some in support of monasteries to believe there is only one way to do the monastic life. They use the term obedience and silence to put a muzzle on the mouths of women here in America and a wall to bar and keep from doing the good works you yourselves are doing in Belarus at this time in following the tradition of St. Elisabeth our common saint for our monastic tradition.

This is not meant to offend anyone but to clarify the fruits of the Holy Spirit coms from letting our nets and trusting God to fill them as He sees needful as in the Hymn of Holy Pentecost.

Let us use this reading about holy Elder Father Tikhon to inspire our calling on the Lord day and night, with our lips, bring our intentions to fruition with our good daily labors and works and deeds so together as St. James 1:22-27 gives witness to the combining of faith and works to balance our journey and pilgrimage to the heavenly and ever-lasting Eternal Life of God’s mercy and love for us.