Topic: Holy Elders in North America?

[stavros_388]

Mount Athos and Valaam Monasteries are known for having Spirit-filled Elders who impart grace and instruction in the science of deep prayer. One can also find such elders, like Elder Cleopa and Elder Arsenie, on places like Youtube, for instance, but where does one go in North America if one wants to meet one?

I wonder if anyone knows of, or has heard of, any Holy Elders of reputedly similar stature living in North America?

[Cymbyz]

Archimandrite Ephraim of Arizona seems to be the only one.  Unfortunately, none of the other Athonite elders followed his lead and came to this country, leaving the field as his alone.  Really too bad; there's more than one "flavor" of Athonite monasticism.

[jckstraw72]

Fr. Roman Braga in Rives Junction, Michigan is held in pretty high esteem as well.

[Iconodule]

When I visited St. Nektarios' monastery I knew of pilgrims coming to see the Abbot Geronda Joseph. His days were booked up with visitors and I wasn't able to see him.

[stavros_388]

When I visited St. Nektarios' monastery I knew of pilgrims coming to see the Abbot Geronda Joseph. His days were booked up with visitors and I wasn't able to see him.

Thank you. Is that St. Nektarios in Roscoe, NY?

[Iconodule]

When I visited St. Nektarios' monastery I knew of pilgrims coming to see the Abbot Geronda Joseph. His days were booked up with visitors and I wasn't able to see him.

Thank you. Is that St. Nektarios in Roscoe, NY?

Yes. Let me say though that I did not hear too much about this elder- I'm only assuming that there's a good reason why people are lining up to meet with him.

[Iconodule]

I've also heard good things about Abbess Olympiada at Holy Protection Monastery (White Haven, PA), though I think it is mainly women who go to see her (the nuns generally have a rule about not talking to male guests).

[Cymbyz]

Mother Markella of Living Spring Monastery in CA has a reputation comparable to Fr. Ephraim's, but is less well known, and I don't know whether she counsels men.

[Fr. George]

I've also heard good things about Abbess Olympiada at Holy Protection Monastery (White Haven, PA), though I think it is mainly women who go to see her (the nuns generally have a rule about not talking to male guests).

She's a true gem of Orthodoxy in this country.