St Nektarios (Roscoe, NY): How many fathers and novices?

[John W.]

Does anyone know how many Fathers and novices (total number including Geronda Joseph) are presently at St. Nektarios Monastery in Roscoe, New York?

We want to send some gifts for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and want to make sure that nobody gets left out.

Many thanks.

Kala Christouyenna!

John

[Father Anthony]

Does anyone know how many Fathers and novices (total number including Geronda Joseph) are presently at St. Nektarios Monastery in Roscoe, New York?

We want to send some gifts for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and want to make sure that nobody gets left out.

Many thanks.

Kala Christouyenna!

John

Dear John,

I was just up there a few days ago. The total number is 19.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

[John W.]

Bless, Father.

Dear Father Anthony,

Thank you!

John


Dear John,

I was just up there a few days ago. The total number is 19.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

[Paul Cowan]

Dear John,

Forgive me for being so bold, but you might consider sending a few additional gifts above the 19 so the Fathers might then give these away as a blessing to others? Just a thought.

Paul

[Mary]

What kind of gifts do you give monks/nuns? I've puzzled over that a lot and can't come up with any good ideas. So, we usually just buy what they sell or give the monastery a donation. But, I'd love to give them individual gifts!

In Christ,
mary.

[John W.]

Paul,

Good idea.

Mary,

I'll tell you after January 7th!

John

[Andrew]

I usually give coffee... coffee and tea seem to be popular among monastics (and the human race in general!).

[Herman Blaydoe]

What kind of gifts do you give monks/nuns? I've puzzled over that a lot and can't come up with any good ideas. So, we usually just buy what they sell or give the monastery a donation. But, I'd love to give them individual gifts!

When visiting a monastery, even for a short time, it is customary take a gift, which can include olive oil, candles, fruit or vegetables, brandy, wine, candy, etc. Dairy products such as eggs, milk, cheese, etc. are also appropriate so long as they are not given during a fast period. Meat or meat products are never acceptable as a gift to any monastery. It is always a good idea to check with the monastery before arrival to ask about appropriateness of a gift.

[Father Anthony]

Paul,

Good idea.

Mary,

I'll tell you after January 7th!

John
Dear John,

Just so you know, the fathers at Saint Nektarios Monastery celebrate according to the Revised Julian calendar. If you are expecting when you go up after the 7th to see that they are still celebrating, you will find that they just celebrated Theophany. I figure I tell you as more of a "heads up".

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

[Nina]

What kind of gifts do you give monks/nuns? I've puzzled over that a lot and can't come up with any good ideas. So, we usually just buy what they sell or give the monastery a donation. But, I'd love to give them individual gifts!

In Christ,
mary.

In addition to the great advise from Andrew and Herman - you can give socks, a warm scarf, shoes, gloves (everything in black).

If a monk lives in the world (or if he is a bishop, archbishop etc.) you can buy a nice white shirt (cuff-links also are a good gift for those who use them). Also a good book, icon, CD, a good fountain pen, paper knife, paperweight etc. are appropriate.

It also depends on how much you know the person. Observe and see what they like, or need.

P.S Ah and of course some good chocolate (like Lindt) is never a bad gift.

[Paul Cowan]

Nina,

What good is a paper knife? If it gets wet it surely can't cut anymore. I sure doubt it could cut bread or vegetables even dry.

(just being cute)

PC

[Nina]

Nina,

What good is a paper knife? If it gets wet it surely can't cut anymore. I sure doubt it could cut bread or vegetables even dry.

(just being cute)

PC

:) :) :) That's very funny!!! giggles... Ok teach me how can I say it in English... envelope opener? I read somewhere paper knife, but your joke is so funny!

And Mary also any homemade, or handmade (by you) product is a great gift. :) I already know that you know and are doing this, but I am just posting it for the sake of the thread.

[Paul Cowan]

Down here we call it a letter opener.

or

Texas toothpick.

[Olga]

P.S Ah and of course some good chocolate (like Lindt) is never a bad gift.

A bottle of good wine is ALWAYS appreciated. I've yet to meet an Orthodox monk or cleric (monastic or married) who has ever declined the offer of a decent drop.

[Stavros Hadjisolomou]

Hi,

Is there a way to visit this monastery with public transportation from Astoria, Queens NY?

Unfortunately I do not have a car to go there and would like to visit with a friend.

Thank you,

All the best,
Stavros

[Cyprian (Humphrey)]

A bottle of good wine is ALWAYS appreciated. I've yet to meet an Orthodox monk or cleric (monastic or married) who has ever declined the offer of a decent drop.

I have. Recovering alcoholics. However, they're ALWAYS gracious about it, especially if the giver didn't know, or has just temporarily forgotten. :)