#orthodox monastery

Pockets of Grace in this World + The monks of New Skete integrate their Orthodox faith with raising, breeding, and training German Shepherds by viewing dogs as a testament to the sacredness of creation. They see the unconditional love, forgiveness, and connection they experience with their dogs as reflections of God's love, seamlessly weaving canine care into their monastic rhythm of prayer and work.

The New Skete monks’ path from Catholic to Orthodox: The small community — today comprising 10 monks and about the same number of adult German shepherds — was started by Franciscan friars who were seeking a more contemplative yet rooted spiritual structure than the Catholic orders were providing them, said Brother Marc. One of the founders — and now 82 — he directs the choir at New Skete together with Brother Luke.

They were inspired by the “explosion of wonderfulness” of the Second Vatican Council to return to ancient but simpler and more accessible practices, like those of the first ascetics in the Egyptian desert, from whom the name skete derives, and who also received pilgrims and performed other community services. The monks officially joined the Orthodox Church in America more than four decades ago; icons of male and female saints from Eastern and Western Christianity adorn the golden walls of the larger of the monastery’s two churches.

Orthodox Icon The Vladimir Mother of God. The Christian icon. Gold and silver Plated .999. version/Coloured version. Handmade. Gift box.