Had a spectacular walk, 4:30-6:30, in the direction of Philotheou where I hope to go when I begin my journey home. It was a sort of scouting trip to see if the way is obvious enough (it is), and if it isn't too arduous (it isn't). I walked about 5 km of the 15km necessary to arrive at Philotheou, and that included most of the up portion of the trip. There will also be another skete (Provata) and a monastery (Karakalou) along the way to stop for refreshment of body and soul. Very happy about this as that should be one of the hardest of the hikes I have to do on the way back, and it doesn't look too bad. I'm looking forward to hiking when the time comes to leave, but I'm not yet looking forward to leaving. Here's an example of why:
When I returned from my scouting adventure, I was greeted in the courtyard by a big grin and the question, “Where have you been?” I looked around and saw monks in their church garb, not their work clothes. With my keen insight I instinctively knew that the proper answer was 'not where I was supposed to be.'
“Was there a service?” I said, knowing now full well there was one.
“Yes, at 5, just like every day; Vespers.”
Alas, how I got this so wrong I don't know. It seemed unimaginable to me that there would be no Saturday evening service, but I thought I had grilled them on that issue and they assured me that there was not. Obviously I misunderstood. No one was upset about my absence, of course, but rather they were concerned and had sent people looking for me–leaving the 99 to go find the one who was lost.
Apart from asking their forgiveness, I found it delightfully touching that they cared enough to wonder where I was, and to come looking for the lost sheep. It reveals so vividly to me the value of staying in one monastic community for a sustained period of time while on Mount Athos, getting to know the monastics, and letting them come to know me. What else is there in this life than knowing and being known, loving and being loved (searching and being searched for :-). Having missed Great Vespers for the Samaritan woman, I now will snooze a little before the 3am service which begins with Nocturns (the one daily service I'm not so familiar with), and then Matins, Hours, and Divine Liturgy. By the prayers of Sts. Paisios and Photini, I will be there.
