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I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw (Proverbs 24:31).

Welcome to Lessons from a Monastery where I record what I’ve learned from those wiser than the world (I Corinthians 1:25). Having lived in Thessaloniki, Greece for half a decade, I recorded all the experiences, lessons, and blessings I received from visiting women’s monasteries in Northern Greece (Macedonia) in my first book The Scent of Holiness: Lessons from a Women’s Monastery (now available for purchase here).

I never expected that by spending time at monasteries I would learn enough to fill a book; but it turned out I knew very little and learned very much. This blog serves as an outlet for my “continuing education.”

Please join me in my reflections on the things I’ve learned, and the more spiritual things I have yet to put into practice.

Almost all of the photos that appear on this blog are my own. If you see something you like please feel free to copy or re-post. However, my sketches and paintings are mostly watermarked with my web address because I kindly ask that none of my art work be taken without permission. (Unless, of course, it’s a photo of an icon I painted, in which case it belongs to the Church, not me). Thank you.

If you have any comments or questions I’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to e-mail me at wiserthantheworld(at)gmail(dot)com.

Disclaimer: unless otherwise cited, the opinions on this blog are solely my own. I try to be as accurate as I can, but I make mistakes.

6 Comments »

6 Responses

on July 16, 2013 at 1:23 am Julie (aka Cookie)

Hello Matushka–I am a fellow blogger who wandered upon your lovely blog. I was raised in the Episcopal Church but have grown very weary of its liberal direction–I have more interest in my Latin and Eastern roots as a spiritual Christian. I am also a retired high school art teacher who has a keen interest in the writing of Icons–even having written a post on “what is an Icon”—I look forward to exploring your site and thank you for sharing—blessings–Julie
on March 7, 2014 at 2:52 pm Ellene Phufas-Jousma

How can I get in touch with you privately?
on March 7, 2014 at 3:13 pm matushka constantina

Ellene, you can e-mail me at wiserthantheworld (at) gmail (dot) com.
on July 15, 2015 at 10:17 pm Susan Schneider

Hi I am learning to chant and found your site with the videos of the guy chanting the Paraklesis. I think it is wonderful. I’ ve been writing down what he is singing since I do not have this version. Is it possible to get a copy of the Paraklesis, if not is it possible to let you know a small part I am having a hard time to understand.. thank you Susan
on July 15, 2015 at 11:16 pm matushka constantina

Hi Susan,

An English translation of the Paraclesis to the Mother of God can be found online here: http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/megapara.htm

Unfortunately, it is not the same translation as the one the guy chants in his videos. If you are like me this may cause you some difficulty in trying to learn how to chant it. The translation he is using is from the Holy Transfiguration prayer book which you can purchase here: http://www.bostonmonks.com/product_info.php/products_id/576

I have written the whole Paraclesis out by hand as well (according to the translation he uses) so don’t hesitate to ask if there is a portion you can’t understand. I’ll help if I can.
on March 6, 2016 at 6:53 pm NEKTA Nekta

Hello Matushka!

I’m a Romanian girl living in Spain. Of course, I’m Orthodox. The last year during the summer when I was to Romania, I bought the book. It was amazing! After I read it, I sent it to a nun.

Thank you for it! Reading every page, step by step, I felt that I’m live along you and the nuns.

Greetings,

Spain