July 1 – 2, 2010 Bishop Benjamin celebrated the patronal feast of Monastery of St. John of San Francisco and Shanghai, Manton, CA with the monastery brotherhood in the little chapel that formerly stood at Point Reyes, CA. The monastery is an important place of spiritual respite in our midst and was founded by Metropolitan Jonah in 1996.

Archimandrite Meletios and the brothers have continued to grow as a community and have become prominent in the resurgence of monastic life in Orthodox America. The brotherhood includes both American and foreign born brothers working out their salvation together.

The vigil service and Divine Liturgy were beautifuly sung by the monastery choir under the direction of Father Martin. The monks not only sing traditional Slavic and Byzantine music, but also contemporary American settings by Fr. Martin and others. The prayerfulness of the services is noteworthy.

In his sermon at the conclusion of the vigil, Bishop Benjamin remarked on St. John’s ability to project the love of God for His people and entire creation by means of his quiet, humble and loving way of life. St. John was the consumate pastor, a shepherd who knew his sheep and was known by them. They followed the voice of the Chief Shepherd as it sounded through the lips of the little Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco. God expressed His love for His people and for these two cities through the loving ministry of St. John. In this way, he was truly a rule or canon of faith, a guide for his flock. Like Moses of old, he led his beloved flock from danger. Like Joshua, he led them into a new land. Like Solomon the wise, St. John was blessed by God to build a temple in the heart of the City of San Francisco.

The pilgrimage to the monastery is an annual event. We encourage you to visit the Monastery of St. John and also to visit the monastery’s website: http://www.monasteryofstjohn.org.