Metr. Saba Welcomes Syrian Abbess to Massachusetts Parishes

BOSTON — Abbess Makrina of Our Lady of Blemana Monastery in Syria, a former spiritual daughter of St. Paisios the Athonite, visited Antiochian Orthodox parishes in Massachusetts on October 31 and November 1 to discuss monastic life and plans for establishing a convent at the Antiochian Village.

Accompanied by Metr. Saba of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, one of her nuns, and two clergymen from the Patriarchate of Antioch, Abbess Makrina visited St. George Church in West Roxbury on October 31. Bp. John of Worcester also participated in the gathering.

Abbess Makrina described founding her convent in Syria in 1986 after spending time in a Greek monastery under the spiritual guidance of St. Paisios. She recalled the difficulties faced by the small community and said the saint encouraged the nuns, assuring them that conditions would improve once they built their church.

The following day, Metr. Saba celebrated Orthros and Divine Liturgy at St. George Cathedral in Worcester. He spoke about the growing number of converts entering the Archdiocese and the responsibility of welcoming them into Orthodox communities. Afterward, Abbess Makrina discussed plans for a convent at the Antiochian Village and answered questions about prayer, family life, and monastic vocations.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abbot Basil, a disciple of St. Justin Popović, reposed at 83.