Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery of St John the Baptist - Essex, UK

[Rafael Z.]

https://www.facebook.com/monasterystjohnbaptistessex

Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery of St John the Baptist - Essex, UK

 

[Abel Gkiouzelis]

Yes, this is a good monastery in Essex, England!!

Founded by Blessed Elder Sophrony of Essex (+1993)!

And now the abbot is Fr. Zacharias!! He is a good Father, a good abbot, a good man!!

Thanks for the Facebook!!

 

[Rafael Z.]

Yes, this is a good monastery in Essex, England!!

Founded by Blessed Elder Sophrony of Essex (+1993)!

And now the abbot is Fr. Zacharias!! He is a good Father, a good abbot, a good man!!

Thanks for the Facebook!!

Yes, Father Zacharias is a good Confessor, too!
Glory to God!

 

[Anhelyna]

I have stayed there - was permitted to take many photographs , and did so and was told by one of the Community there , that under no circumstances was I to put any of my photos on the internet

 

[prodromos]

I have stayed there - was permitted to take many photographs , and did so and was told by one of the Community there , that under no circumstances was I to put any of my photos on the internet

I don't know if the facebook page was set up with the monastery's blessing or not (I hope it was with their blessing), but there are a great many photographs on that page. Perhaps someone could make some enquiries?

 

[~Anastasia~]

Forgive my ignorance, but I'm curious? I'm wondering at the reason that would make sharing photos prohibited, if taking them is allowed? I'm sure there is a good reason, but I just don't understand?

 

[Anhelyna]

The FB page does not appear to have been set up by the Monastery - but by a group of friends.

If you go to the page and click on 'about' this is what you find

THIS IS ONLY A GROUP OF LOVERS OF THE MONASTERY

When I was there I understood they did not have a computer in the Monastery and wished to remain off the Web.

I and the friend who was there with me took some wonderful pictures - but they have never been posted anywhere.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I love having Dr Veniamin for class (Fr Sophrony's spiritual son)

 

[Mary of Bethany]

Elder Zacharias visited our small parish a few years ago, and I will never forget his kindness and words to me. I wish I could see him again, but I understand he doesn't travel (much?) anymore.

 

[Andrew S Hatton]

I am surprised to read that publishing photographs is discouraged because it cannot be prevented - any passer by can take a photograph and many do.

I live locally and have visited in the past and never heard that said and also have seen many photographs and a few videos, it seems a good way of telling the world of their existence and consequentially attracting support.

(I have just joined this Forum to post this message but am disturbed by the amount of commercial advertisements - especially the ones that are moving about - and I have an ad blocker installed)

 

[prodromos]

(I have just joined this Forum to post this message but am disturbed by the amount of commercial advertisements - especially the ones that are moving about - and I have an ad blocker installed)

I think they were hoping some long time members would finally become subscribers, but I can see how it would probably turn off new members from sticking around long enough to decide if it was worthwhile subscribing. The ads never used to be this bad and it is much worse using a mobile phone.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I am surprised to read that publishing photographs is discouraged because it cannot be prevented - any passer by can take a photograph and many do.

I live locally and have visited in the past and never heard that said and also have seen many photographs and a few videos, it seems a good way of telling the world of their existence and consequentially attracting support.

(I have just joined this Forum to post this message but am disturbed by the amount of commercial advertisements - especially the ones that are moving about - and I have an ad blocker installed)

Hello Andrew, and welcome to CF!

I can't really speak to the monastery's decision. I haven't talked to many, but most will allow photos, if asked, but they don't want photos of the monks themselves to be taken without permission. Which I do understand for a few reasons, and there may be other reasons I'm not thinking of.

I'm sorry to hear about the ads being a problem. As an ambassador I don't see them, but I will definitely let staff know of your impression. Thank you for that. It may even be that something has been changed and they aren't even aware of how it affects the experience of new members. I appreciate you pointing it out!

I hope you'll feel free to stay around. We have a number of different forum areas dedicated to many different kinds of discussions.

Again, welcome!