One an Athonite, the other a Trappist… born on opposite sides of the world, in 1907… die on the same day.
The Athonite, Fr. John of Hilandari.
Today, Sunday 29 July 2012, the oldest living monk on Mount Athos reposed in the Lord. Fr. John of Hilandari was 105 years old. He lived at the Serbian Monastery of Hilandari.Fr. John was born on 10 May 1907 in Serbia. Following World War 2 he emigrated to England where he stayed until the early 80’s. It was during this time that his wife died and he decided to become a monk at Hilandari Monastery. Since then he never stepped foot off of the Holy Mountain.Though he was a patriot of Serbia, he never once visited since World War 2, because, he says, “it is not the place I knew. It would not remind me of my childhood years and this would sadden me.”He lived a life of prayer and obedience. His service work all these years was as a gardener. Many remember him as the monk with bags on his knees crawling throughout the garden.He loved Serbian poetry, and himself wrote many books of Serbian poems which he titled “Foreigners”.In 2009 he finally abandoned his typewriter and began using a laptop which was given to him by his brothers at the monastery.
The Trappist, Fr. Daniel of New Melleray.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the most High and abides in the shade of the Almighty says to the Lord “My refuge, my stronghold, my God in whom in I trust.” … With length of life I will content him; I shall let him see my saving power.” – Ps. 90
Monastery birthday notice:
Today, Fr. Daniel Lenihan is 105 years old. He retired from managing Mass Offerings about two months ago because of his declining health. During the last two weeks he has needed assistance to leave his bed in the infirmary. And for the past two days he has been resting quietly, ready to meet the Lord. If Fr. Daniel is not the oldest priest in the world he comes close. We are trying to find out if there are any older priests. He joined New Melleray in 1946. Rejoice with us as we celebrate the life and holiness of this wonderful monk.
Monastery death notice:
Fr. Daniel Lenihan died this morning at 11:40 AM. He was 105 years old. Fr. Daniel entered New Melleray on May 17, 1946 and made his first profession of vows on September 12, 1948, and his solemn vows three years later. He was ordained a priest on May 3, 1955. The day and time of his funeral will be announced later. – New Melleray Abbey
He was quite a monk.
“Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.” – Proverbs 8:34
Eternal rest grant unto both of them, o Lord