Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: Abba Apollo

See Christ in your neighbor

There was in the Cells an old man called Apollo. If someone came to find him about doing a piece of work, he would set out joyfully, saying, ‘I am going to work with Christ today, for the salvation of my soul, for that is the reward he gives.’ With regard to receiving the brethren,… Read More ›

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God has forgiven you

It was said of a certain Abba Apollo of Scetis, that he had been a shepherd and was very uncouth. He had seen a pregnant woman in the field one day and being urged by the devil, he had said, ‘I should like to see how the child lies in her womb.’ So he ripped… Read More ›

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Sympathize with the young — and do not judge

[A young monk], who was not the laziest of young men, had gone to an old man and had candidly confessed that he was troubled by carnal appetites and the spirit of fornication. He had hoped to receive from the old man’s words consolation for his efforts, and a cure for the wounds inflicted on… Read More ›

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Do not be Despondent

When Abba Apollo heard the sound of singing from the monks who welcomed us, he greeted us according to the custom which all monks follow… He first lay prostrate on the ground, then got up and kissed us and having brought us in he prayed for us; then, after washing our feet with his own… Read More ›

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Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks!

When Abba Apollo heard the sound of singing from the monks who welcomed us, he greeted us according to the custom which all monks follow… He first lay prostrate on the ground, then got up and kissed us and having brought us in he prayed for us; then, after washing our feet with his own… Read More ›

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Hospitality Toward Others

The greeting itself, however, ought to manifest complete humility toward guests who are arriving or departing: by an inclination of the head or by a complete prostration on the ground, one must adore Christ in them, fir he is in fact the one who is received. (RB 53: 6) Abba Apollo said with regard to… Read More ›

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