Abba Pachomious, like so many other men and women dissatisfied with the laxity of the Christian world around them, sought refuge for his soul in the desert. But it probably didn’t take him long to realize that not everyone was cut out to live in such harsh conditions alone. This is especially true for ladies … More Swamp Monasticism: Brotherhood Among the Maroons
I was blessed to be with three of my brothers of St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church on a journey to the Great Dismal Swamp. The City of Chesapeake had recently opened the Historical Village Park on Glencoe Road between Rt. 17 and the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. The main museum building was filled with … More Great Dismal City of God and Refuge
It is easy to think of the bold men who became Maroons in the Great Dismal Swamp. Being an enslaved man forced to help dig the canals was one of the most brutal task of the colonial era. Deep, hard tree roots had to be cut through. Briar patches were everywhere. At least three types … More Great Dismal Love?: Men & Women Maroons
The Black Preacher is someone who is well known in American History. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jessie Jackson, Adam Clayton Powell come to mind for most of us. Scholars will even point to such men as Bishop Richard Allen, Gowan Pamphlet, and others. Let me add one other name to your mind. A … More Old Man Fisher: Abba of the Great Dismal Swamp
Behold now, what is so good or so joyous as for brethren to dwell together in unity? Psalm 132:1 LXX (133 Maesoretic) He (“old man” Elias) called togerher everybody who lived near him and built cells for them in a single day, me delivering mortar, and another bricks, another drawing water, and another cutting wood. … More Of Desert Fathers and Maroons: The Blessings of Unity
“Let us imitate our Fathers: The lived in this place with much austerity and peace.” Abba John the Eunuch, from the Sayings of the Desert Fathers “But some on’em would rather be shot than took, sir.” from A Desolate Place for a Defiant People The runaway slave was among the bravest of our African ancestors. … More Of Desert Fathers & Maroons
Desert Fathers Dispatch 