One of the things that amazes me about the Great Dismal Swamp Maroons, (and leads me to believe the flight of the enslaved Africans to such a place after the 1730 Chesapeake Uprising was no accident of location), was how they were able to feed themselves. Obviously, they caught fish, hunted and trapped wild game, … More Maroon Cultivation: A Way of Spiritual Growth
“Moving into the desert meant taking a step into the realm of freedom: Freedom from slavery, freedom from obligatory subjection, freedom from exploitation, and especially freedom from possession.” Fr. John Chryssavgis In his book, In the Heart of the Desert, Fr. John Chryssavgis explains that women were considered to be the possession of their fathers, … More Maroon Freedom & Inspiration
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
Notice, I call him, “Abba,” parenthetically because “Old Man Fisher” was a well known preacher among the Great Dismal Swamp Maroons. He was a self absconded enslaved man as those he ministered to. I’m not sure and have no record if the old man became one of the deep interior Maroons who had no interactions … More “Abba” Fisher: Determination in the Spiritual Life
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
“Our Father, Abba Anthony, said he had never put his own personal advantage before the good of a brother.” John the Eunuch from the Sayings of the Desert Fathers There is a story of Abba Macarius receiving some fresh grapes. He wanted to eat them. But, he chose not to and knew another monk who … More Of Desert Fathers & Maroons: The Perils of Self Indulgence
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
Flee also youthful lust, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart – 2 Timothy 2:22 The goal of our profession … is the kingdom of God. Its immediate purpose, however, is purity of heart, for without this we cannot reach our goal. We should … More Of Desert Fathers & Maroons II: Freedom & Purity
