Monastery of Saint John the Baptist — Local services in Maldon

The Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery of St John the Baptist is a monastic community for both men and women, directly under the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It is located in Tolleshunt Knights, near Maldon, Essex, in England, and is the oldest Orthodox religious community in the UK.

The religious community was founded in 1958 by Elder Sophrony,[1] under the jurisdiction of Metropolitan Anthony, Metropolitan of Sourozh and ruling Russian bishop in England, with six monastics from a number of nations; soon after, in 1965, the Monastery moved under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The community consists of men and women living the monastic tradition of a Christ-centred prayer life. Currently, there are just under 40 monastics in the community, the majority of whom are nuns, with a smaller number of monks.[1]

HistoryEdit

The Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery of St John the Baptist had its beginnings largely in the person of Elder Sophrony. After his departure from Mt Athos, where he had been a disciple of Saint Silouan the Athonite, and his subsequent move to Paris, he was to live in a Russian old-people's home, assisting the priest there. Soon, two men would seek out Elder Sophrony, desiring the monastic life. They were allowed to live at the old-people's home, using the repetition of the Jesus Prayer in lieu of liturgical books and eating the food that the old-age inhabitants didn't eat. There were also a few nuns living at the home at this time.[2]

By 1958, Elder Sophrony had six people living around him, seeking the monastic life. Realising that such a situation could not continue, he went to Tolleshunt Knights, near Maldon, Essex, England to inspect a property; in the spring of 1959, the new Community of St John the Baptist was formed at the same property, under Metropolitan Anthony's omophorion. The monastery, from its beginnings, had both monks and nuns, due to Elder Sophrony being unable to oversee two separate communities.[2]

The Monastery of St John the Baptist moved under the omophorion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1965, becoming Patriarchal; later, the monastery would also be titled 'Stavropegic'.

Repose of Elder SophronyEdit

The monastery had been informed that the only way that it could bury people on its property was to build an underground crypt, which it proceeded to build, and to which Elder Sophrony said that he would not repose until the crypt was ready. Then, having been told of the expected completion date of 12 July 1993, Elder Sophrony stated that he "would be ready". On the 11th, Elder Sophrony reposed; and on the 14th his funeral and burial were held, attended by monastics from around the world. Mother Elizabeth, the eldest nun, reposed soon after on the 24th, according to Elder Sophrony's words that he would repose first, and she would repose...

This is a very spiritual place, perhaps the only in UK as I have no ideea if there are other Orthodox monasteries (i heard about one in north of Scotland). The community is mainly Greek and Romanian, Bulgarian, Serbian, but you can find Western Orthodox fathers.And English people. For the first time i felt like home and I felt a strong spiritual atmosphere. St Sophrony of Essex legacy is strong. No secularism, no compromise. Pure faith.There is a highly intellectual and theologic aspect involved as well as a deep monastic life with happy people and children. Its the first time I felt like home and I only hope more English people will discover the peace and uniquiness of our Holy Orthodoxy. The English people deserve to find again God, as their history and culture was strong Christian but now they are without a compass and sadly one of the most secular country in the world. I spoke with a local and he was very happy about the community. You feel the beauty of Christianity from the Holly Mass to talks. I also touched the first time the beauty of Greek...

As far as I know this is the only Greek Orthodox Monastery in UK. Just how it came to be located, seemingly hidden down this long country lane in such an isolated area of rural Essex, is something of a miracle in itself. Whatever your religious beliefs or otherwise, I recommend you study the history of this monastery & it's founder's journey from Russia, via France, in order to achieve his life's mission. It's a tale where real life is so much more incredible than fiction. If visiting the rather mysterious place that is Tolleshunt Knights, be sure to find the former old parish church located at the far end of the lane. It's a very old building set in an old churchyard in as tranquil, out of the way spot that you'll...