Day 09 — A photo of your favorite Church

The Church's name is Holy Trinity. It is very tiny.

Day 08 — Your favorite Orthodox monastery

My favorite monastery is St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery. I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week there for a girls retreat. I can confidently say that it was one of the best weeks of my life! We got to know the nuns, they played some games with us, we did crafts that the nuns do there, and the talks in the chapel. It was wonderful to get a glimpse in to what life is like at a monastery. It was just a wonderful time to pray, talk, and learn so much more about my faith.

Day 07 — Your favorite pilgrimage destination

Being in America I feel that we don't have nearly as many pilgrimage destinations as those who live in countries that have had Orthodoxy for much longer. But I do have a favorite pilgrimage destination, even though I don't have a lot to chose from, and I have not been to nearly as many as  I would like. It is All Merciful Saviour Orthodox Monastery. It is is such a lovely location, and the monks there are so friendly and easy to talk to.

Day 06 — How often do you say the Jesus Prayer with your prayer rope?

Not nearly often enough. I use my pray rope probably about once a week, though I say the Jesus prayer often during the day. I have been trying to use is more, though not nearly as successfully as I would like.

For my followers who don't know what the Jesus prayer is: "Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."

Day 5 — Your favourite Theotokos icon

Our Lady of Vladimir is my favorite Theotokos icon. It is very comforting to look at. To see it has withstood time and so has the Theotokos. 

Day 04 — Your favorite Jesus icon

This would be my favorite icon of Christ. If I had to choose. I like many of them.

Day 03 — Your favorite Bible Verse

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I day unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” -John 6:53

This verse was really the one that made me see I needed to become Orthodox. It was the verse that helped me to become able to leave the Church where I grew up, and go with my family to the Orthodox Church. 

Day 02 — Your favorite Feast Day

My favorite feast day (besides Pascha) would be Lazarus Saturday. It is a reflection and for taste of Christ own Resurrection from the dead. It is a looking forward to what is about to happen. I also like it because we sing on of my many favorite hymns that day. Rejoice of Bethany.

Day 01 — Your favorite Saint

My favorite orthodox saint is Saint Elizabeth Grand Duchess of Russia. She is also my patron saint. 

I find her life amazing. She was married, when her husband died she became a nun and served the poor of Russia. I think she is a wonderful testamony to how our money should be used to help the poor and needy. I think I like her so much because she reminds me of Mother Teresa from the Catholic church, whom I admire as well. 

Blessings

~Elizabeth