Hamatura Monastery
the Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos
I have long loved the Holy Monastery of Hamatura, Hieromartyr St. Jacob, Archimandrite Issac Attallah, and Archimandrite Pantelimon. While doing some research tonight, I came across a beautiful video and website for the Monastery which I want to share with you. May we have the holy intercessions of St. Jacob!
APOLYTIKION OF ST. JACOB OF HAMATOURA IN TONE THREE
Thou didst flourish like Lebanon’s cedar, * with no fear thou didst suffer martyrdom, * thou becamest, O saint Jacob, a true victor. * For thou didst conquer death with thy mortal flesh, * when thou didst tame all the passions by humility. * And while burning like incense as a true sacrifice, * thou intercedest with Christ to grant us all the Great Mercy.
ANOTHER APOLYTIKION OF ST. JACOB OF HAMATOURA IN TONE FIVE
Father Jacob, the glorious, let us rightly praise, * who, with strong and fervid longing, didst serve his Lord, and for Him * he abandoned all the pleasures and renounced the world. * The hard path of martyrdom he walked * after living all his life obedient to the Gospel. * Therefore, all the faithful now praise him and venerate his brave and sacred contest.
Hamatura Through History
Sayings of these Holy Fathers
Below are a few sayings taken from the website (linked above) of Archimandrite Isaac Attallah and Archimandrite Pantelimon.
“Let us have patience, courage, enthusiasm, boldness, and faith in God's providence so that we can face trials.”
“Attending church seasonally is different from having a spiritual life, which requires effort, courage, and a plan. Have therefore a plan in your life, for without one, we bear no fruit.”
“Obedience to a spiritual father is a fire that consumes the devil.”
“People today listen to the news and read newspapers because they are disturbed and seeking reassurance, but find none. Why not change this approach and read the Holy Scriptures? Our minds, filled with divine truths and the stories of the saints, will be lifted, transforming our lives from negative to sacred, imbued with a spiritual character and filled with goodness and blessings.”
“Belonging to Christ doesn't mean privilege; it means walking a path of purification and hardship. Therefore, you deny yourself and dedicate all your energies in the service of Christ.”
“Let us walk in humility and simplicity, preparing ourselves for the joyous end, for the meeting with our Lord Jesus Christ, for dwelling in His presence. Let us strive to cultivate the virtues that allow us to be with God, rather than seeking earthly pleasures. For earthly enjoyment here means no joy in the heavens.”