Join us every 3rd Saturday of the month for our Midday Retreats with the Mystics, focusing this month on the Hesychasts.  This contemplative movement, involving both monks and laity, practices the frequent recitation of The Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy!”) as an aid to praying without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17).  Fr. Ignatius John Schweitzer, OP will give a conference talk on the Hesychasts, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and guided meditations from the writings of key figures from this tradition such as John Climacus (6th-7th century), Symeon the New Theologian (949–1022), the anonymous Russian layman of The Way of the Pilgrim (19th century), and Lev Gillet (1893-1980).  A small social gathering will follow upstairs at 3 pm (featuring Mystic Monk coffee, which is roasted by Carmelite monks, and cookies baked by a Benedictine monastery), along with the opportunity to be anointed with St. Elisabeth of the Trinity oil.

No RSVP required.  212-744-2080.  parish@svsc.info For more details, and a list of the mystics for 2023, see www.UpperGarden.org and click on “News & Events.”