Daily Prayer Rule (The Eleven)
 |
| Morning bathed in moonlight at the Skete. ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
Our Mornings begin very early at the Skete. The First three of “The Eleven” begin at 3:20 AM in our individual cells. It is the stepping into the stream of prayer, one Office flowing into the other.
 |
| The Bible and the Beads ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reser ved |
1. Prayer Rope (first strand): 3:20 AM EST – free
2. Prayer Rope (second strand): free
3. Prayer Rope (third strand): free
 |
| In the stillness of the night, we make our way to the chapel ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
As the ongoing prayer flows throughout the wee hours of the morning; at the Fourth Office, Lauds with the Lord’s Supper, the community comes together at 4:40 AM in the Chapel. …and the prayer continues
 |
| ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
4. Lauds with the Lord’s Supper: 4:40 AM EST. – fixed
 |
| Our Lady of Nazareth, Messenger of Peace enthroned in the Chapel ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
5. Little Office of the Incarnation: 6:00 AM EST – free
 |
| Clouds over the Skete, almost look like a ladder to Heaven. ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
6. Little Office of the Incarnation: Noon – free
7. Prayer Rope (second strand): 3:00 PM EST – free
8. Vespers (Prayer Book Office) and Prayer Rope (third strand): 5:00 PM EST –fixed
9. Little Office of the Incarnation: 6:00 PM EST – free
 |
| Dusk at the Skete ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
10. Compline: 7:30 PM – fixed
11. Prayer Rope (first strand): 8:15 PM EST – free
 |
| Entrance Gate at the Skete ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
Notes:
1.The First Five of “The Eleven” is a continuous flow, a stepping into an ongoing river of prayer. (Ps 46:4; Ezek. 47:1-12).
 |
| Front Doorway to the Chapel ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
2.In addition to “The Eleven” the Nazareth Rosary (third strand of the Prayer Rope) is prayed daily. The Nazareth Rosary is praying all 20 Mysteries at one setting whereas the Prayer Rope following Vespers is the chaplet of the day.
 |
| “Call to Prayer” Bell ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
3. Hesychasts of the Skete spend what time left in manual labor and study.
 |
| Residents perform Minimum 4 hours daily manual labor at the Skete ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
4. Those who are able observe the Typikon of the Eleventh Hour, one meal a day after 6 PM Office.
 |
| Snow covers the Chapel ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
By request from those in various areas of the world who want to be in prayer with us at the Skete but are unable to be physically present, we have posted the above schedule. Please note we are in Eastern Standard Time (EST) and adjust accordingly.
 |
| ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
It is is important for people to know that there is a place where prayer is going on continually for them as they go about their daily activities in the world. When they are distracted, struggling, rushing from place to place, laughing or crying – there is someone here remembering them in prayer – praying them through their day.
 |
| Retreatant enters the Chapel ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
Those living in residence at the Skete are required to attend The Eleven. “Free” means, “on your own in your cell”. ”Fixed” means, “together in a fixed area – The Meeting of the Lord Chapel”.
 |
| Fencing above The Wailing Wall at St. Simeon Skete ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
Those visiting the Skete are expected to attend the “fixed” Offices beginning with Lauds at 4:40 AM. FIXED Offices are opened to the public.
 |
| Retreatants climbing stairs to Elisha’s Loft at the Skete ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
Thursdays are “Desert” days in which we remain in silence and contemplation until the shared Evening Meal meeting together only at the Fixed Offices.
 |
| Conversation around the community dinner table. ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
Fridays at the Skete, the Jesus Prayer Office (400 Rule) begins at 4:40 AM EST rather than Lauds and The Lord’s Supper.
 |
| The Holy Trinity Kellia and the Chapel across from it. ©2012 NHA, All Rights Reserved |
At 3 PM EST, every Friday we participate in the Stations of the Cross. This is ongoing year round and not only a Lenten Devotion.
