I met Moe and lovely Nadya over a weekend when I visited the monastery and town church, in October, 2003. I had never met two people more genuine to the spirit of Christ’s injunction in Matthew: I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Almost twenty years later, I remember them more than many people I worked with on a daily basis for years, because of that kindness. When I left there, I adopted a VERY small stray kitten from the monastery that I named Wayne so I would never forget that small town that had such an impact on me. He died in September 2016.

Remarkably, I ran into Moe & Nadya at a small Greek Orthodox Church in Winter Haven, FL about 5 or 6 years ago, must have been shortly before Nadya passed away, and I was blown away that they remembered me. Me! I assure you, it says so much more about them, than it does about me.

I am very sad to hear that they are not longer with us but my sadness is of course, for myself. I have the time now to get to know this man better. Thank you for making that knowledge available. I am sorry I did not get to learn it first hand.

Heather,
Thank you for reading about our dear Moe.
Glory to God!

Thank you, Magdalena.

Fr. Raphael, bless!
Glory to God. May God remember them in His Kingdom.

Thank you for your thoughts, Marilyn. God be with you and your family.

Just in general, Father Sergius, it blesses my heart to see how you studied and valued my Dad and became such a dear friend over the years. Your writing filled an empty place in my heart this evening. My Dad and step Mom [Nadya] prayed for years that we kids would get “saved” and recognize their faith as right. Finally he started saying that the matter did not burden him so deeply as he became older.

I received a seekers manual of orthodox faith as a gift recently from Dad’s friend Wayne F., I was just about to spend some time in it when l found your article. From heaven, Dad will see some of his prayers answered. I like the non-manipulative way that people of your faith allow people to seek and grow at a slow and private and quiet pace. God bless you people for that godly attribute.

Have a good evening. I will now celebrate New Year’s Eve reading that book and remembering Dad. He lay down his life for my son. I love him now, more than l have ever loved him while he was alive.

Thank you, Patricia.

Please feel free to introduce yourself next time you see one of us around town, or come on out to the monastery sometime. If you’d like to visit, just give us a ring or send us a message to let us know in advance.

We look forward to meeting you. God bless,
Your Out Wayne Monks