The Order of the Christos
The Order of the Christos is a fellowship of the Valentinian Catholic Church drawn together by a common love of God, heeding a call to live the Christic way of life and prayer as revealed by Jesus Bar Joseph, and practiced in the ancient Church which he founded. Brothers and Sisters of the Order are bound together through a common Rule and praxis founded on the original Rule of Saint Benedict.
GETTING STARTED ON THE JOURNEY …
The first step is to make contact with us.
As is the case in virtually all monastic traditions, there is a mandatory 6-month postulancy followed by a one-year Novitiate during which one’s prayer life and sense of calling to a contemplative way of life is examined. The year and a half consists of responding to monthly questions related to a series of assigned readings, and close work with a spiritual director.
At the close of the year and a half, those wishing to do so may petition the Abbot to enter a mandatory one-year Juniorate.
Over the course of this second year, focus continues on cultivating an ever-deeper prayer life and further self-examination.
At the close of the mandatory second year, the Juniorate member may express intentions to pursue full Profession in the Order.
If this is so, and the Abbot concurs, the profession is scheduled and final Vows are taken. These are then renewed annually on the Feast of St. Benedict.
Juniorate members may also choose to remain in the Juniorate for as much as an additional year as they continue their process of discernment.
A FRESH BREEZE IN A FRENETIC SOCIETY…
The VCC Order of the Christos is an ecclesially authorized monastic community.
Unlike other religious orders, however, our members pursue their livelihoods as they choose and reside in their own homes, while participating in periodic regional assemblies and spiritual retreats. The central common prayer of the Order involves the recitation of the Divine Office, and the practice of contemplative prayer in the manner of the ancient Hesychast tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy.
What defines the unique character of the Order is a passionate commitment to contemplation in action and attunement to the sacrament of every moment. Given this commitment, Order members dedicate themselves to explorations in prayer and contemplation.
For each member of the Order, the daily challenge is to bring prayerful living and rich interiority into the busyness of work, and to manifest the radical Gospel of Love in all interactions and in all activities.
All receive personalized spiritual direction and oral instruction in devotional methods through direct mentoring. Spiritual direction is provided in person, by phone and through correspondence and Internet exchanges. Members therefore can count on the wonderful benefits of Metanoic Blessing, which accompany community affiliation, (i.e., each participant’s efforts are amplified by the collective activity - but in a fresh way, in contemporary form, in the living arrangement of their choice, and in a way that transcends the limitations imposed by life circumstances and locale.)
A MINISTRY OF THREE ORDERS …
In keeping with ancient custom, The Order of the Christos is, in fact, made up of three Orders. The First Order is reserved for those who have completed disciplined preparation for service in the Priesthood. The Second Order is geared to serve those seeking intensive training and/or ecclesial licensure in one of the many specialties in non-sacramental ministry such as spiritual healing, pastoral counseling, spiritual friendship and direction. The Third Order is structured so that those wishing to devote themselves to ongoing spiritual development and service, yet who do not feel called to a specific vocation, may continue to receive benefits from membership in the Order, including the authorized usage of vesture and insignia. [It should be noted that there is nothing hierarchical to be inferred from the numbering of the Orders]
VOWS OF PROFESSION
All professed members are under vows of non-materialism, conversion & stability of life, purity of heart, assent to the Rule of the Order, and Prayer Without Ceasing.
Jesus said: “Come unto me you who are heavy-burdened and I shall give you repose. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
CONFRATERNITY OF THE SACRED ROSARY…
As a special ministry of the Order, all men and women interested in making the recitation of the Rosary a central element of their prayer lives are invited to join us as members of this Confraternity for shared devotion, and instruction in meditating on the Rosary. Those applying will receive a regular Newsletter and a Certificate of Membership.
Link to the Confraternity of the Mystic Rosary Homepage
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION …
Please contact the Abbot for more details and to take the next step. May God bless you and keep you on your journey and fill your every step with peace and Joy in the Living Christ.
Copyright 2002