This blog is dedicated to spiritual reflection, theological study, and commentary on the liturgical readings. Maintained by a hieromonk, this space serves as a place for contemplation, teaching, and engagement with the richness of Apostolic tradition. Here, you will find reflections on the daily lectionary, studies in patristics, theological discussions, and writings on the spiritual life.
About Sacred Heart Hermitage
Sacred Heart Hermitage is a diocesan hermitage established under Canon 603 of the Code of Canon Law. It is both a house of prayer and a poustinia—a place of silence, fasting, and deep interior communion with God—rooted in the Byzantine and Eastern Catholic tradition.
I live here as a hermit-priest and hieromonk* who has embraced the solitary vocation in obedience to the Church and under the blessing of the Holy See. My life unites the sacerdotal and monastic callings offering the Holy Mysteries, maintaining the Divine Office, and interceding for the living and the departed in quiet communion with the universal Church.
As both hermitage and poustinia, Sacred Heart Hermitage follows the ancient rhythm of Eastern Christian monasticism. Each day is ordered by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the recitation of the Hours, personal meditation upon the Bible, and work performed in simplicity. The atmosphere is one of stillness, penitence, and adoration before the indwelling presence of the Lord.
The spiritual character of my life here is shaped by a dual fidelity—to the ancient monastic ideals of the Christian East and to the pastoral heart of the western Church. The Hermitage serves as a spiritual bridge between East and West, honouring the rich traditions of both, while remaining in communion with the Holy See.
My devotion centres upon the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whose love I contemplate as the fountain of mercy and renewal. Though my apostolate is hidden, it extends through prayer, written reflection, and occasional spiritual counsel to those seeking to deepen their interior life. In this way, Sacred Heart Hermitage serves as a quiet witness to divine charity in an age of distraction. It is a place where heaven and earth meet in silence, where the mysteries of faith are lived daily in solitude, and where the fire of the Sacred Heart burns unceasingly for the salvation of souls.
The hermitage was granted the status of Personal Parish on 24 October 2025, with families, individuals and two churches under its pastoral care. The hermitage serves the dispersed faithful of the Byzantine Rite.
What is a Poustinia?
A poustinia (from the Russian пустыня, meaning “desert” or “wilderness”) is a small hermitage or solitary dwelling where a Christian, usually a monastic or spiritual seeker, withdraws for prayer, fasting, and silence. It follows the tradition of the Desert Fathers and hesychasm, emphasising deep communion with God through stillness and simplicity. This is a form of entering the spiritual desert. In the Eastern practice, a poustinik (one who dwells in a poustinia) may live in permanent solitude or periodically retreat there for spiritual renewal. Some hermitages allow visitors seeking temporary retreat, but the focus remains on inner stillness and unceasing prayer. It is a way of life centred on repentance, asceticism, and the Jesus Prayer.
This blog seeks to bring the depth of ancient Apostolic spirituality into the modern world, providing insights that help the faithful navigate their own spiritual deserts. Whether through exegesis, theological discourse, or reflections on monastic wisdom, I hope this blog serves a guide for those who seek to deepen their life in Christ.
May God bless you +
Rev. Fr. Hieromonk Charles
* Initially ordained by Ever-memorable Orthodox Bishop Aleksandar on 5 June 1995 in Pennsylvania, and subsequently reconfirmed under the Byzantine Rite by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on 27 June 2001 in Ukraine. This ordination and mission are linked to the papal protection and continuation of the Old Believer clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church in Communion with Rome, in direct continuity with the provisions first affirmed by Pope Pius X and later reaffirmed by Pope John Paul II.