The Oblation Journal

One who qualifies as a candidate to the Oblates of St Benedict are Orthodox Christians who are, at least, 17 years old. They may be either married or single, layman or clergy in good standing with their ruling bishop.

They have completed a one year novitiate as an Oblate Novice under the guidance of the Vicar for Oblates or the Abbot of the monastery to which one will be attached.

During this one year of training, the Oblate Novice becomes familiar with the Rule of Saint Benedict and its application to an Oblate’s life, learns to pray the Divine Office in Gregorian Chant and meditates in the fashion of Lectio Divina. One learns about what is particular to Benedictine Spirituality and its connection to the Orthodox Christian way of life. Additionally, the novice reads the life of St. Benedict, Benedictine history and martyrology.

This is the standard novitiate as observed at the Abbey of the Holy Name in West Milford, New Jersey.

At the Hermitage of St. John the Theologian (Central New York State) Oblate Novices must also learn about the Life & Rule of St. Romuald and the practice of silence.

Upon completion of the novitiate the Vicar for Oblates or the Abbot considers the candidate’s ability and dedication in fulfilling this vocation of oblation. If accepted, the candidate graduates by means of a Service of Oblation or the tonsure of an oblate. This paraliturgical Service is one’s initiation and acceptance before God and His Church into a deeper observance of the traditional Orthodox Christian Faith.