[lkco]

Thanks Martin for explaining the complexity of the fast rules. I’m not sure about New Skete, but my grandmother observes the Gregorian calendar too ... so her Nativity fast starts later and goes to January 6. I thought I read somewhere that they (like Grandma) were Russian as well ... at least the roots of their monastery.

[Martin Tell]

I understand the New Sketers began their monastery as Eastern Rite Catholics, becoming Orthodox a few years ago.

I further recall that they are OCA, so that would make them "Russian."

I am at a loss to understand, let alone explain, the differences between Old Calendar and New Calendar notation, who follows what, etc. I've only been Orthodox for three years. I am learning to be quiet and simply obey!

New Skete is a very interesting place (never been there myself, but I've read a couple of their books). In addition to the convent, there is a place for married couples, "Companions of New Skete." Some days that sounds very attractive to my wife and me.