Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery
Oh, such excitement is on their faces as our guests walk up the steps back into the chapel having rung the bells, a time-honored tradition and unique experience for those visiting the monastery. Inviting guests to ring the bells is one of the many ways we invite people to share in daily life at Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery.
The Orthodox ringing of bells is an ancient tradition dating back to AD 400, later extending to the monastic practice of beating the semantron. These sound producing devices are used to call to community to prayer and meals. Using different ringing patterns, the bells can inform of the arrival of a holy hierarch or holy icon, announce a funeral, and even warn of enemy attacks. For each occasion, there is a certain way the bells are rung so those speaking the same “language” clearly understand the message.
Orthodox bells are hung in a unique manner so that an entire tower filled with bass, tenor, alto, and soprano bells can all be rung by one bell ringer. Tied tightly so the bell itself doesn’t move, the bells are rung by moving the clapper alone.
Here, at the monastery, we normally ring them at the Matins / Third Hour and Vespers services. On October 16, we rang a joyous triple peal pattern to announce the arrival of the holy Hawaiian Iveron icon of the Mother of God. As the sound traveled across the valleys and hills, I prayed the Theotokos herself would be warmed by our excitement.
One faithful man recently shared how he was outside working and heard the bells ring. The sound continued and he felt “called” to follow, landing finally at the monastery’s steps. “I didn’t even know there was a monastery in the area,” he commented. The bells are yet another means whereby God is able to call those “with ears to hear.”
As much in our lives continues to feel the impact of technology, there is something warm and consoling for the soul about the continued use of these time-treasured practices. The ringing of bells and the semantron help maintain the peace one notices upon arriving at a monastery. There is order, routine, and the safety of obedience. Come experience this tradition for yourself.
Contributed by Tatiana K.