FatherJustinsBlog

Honeybees gather nectar and pollen, as a slight fragrance fills the air.

The almond blossoms are the herald of spring. The fig tree to the right, by contrast, is the last to put forth buds and new leaves.

Ἀπὸ δὲ τῆς συκῆς μάθετε τὴν παραβολήν· ὅταν ἤδη ὁ κλάδος αὐτῆς γένηται ἁπαλὸς καὶ τὰ φύλλα ἐκφύῃ γινώσκετε ὅτι ἐγγὺς τὸ θέρος.

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. (Matthew 24:32)

In February, the east wall comes into sunlight in the middle of the afternoon, and then about twenty minutes later, the sun sets behind the high mountains. This photograph was taken during those fleeting moments. The door in the wall leads to the kelli above.

The foothills of Sinai, to the south of the monastery.

The Steps of Repentance lead up the cleft and all the way to the summit.

A promontory opposite the monastery.

The highest mountains to the south of the monastery, lit by scattered sunlight.

The bell tower and minaret at sunrise after a light snow had fallen through the night.