What:
A late-summer parish book study on The Way of a Pilgrim—a classic on the Jesus Prayer and the “prayer of the heart.” We’ll seek the calm voice of Christ together and learn how to be grounded even amid doubt, fear, heartbreak, and intrusive thoughts that whisper we’re unworthy of love.
All are welcome.
When: (Every other Wednesday starting September 10th)
First Meeting:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 7:15–8:15 PM (CT)
(starts right after 6:30 PM Vespers) Every other Wednesday, we will be reading 2 chapters at a time on the off weeks of our Bible Study.
Where:
Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church
1802 Pershing Ave.
Rockford, IL 61108
Online Option also:
Meeting ID: 844 5289 4227
Password posted here day of: ____
Zoom link:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84452894227?pwd=4YM3xTdomZgnJJ1kfYu68idi10bnL4.1
What to Bring:
A copy of The Way of a Pilgrim (any translation).
Online copy here:
https://malankaralibrary.com/ImageUpload/a491228b2afa653b54cdf0e0fe128d80.pdf
If you don’t have one yet, come anyway, handouts provided for session one.
Who It’s For:
Everyone, inquirers and catechumens... Anyone curious about the Jesus Prayer and Orthodox spiritual warfare.
Session 1 will focus on the first two chapters:
Consider the following while you read:
What first awakens the Pilgrim’s longing for prayer? Is it inner hunger or outside circumstances?
Who does he turn to for counsel, and how does he respond when advice isn’t what he hoped?
When is following his own impulse helpful, or harmful, to prayer?
How does prayer steady him when he faces loneliness, temptation, or intrusive thoughts?
Cost: Free. Bring a friend.
Contact: Fr. Jonathan Bannon by messaging our page or webpage.
Accessibility: We have accessibility with a ramp and bathroom on the first floor of our parish.
w: www.CTSRockford.org
Also check out other Meetups in Rockford.