My last name was fashioned in Calabria... A crossroads of Greeks and Italians, Arabs and Ottomans, Egyptians and Normans, Jews, Muslims, and a few others. But what's most important, To me at least, are the Romans and Byzantines. My middle name was formed in a family... Over many centuries and Passed from generation to generation In Italy and now America. Worn by tribulation, Buffeted by triumph, and And most importantly, Inspired by saints... Specifically, the one who founded

There is never enough sky for the contemplative And no mountain tall enough for the hesychast. There is never enough sand in the desert...

The path to God, vocation, prayer, and the righteous life is not always a straight one. More often than not, it isn't. That is why we...