Bishop Andrew Zalta
Welcome to my personal blog dedicated to sharing insights, reflections, and teachings rooted in the traditions of the Holy Church. St. Matthew’s Hermitage, located on the shores of Normandy Lake in Tennessee, serves as my cloistered sanctuary where I try to live a life of prayer, contemplation, and spiritual discipline. From here I send out the daily reading schedules, lectionary notes and thoughts on the Gospel. My writings reflect an Eastern Orthodox, western Catholic and Anglo-Catholic traditional point of view.
I am currently semi-retired, continuing to work with the Orthodox Church until a new bishop can be installed. I lived in Uzbekistan for a short time, then moved to Atlanta, Brooklyn, and finally settling in Tennessee in September 2024.
The hermitage is where I seek to deepen my relationship with Christ and guide others toward the Truth. This blog is an extension of that mission, offering readers a glimpse into the contemplative life and spiritual wisdom that flows from it.
May you find peace, guidance, and inspiration here as you journey closer to the Lord.
Do you have questions or would you like to talk about something? You can email me if you wish.
What does “cloistered” mean?
A cloistered hermitage is a secluded, monastic dwelling where individuals, such as monks, nuns, or clergy, live in isolation to dedicate their lives fully to prayer, contemplation, and spiritual growth. “Cloistered” refers to being shut off from the outside world, limiting distractions and interactions with society, allowing for a life focused entirely on the Lord. A hermitage, typically more solitary than a traditional monastery, is usually home to one or very few residents. In this environment, residents follow a structured daily routine centered around the Liturgy, personal prayer, spiritual reading, and often manual labor, all done in solitude. The purpose of a cloistered hermitage is to create an atmosphere conducive to deepening one’s relationship with God, away from worldly noise and distractions. Being cloistered means I am unable to accept visitors except in emergency cases. The hermitage was blessed by Patriarch Seraphim.
My hermitage is very rustic and surrounded by woods. It consists of 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a small kitchenette/sitting room, measuring just over 400 square feet, what is typically called a tiny home in America. A smaller room was made to serve as a private chapel where I celebrate the Divine Liturgy and pray for the needs of the Church. To run lights, my laptop and coffee pot, I use a gas powered generator. Heating is taken care of by a wood stove. There is also running water.
I have four chickens which provide eggs for the kitchen. In 2025 I plan to have a garden to help keep the food bill down to a minimum. Fishing is also an option where I live. Brethren have asked me to share photographs. I will do this as soon as I learn how to create a photo gallery on this blog.
Readings. Prior to October 1, 2024, the lectionary was based on the same used by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, of which I am not affiliated. The Patriarch gave me release from some of my duties with the Orthodox Church on October 1, 2024 to begin the process of my retirement. Beginning this date, in my blog I began using the 1954 Roman Catholic Calendar in conjunction with Fr. Lasance’s Missal in addition to the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. I also observe the traditionalist Anglican calendar.
Bible Passages. To avoid copyright problems, most Bible verses are taken from the public domain American Standard Version Byzantine Edition with Apocrypha and on occasion, the Worldwide Catholic Version.
Donations? Some of the parishioners and members abroad have asked if they can send monetary contributions. I appreciate your desire to do so, but I have everything I need. I try to live a simple life with what I have. When I have more than enough, I share it with food banks or clothing drives. If you wish to give, please do so to the Church or to a worthy charity.