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THE JOURNEY INTO GOD

Silence is not empty. The Holy Spirit is speaking.

Holy Silence is an Eastern Christian community for people who want to pray, heal, and draw closer to God, and to one another.

Orthodox, Catholic, and every seeker are welcome.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

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Where would you like to begin?

How do I pray?

PRAY

Begin with two simple prayers, the Jesus Prayer and the Holy Spirit Prayer, and a gentle daily rhythm you can keep.

HEAL

Why do I hurt so badly?

Grief, abuse, a crisis of faith. Pain is not a failure of faith, and you do not have to carry it alone.

GROW

How do I grow closer to God?

Through prayer, the sacraments, and the slow work of union with God that Christians East and West have always described.

Most people arrive with one of three questions. Choose the one that sounds like yours.
Gather with us
Prayer is not meant to be practiced alone. Join others, online and in person.

ONLINE

Contemplative Conversations

A guided conversation on prayer, Scripture, and the saints, open to Orthodox, Catholic, and anyone seeking.

Next: Dates Coming Soon

IN PERSON

Retreats and pilgrimages

Days of silence, teaching, and prayer, with the opportunity for confession and conversation.

Next: Dates Coming Soon

SPEAKING

Conferences and interfaith gatherings

Fr. Thomas speaks on prayer, silence, and pastoral encounter, including at the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week in Galveston.

THE IDEA BEHIND THIS SITE

What is uncreated silence?

Uncreated silence is the unspoken speech of the Holy Spirit, heard in prayer, discerned in spiritual relationships, and lived as pastoral care.

Many of us picture silent prayer as a retreat from other people. Fr. Thomas's doctoral research at the University of Winchester proposes something more relational: the silence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which draws us toward God and back toward one another.

[Welcome video coming]

SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE

Someone to listen, with care

Many people simply need someone to listen: through grief, doubt, or a longing to pray more deeply. Fr. Thomas offers spiritual counsel to Orthodox and Catholic Christians and to those who are still seeking.

Good spiritual guidance can also be misused. That is why it is spelled out here, plainly, before you ever write.

What you can expect

  • Listening before advice

  • Conversations held in confidence

  • Freedom to ask questions, pause, or stop at any time

  • Prayer together, if you wish it

What you will never be asked to do

  • Surrender your own judgment or conscience

  • Keep secrets from your family, your doctor, or your church

  • Give money or gifts as part of receiving guidance

MEET YOUR GUIDE

Rev. Dr. Thomas Colyandro

Fr. Thomas is an Orthodox priest, spiritual counselor, and president of the Holy Silence Foundation. For two decades he has led retreats, pilgrimages, and online classes on contemplative prayer and healing pastoral encounter, and he has written or edited ten books.

Fellow, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Steering committee, IOTA Asceticism and Spirituality Group

Board, Orientale Lumen Foundation

Priest, Spiritual Director, Author

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