Reviews
Viewers of From the Little Mountain may share comments on the video below.
From the Little Mountain
From the Little Mountain takes you through a year at the Hermitage of the Holy Cross in West Virginia. This video is an attempt to portray some of the beauty and struggle of monastic life using quotes from the Scriptures and the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church. Insights about monasticism from one of the senior monks at the monastery are given as you are visually taken through the Church liturgical year and the changing seasons in the mountains. This is a unique documentary of an Orthodox monastery in the 21st century, but the imagery and principles set forth are as ancient (and relevant) as those written by the 6th century instructor of monks, Abba Dorotheos.
High Resolution Preview (20 MB)
Hermitage of the Holy Cross
Available only as DVD, Color, 32 minutes
Region free - will play in any country.
Region free - will play in any country.
Product code: DV0101
Price: $20.00
Bulk discounts available: Buy 5 or more and each DVD is $17. Buy 10 or more and each DVD is $12.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Wow. This was beautiful and I did not want it to end. I really liked the emphasis on falling down but not staying there, but getting up and going on with the Lord. Glory to our God. Peace, Gregory.
April 28th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
A truly marvelous production. The scenes of the monastery throughout the litugical year, as well as the words of the Elder are spiritually uplifing. It shows not only the beauty of monasticism, but also the struggle that lies within for those who embrace this life of searching for God.
To all who read this, I humble ask your prayers for my own vocation to the monastic life, which this film has stirred inside me after years of being silent. CHRIST IS RISEN!! CHRISTOS VOSKRESE!!
March 10th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I was looking for a glimpse of the Eastern monastic life, and certainly found a beautiful and moving piece in this short film. I noticed the peace and tranquility, the beautiful scenery for each change of season the simple buildings, and what is apparently a deep prayer life among the monks. The quotations and readings are inspiring. I have watched the film several times. During this season of Lent, I hear something new with every viewing, there is so much to take in, despite the 30 minutes running time. I certainly hope that the monastery will consider producing more films. Perhaps, something for every liturgical season! Despite the volume of lessons offered in the film, it seems short!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
A few of my friends told me about the DVD From the Little Mountain and how good it was so I decided to watch it. That is when my journey began along side a certain monk. His words filled my soul and the screen was transformed into canvas which was filled with pictures full of emotions and with an eternal feeling of peace. I actually felt what monasticism was all about. Incredible footage, with the interchange of the different scenery which the montage and production creates a dreamlike synthesis.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
From the Little Mountain is a spiritual oasis in the desert of the modern world. It is a ray of sun that passes through the cloudy inner world of the people of today. The grace of God is reflected in the four seasons of every human life that He granted life to. The monks struggle everyday; they battle with themselves, the world and the devil. His mercy and His love guide them to their spiritual summer (meaning warmth, light etc). It is a fountain of hope that flows to our only real HOPE (meaning Christ).
February 26th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
This DVD granted us a journey for our soul. A beautiful journey throughout all the seasons, which in turn shows us not only the beauty of your monastery but also the different spiritual struggles which we endure throughout them.
February 17th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
The first time that I saw the dvd was the English version. Then I saw it the Greek version! It’s a wonderful video and the words of father Seraphim help you learn what Christian Orthodox Monasticism means. Specially, I remember these words: “Before the monk comes in the monastery he thinks that he is healthy, beautiful and well dressed, but the room where he lives is full of darkness. Then when he lives in the monastery and the light comes in the room he realised that he is dirty and injured.” I wish our dear God bless you!
With love from Greece
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:02 am
I think that anyone who is considering a monastic vocation, or anyone who wants to have a better understanding of Orthodox monasticism should view “From The Little Mountain.” It can be a very effective tool in clarifying the many misconceptions and naivete those with either an idealistic or negative view of monasticism have. I am very happy to have this as an addition to my video library.
December 4th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
This movie could be considered a work of art in and of itself. I bought this because I, as a Roman Catholic, wanted a view into what our monastic brothers in the East do. I was astounded. While it doesn’t go into any sort of history or touch Patristics, it didn’t need to. My lone regret is that it is only thirty minutes long. I wish it would have interviewed more monks so that a clearer image of monastic life could be presented, but again, it’s only half an hour.
Definitely worth the buy!
November 29th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I have watched the “little mountain 4 times now and am in awe each time I watch it. It is so wonderful and beautifully made that I did wish it were longer. Many of us will never be so fortunate as to be able to travel to a monestary and being very curious I was very delighted to be able to purchase the dvd. I will indeed share it with all the members (and non-members if they wish) of Saint Hermans Orthdox church, PortGraham Alaska, Thankyou!
November 2nd, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I saw “From the Little Mountain” video at Holy Pokrov Cabramatta last night. It is the most attractive, yet honest and moving video-depiction of Monasticism that I have seen. As it was being shown, I saw many in the room making the sign of the cross at many significant moments - as if they were actually there during its recording. Afterwards, many held to a sacred holy silence for a number of minutes in reflecting on what they had just seen. A CD that can elicit this response is more than merely a documentary, it is a prayer itself.
November 2nd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Wonderful expression of Orthodox Monasticism and Spiritual Life. As Jamey said, all too brief.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Beautiful, visually stunning, and inspirational. This video is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about Orthodox monasticism.
August 29th, 2008 at 6:03 am
I want to commend the monks of the Hermitage of the Holy Cross for this excellent video. It is an all-too-brief glimpse into their daily cycle of prayer, work and contemplation, and is beautifully and thoughtfully edited. Monasticism in general has a reputation of aloof mystical spirituality in America. “From the Little Mountain” punctures this idea and exposes the simple truth of monasticism as prayer and work, work and prayer, all within the greater context of the one Church.
The fact that this monastery is located in the traditionally protestant state of West Virginia is worthy of note. To see the same hills and woods and fields associated with the visual imagery of a monastery and its monks going about their duties is wonderful indeed.
I highly recommend this video to Christians everywhere who wish to see God’s beauty revealed in His people and His creation.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:04 am
What a powerful and wonderfully produced DVD on Monasticism right here in America! I have visited the Hermitage a few times, and I can say that “From the Little Mountain” is a beautiful and true portrayal of life there. The viewer is taken through a year at the Hermitage with breathtaking scenes as the seasons change. The Gospel message is clear, and I am totally captivated every time I watch it. There is even footage of Metropolitan LAURUS visiting the Hermitage. MEMORY ETERNAL!
Anyone who has an interest in the daily life of a monk, or what goes on at a monastery needs to see this video. Our Parish priest fresh from a visit to the Hermitage watched the video, and was deeply moved. So much so, he is planning on showing the video to our Parish one evening after Vespers. Without any reservation, I highly recommend this video, as it is surely to stir the hearts of all who see it. Glory to God!
August 24th, 2008 at 10:43 am
“From the Little Mountain” is a wonderful video detailing the purposes and goals of an Orthodox Christian Monastery. Interweaving beautiful nature shots with wonderful quotes from the monastic Fathers and from an interview with Father Seraphim, “From the Little Mountain” paints an inspiring picture of how a modern Christian can leave the world, join a monastery and still reap the benefits of Holy Orthodoxy’s ancient and angelic way of life.
I recommend this beautifully produced half-hour movie to every Orthodox Christian who wishes to find a deeper way to seek our Lord; this video should be in every Church - and every home - throughout Orthodox America.