What does the MONASTIC CALLING Look Like?

What does it really mean to leave the world behind and dedicate your whole life to God? What is the arrow prayer and many more questions in an interview with "Beyond the Walls Podcast" a podcast by St Mark's Coptic Orthodox College. In this powerful episode of Beyond the Walls, we sit down inside St. Shenouda Monastery with Fr. Anthony for an unfiltered conversation about monasticism, prayer, and the pursuit of holiness. Fr. Anthony shares his personal journey of becoming a monk, from his first visits to the monastery as a teenager, to the sacrifices he had to make, like giving up sports and the thrill of surfing, to discovering the true joy of living every moment for God. He clears up common misconceptions about monastic life, explains why solitude is not the same as loneliness, and gives us an inside look at the rhythm of a monk’s daily routine. We also explore the deep spiritual meaning behind traditions many have always wondered about: why monks wear black, the significance of the head covering, and how their lives today remain rooted in the same spirit as St. Anthony and the early Desert Fathers. One of the most transformative parts of this episode is Fr. Anthony’s teaching on the Arrow Prayer, a short, powerful prayer that can be woven into every part of daily life. Whether you’re sitting an exam, commuting to work, or raising a family, this ancient practice can anchor your heart in God’s presence “without ceasing,” just as St. Paul commanded. Along the way, we touch on monasticism across different Christian traditions, the importance of having a prayer rule (canon), and the timeless inspiration of the saints. Fr. Anthony even shares his top book recommendations for children, teens, young adults, and parents, plus some exciting upcoming projects from St. Shenouda Monastery Press. This is more than a conversation about monks, it’s an invitation to rediscover prayer, discipline, and joy in your own life. Follow thier channel for other great interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheWallsSMC 00:00 – Welcome to the Monastery 00:24 – Why I Became a Monk 01:54 – How God Really Calls You 03:00 – Transitioning to Monastic Life 04:41 – The Hardest Thing to Give Up 05:40 – Monks Then vs Now 08:22 – A Monk’s Daily Routine 10:30 – Why Monasteries Use Church Bells 10:57 – Is Monastic Life Lonely? 13:06 – How Solitude Helps You Grow 15:06 – The Power of a Prayer Canon 16:11 – Why Monks Wear That Hat 18:00 – Why Monks Wear Black 20:33 – How to Become a Monk 21:43 – What Makes Christian Monasticism Different 23:26 – Monasticism Across Denominations 25:06 – Visiting Mount Athos 26:10 – What Is the Arrow Prayer? 29:47 – Letting Scripture Shape Your Life 32:00 – Why It’s Called the Arrow Prayer 33:15 – Does It Work in Exams? 34:46 – How to Make Your Own Arrow Prayers 36:27 – Is It Real Prayer If It's Repeated? 38:07 – Book Recommendations for Every Stage of Life 41:50 – Abouna’s Favorite Books 42:45 – Final Words and Blessings Checkout our Collection of Orthodox Books: Website: www.stshenoudapress.com 📲 Follow us for more Orthodox content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st_shenouda_press/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stshenoudapress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@st_shenouda_press_ Share this with someone who thinks the Liturgy is just “tradition” — and show them how it’s divine revelation in action. #liturgy #coptic #coptic_hymns #copticorthodox #orthodoxchurch #orthodox #orthodoxy #monasticism #copticorthodox #prayer #coptic #orthodox