The Order of St. Macarius (OSM)

The Order of St. Macarius is a clerical order open to all, embracing men and women of diverse backgrounds, without discrimination based on marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Rooted in a spirit of inclusivity, the Order provides a space for those called to a life of spiritual dedication and service. Grounded in sacramental practice, it harmonizes the rich traditions of earth-based spirituality with the teachings of the prophets and the mystical path of the Hanif. Members of the Order seek to embody a deep reverence for the natural world, engaging in rituals that honor both the material and the divine, striving for balance between heaven and earth, and promoting a life of justice, compassion, and simplicity.

Membership

The Order of St. Macarius offers two levels of membership: Professed Members and Associate Members. Professed Members are those who have taken vows, either as ordained clergy or those in formation for ordination, fully committing themselves to the spiritual life and mission of the Order. They are deeply integrated into the Order’s sacramental and communal life, serving as leaders and guides within the community. Associate Members, on the other hand, are those—whether lay or clergy—who wish to support the Order’s mission without pursuing ordination or taking formal vows. Associates participate in the spiritual life and activities of the Order, contributing through their skills, presence, and resources, while maintaining a more flexible commitment. Together, both Professed and Associate Members form a diverse and inclusive community, working in harmony to support the Order’s vision and values.

Values and Rule

St. Macarius serves as a spiritual inspiration for the Order, embodying the union of contemplative wisdom and practical spirituality. Known for his deep connection to the natural world and his profound understanding of the human soul, Macarius’s teachings bridge the mystical and the everyday, making the divine accessible in each moment of life. His life in the desert, immersed in prayer and the natural rhythms of creation, reflects a commitment to simplicity and an intimate relationship with the Creator. For the Order of St. Macarius, he symbolizes the balance between the inner, contemplative journey and the outward acts of service and care, offering a model of holiness that is both grounded and transcendent. This connection to Macarius shapes the Order’s focus on integrating spiritual discipline with a reverence for nature, emphasizing the importance of finding the sacred in the ordinary.

The teachings of the Order of St. Macarius center around the core principles of sacramental living and earth-based spirituality, grounded in the belief that the divine is reflected in all of creation. Members are encouraged to embrace a life of balance—where prayer, ritual, and sacramental practices connect deeply with the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and spirit. This approach is not just about retreating into solitude, but about fostering a holistic spiritual life that engages with community and the natural world. The Order teaches that spiritual growth involves both the inward path of contemplation and the outward path of justice, compassion, and care for the Earth. Through rituals that honor these principles, the Order of St. Macarius invites its members to embody a living faith that is as much about tending to the soil and water as it is about meditating on sacred texts, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding.