Elders’ Rites of Passage - EROP

In 2023 there was also in Europe - in the Czech Republic

More than 1600 Czech men took their Rites of Passage over the past 20 years. Everyone understood the Rites were something not to be experienced over again. Still, many felt the urge to undergo further transformation. As a result, FIRMING (The Fifth Rite of Passage) was developed and taken part in by many - mostly younger - men. Many returned repeatedly. However, the older ones among us find it inconvenient to spend 24 hours in the outdoors. Besides, having begun the descending phase of our lives is a fact not everyone welcomes.

This is why the initiative of our brothers from IllumanWA found response in us. It is called The Elders' Rite of Passage and its detailed description can be found on their webIlluman Washington, What is the EROP.

The Elders’ Rites of Passage (EROP) is a five-day intensive retreat that serves those beginning or already on the eldering journey. Eldering like all of life, has its own seasons, beginning with the most socially active and energetic eldering years, through the release of roles and responsibilities, the lifting of the eye to a broader more distant horizon, and the dawning of the Holy Fool within. The EROP holds all these seasons of the Elder, tending to each in turn.

The IllumanWA brothers came to the Czech Republic this year to organise the first European EROP. Back when Richard Rohr organised the first MROP here in 2004, we invited brothers from all over Europe - and we follow up with this invitation to the first EROP. Like 20 years ago, all speeches and rituals was conducted both in English and in Czech.

EROP took place from 17 September to 1 October 2023 in Nesměř, Czech Republic.