About the Lambertsen Foundation

Damascene Press is operated by the Lambertsen Foundation, which was established in 2021 with the blessing of the late Metropolitan Hilarion of New York (+2022), in memory of Monk Joseph (Isaac) Lambertsen. During the course of his life, Father Joseph translated into English the entire Menaion (twelve volumes), the Pentecostarion, and the Octoechos, along with many other liturgical texts, akathist hymns, and lives of the saints. He also composed a number of liturgical services, especially for the new hieromartyrs of Russia and the saints of the British Isles. Many of these works were published by the Saint John of Kronstadt Press up until 2016. Isaac Lambertsen reposed in January of 2017, not long after taking monastic vows with the name Joseph (in honor of Saint Joseph the Hymnographer). Father Gregory Williams, editor-in-chief of the Saint John of Kronstadt Press, had reposed the September prior.

Having been entrusted with the entirety of Father Joseph’s literary work, it is our intention to ensure that these materials remain — and become more — accessible to the English-speaking world. In addition to the publication (online and in print) of liturgical texts and spiritual literature, the Foundation is in the process of developing a complete and freely accessible library of English-language liturgical texts available in electronic format for use by individuals, parishes, and other publishers.

Through the generosity of its benefactors, the Foundation is continuing the translation work started by Father Joseph and the publication work of The Saint John of Kronstadt Press. In addition to the translation, editing, and publication of liturgical and other ecclesiastical texts, the Foundation wishes to encourage others in the salvific work of translating and authoring liturgical and hagiographical texts in English. To this end, the Foundation offers the Stallman-Pacitti and Lambertsen Translation Awards.

The Lambertsen Foundation and Damascene Press's continued work, carried out by a small staff and several volunteers, is guided by the Foundation's Board of Directors with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of New York (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia). Those wishing to support this work are invited to purchase the genuine leather-bound Benefactors Edition of A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God and/or make a tax-deductible donation.