Today we are introducing the priest behind a business that we deeply respect— Newrome Press! We are honored to carry a selection of their books for both children and adults, and everything they produce is made with the utmost care and quality. Now, with no further ado… Fr Michael Monos!
My name is Rev. Fr. Michael Monos. My wife and I are originally from Southern California; we live in Columbia, Missouri where we serve the parish of St. Luke the Evangelist in the Metropolis of Chicago, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Newrome Press was originally founded in 2008 while we were serving a parish in Virginia. Ours is an independent publishing ministry — both Presvytera and my son Matthew are integral co-workers at Newrome Press — and as such does not represent, nor is it officially affiliated with, any Orthodox jurisdiction.
Who is your patron saint, and is that a meaningful person in your life?
I consider myself to be blessed with three patrons: my namesake, the holy Archangel Michael, my middle namesake, George the Trophy-bearer, and the patron of my ordination date, St. Nektarios the Wonderworker. I have learned from all of my patrons, especially about courage and steadfastness before the Lord. I feel blessed to be spiritually joined to them all.
How did you get started doing what you do now?
I began actively using computers in 1981 as a youngster, which included exposure to early word processing systems. My fascination with the presentation of the written word developed over time, in concert with my developing interest in computer technology. As an undergrad I worked as an Apple Certified Technician, and began doing side jobs for faculty who required assistance with preparing manuscripts for publication. I typeset my first book for one of my undergraduate professors using v1 of Framemaker in 1990. I continue to have a deep interest in bookmaking and its intersection with technology.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I experience the greatest joy when serving before the Holy Table and celebrating the divine mysteries as a servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My favorite part of running an Orthodox press is to produce meaningful content beautifully presented, which spiritually edifies my brothers and sisters in Christ.
What is an aspect of being a small business owner that is a struggle for you?
Producing a high-quality product means sourcing manufacturing from overseas. There is simply no domestic manufacturer who can meet our standards for quality with our modest resources. In 2020, due to COVID, overseas procurement and logistics became more stressful, costly, and complicated. Currently it is the biggest obstacle that we face.
What is your favorite project that you have completed?
In the youth category, it is O is for Orthodox, a.recent addition to our catalog. It was a complex project that pushed the boundaries of our manufacturing experience. We feel the result is outstanding. In the general audience category, it is the prayer books Mother of the Light and Light of the World. Based on the feedback that we have received, these books have been spiritually transformative for many people. It has been wonderfully gratifying to work together
with Fr. Maximos Constas, and our incredible artists Vladimir and Pedrag Ilievski to produce books that become our reader’s companions in life.
What is your dream product/project for the future?
There are lots of dream projects percolating in our minds and hearts — we don’t want to ruin the surprise, so stay tuned!
You can find a variety of Newrome Press books in our Shop or on his website. Thank you for helping us support our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ!