Monasticism (from the Greek word μοναχός—solitary) is the ancient Christian practice of withdrawal from the world in order to dedicate oneself fully and intensely to the life of the Gospel, seeking union with our Lord Jesus Christ. Within their monastery enclosure, monastics live a life of spiritual stillness called hesychasm, working in silence and constant prayer throughout the day, keeping vigil at night, and carefully attending to their thoughts and feelings through inner watchfulness and prayer, while participating continually in the Sacraments and the liturgical life of the Church.

Visiting a monastery on pilgrimage is an excellent activity for Orthodox Christians looking to “charge” their batteries and experience silence amidst the hustle-and-bustle of normal life. Visitors should always contact the monastery in advance to arrange their visit according to the protocols of the specific community.

holy assumption monastery Women’s monastery (Calistoga, ca)

Holy Assumption Monastery is a women’s monastic community in Calistoga, CA. This monastery is under the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church of America (OCA). The monastery is approximately 1.5 hours from Holy Trinity.

To learn more please visit:

https://www.holyassumptionmonastery.com/

holy cross monastery (castro valley, ca)

Holy Cross is a monastery affiliated with the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), tending a spiritual garden on the frontiers of paradise for the glory of God. Their monastery serves Orthodox Christians and others of all ethnic backgrounds and cultural traditions. The monastery is approximately 30-45 minutes from Holy Trinity.

To learn more please visit:

http://www.holycrossmonastery.org/

monastery of the life giving spring (dunlap, ca)

The Holy Monastery of the Theotokos, the Life-Giving Spring, situated in Dunlap, California, near the St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, was founded in 1993 by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory with assistance from Elder Ephraim of Mt. Athos. Father Ephraim brought the first two nuns from the Holy Monastery of the Archangel Michael in Greece. The name of the monastery pays homage to the Historic Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring Monastery and Shrine in Constantinople.

The monastery is under the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco and is approximately 4 hours from Holy Trinity.

To purchase products from the sisterhood visit: https://www.zoepress.us/monastery-books-and-cds