When visiting the Monastery

Pilgrims are expected to comply with the rules of the monastery (see below), which include dress code, quiet hours, and participation in the services. In the case of our particular monastery, our patron is a great wonderworker so the monastery is viewed as a shrine. Appropriate respect is expected.

Drive slowly

Please drive slowly when entering Heron Road. You will notice signs posted stating “Drive like your kids live here” to help you remember. Please do not exceed ten miles per hour. Our monastery is located at the end of the road at the top of the hill. Read more…

Best times of the day to call the monastery

Monday – Saturday

• 10:00 AM – 2:45 PM
• 4:00 PM – 6 PM

Sunday

• 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
• 4:45 PM – 6:15PM

Rules for Visitors of the Monastery

Appropriate Attire

The Monastery is a Holy Place and your conduct and dress should be accordingly.

Men should not wear shorts. T-shirts, sweat-shirts, or jackets with large conspicuous lettering or logos should not be worn. Short sleeves are not permitted. Long sleeved shirts can be provided on request.

Women should be clothed in a modest long-sleeved dress that is not suggestive or revealing. Women are are also asked to wear a scarf or hat. Wrap-around skirts,  long sleeved shirts, and scarves can be provided on request.

Gum and Smoking. No smoking or chewing gum anywhere on the premises.

Attendance to Services and Meals. Guests are expected to attend services and meals (trapeza). Silence is maintained during services and meals. If you cannot be present at either a service, or a trapeza, inform Fr. Sergius, the guest-master.

Upon entering the reliquary chapel of the Mother of God of Consolation (Paramethia), it is customary to make three full prostrations before and after venerating the Holy Relics and the icons on the icon-stands. Then get a blessing from the Metropolitan, if he is present. If the Metropolitan is absent, bow to the bishop’s throne and get a blessing from the senior Hieromonk.

Trips or walks outside the monastery grounds. Guests should inform us if they are leaving the property during their stay. If guests wish to take a walk off the monastery grounds in the vicinity of the monastery, they should so it in the company of one of the fathers and with a blessing from the Abbot or whoever is acting in his stead. (Our neighbors become concerned if they see strangers walking about on their property.)

Also, guests should not leave the grounds after Compline. If they must, they should get a special blessing.

Quiet Hours. Guests are asked to respect the quiet hours of the monastery (daily from after Compline or Vigil until breakfast at 9:00 the next morning) and not speak with the monks. Furthermore they should avoid any loud or prolonged conversations among themselves.

Monastic cells. Guests are not to enter the cells of the monks without a blessing from the abbot or whoever is acting in his stead.

Your room. Guests are expected to make their beds and keep their assigned space tidy. If you need blankets, pillows, toiletries, etc. ask the guest-master and he will be happy to get you what you need. No improper or immodest reading material or music is permitted. When listening to music in your room, please use ear plugs.

Guests are asked not to light candles in their rooms for any reason. The danger from accidents is too great.

Participation with chores. Guests are expected to help out with the daily chores of the monastery.

Alcohol and Drugs. Drunkenness will not be tolerated. Recreational drugs are absolutely forbidden.

Computer use.  Guests must ask a blessing each time they wish use the computers or internet connection. There are connections available for laptops. When on the internet, guests should only check their emails. If they need to do more (i.e. shop for a needed item, library searches, etc.), they should again ask a blessing each time. Guests are not allowed to “surf” the internet. If you need to do this you may go to the library in Cobleskill or another place in the village that has public internet.

Father Sergius has been designated by the Abbot to make sure that these rules are in effect. Those who do not abide by these rules will be asked to leave the monastery premises.

We pray you have a soul-profiting stay. Please make sure you sign the guestbook before leaving.