Early Fall News

imageThe monastery was happy to host a group from the Tacoma Community College on the 11th of October. Thirty-two people arrived on a large chartered bus for a tour of the monastery, as well as a lecture on the Orthodox Church and monasticism, given by Father Tryphon.

The monastery’s garden was in full bloom for our guests. The “cutting garden” was spectacular this summer, providing an abundance of flowers for our temple. Meanwhile, with the aid of volunteers, progress continues towards the completion of the Trapiza and three new monastic cells. The onion dome (to be dark blue with golden eight pointed stars) is about half finished. We can hardly wait to have the onion dome cap the top of our church!

A group of young college students are coming to the monastery in early November for a guided three day retreat. Meanwhile, we have three potential new members of the community who have inquired about trying their monastic vocations. The completion of the above buildings will give us the much needed space to house these three gentlemen.

Once again our superior, Father Tryphon, journeyed to our brother monastery, Holy Cross Hermitage in West Virginia, for their annual Monastery Pilgrimage. Although we have not had a pilgrimage here on the grounds of the Vashon Island monastery for the past number of years due to the open trenches and the ongoing construction, we do plan, God willing, to host such a gathering in August 2008.

We very much appreciate the continued support, both prayerful and financial, of our friends. May the Lord God bless all of you for your kindnesses and your generosity towards His monks.


10/16 at 10:31 AM
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