Our History
The following offers a brief history, highlighting major events. The events of 2014 and 2017 engendered a national and international interest. Donations were received from across the U.S., Canada, Greece, Serbia, Singapore, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Australia, and the U.K. We continue to offer support for spiritual health and one’s personal relationship with God to countless pilgrims of varying ages here at the Monastery and at the Orthodox church events that we are invited to.
1989
The Monastery was founded by Archimandrite Geronda Ephraim, who was then Abbot of Philotheou Monastery on Mount Athos with the blessing of the Pittsburgh Diocesan Bishop Maximos. Gerontissa Taxiarchia, who came from the Monastery Panagia Odigitria in Portaria, Volos, Greece, was enthroned the 1st Abbess and began with one Sister from a local parish in the small farmhouse in Saxonburg, PA. They were joined within a year by Gerontissa Theophano – the current Abbess.
1993
The current Monastery building which is serving as living and working quarters as well as a Chapel was completed. And within the year, there were ten nuns.
1997
With the help of volunteers from different parishes, a small Russian-style chapel in the woods was built to St. Seraphim of Sarov.
The current Abbess, Gerontissa Theophano, a credentialed iconographer was enthroned. Within a few years, an extension was added to the remodeled farmhouse to accommodate a modest Iconography Studio.
2000
2014
Up through 2014, the Monastery continued to progress. As the Sisterhood grew in number, the land was developed and produce was grown to allow the Sisterhood to become self-sufficient. Local parishes were scheduling the Monastery to sell handiwork at their Orthodox Food Festivals where Sisters also served as a witness to the faith.
A Monastery Web Site was established with an online giving opportunity.
The Metropolis of Pittsburgh and the Dormition Greek Orthodox Church of Oakmont, PA presented the property deed to the Monastery.
The 1st capital campaign was initiated to build a new Monastery and Chapel in tandem with the 1st Dinner Banquet fund-raiser, now held annually to support the campaign. Hand-painted icons, heirloom pieces, are showcased in Live and Silent Auctions.
A Greek family gifted the property adjacent to the Monastery which is the site for the new building.
2014 - 2017
Two major events and challenges were overcome by the Grace of God. In 2014, the Monastery building was forensically tested showing mold had permeated the exterior of the entire building. The exterior cladding was removed, the mold remediated, and the building exterior and parts of the interior were reconstructed. Then in 2017, lightning struck behind the Monastery, following the path of the propane lines and exploded the HVAC unit in the living quarters of the Monastery. Electrical, smoke, and structural damage resulted in a 2-year reconstruction project bringing the building up to code. The majority of the reconstruction for both events, as well as temporary housing, was funded by donations.
2019
On September 7th, Groundbreaking Services were held on the new building site. The service of the Blessing of the Holy Waters was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh and Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America. Land Development started shortly thereafter.
