Sanctuary Hidden in the Desert

 

I can't believe it's been seven years since I visited St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery.  That visit was both fascinating and inspiring and I am determined to make a return visit.  The monastery is located in the middle of the desert about seventy miles southeast of Phoenix.  In fact on the drive to it one wonders how anything so beautiful could exist in such a harsh environment.  

The monastery consists of one main chapel for daily services and other smaller chapels dedicated to various saints.  The top photo is inside the main chapel.  The photo above shows the grounds from the steps of the chapel.  You might notice that the ladies occupying the benches all have head coverings.  That is a requirement to visit the monastery.  Women must wear loose skirts, long sleeved and high necked blouses and a scarf on the head and around the neck at all times.  Men must wear long pants and long sleeved shirts and their heads must be uncovered at all times.  Sandals and other open toed shoes are not allowed.  Because of these requirements, any visits I make have to be done in the cooler months.  

I posted about my visit to this place in March of 2014. If you click the link you can see the photos I posted at that time.

The architecture of the many chapels on the property is exquisite.  Wandering the grounds provides beautiful views in every direction. 

As you might imagine, visiting this place is very peaceful and relaxing.  The only sounds you hear on the grounds are the chirping of birds.  All of the visitors are respectfully quiet.  

There are nine chapels on the property that serve as shrines for the holy relics of the named saints as well as for smaller services and quiet places to pray.  The saints honored here are:

St. Nicholas

St. George

St. Demetrios

St. Seraphim of Sarov

St. Panteleimon

St. Menas

St. John the Forerunner

The Holy prophet Elias

St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery has become the largest Orthodox Monastery in the Western Hemisphere.

The harsh conditions of the desert environment have not deterred the monastery's growth.  

I hope I can make another visit sometime this coming winter.

Anyone planning a visit to this beautiful place should visit their website for directions and specific requirements of attire.