FEBRUARY 6 THROUGH APRIL 21, 2023
For safety reasons, the MONASTERY GROUNDS ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED due to construction of the new St. Nicholas House Building.
If you wish to attend services or visit the monastery during this time period, please CONTACT US in advance.
OUR CHURCH AND STORE ARE OPEN DURING CONSTRUCTION.
A MESSAGE FROM ABBESS MELANIA
Saturday, March 25, 2023 - The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Due to the date of Pascha this year, we finished the Week of the Veneration of the Cross at the same time that we were beginning Vespers for the Annunciation. At first glance, this seems to be the juxtaposition of a sad and somber commemoration with a joyous feast. Yet, joy and sorrow figure prominently in both. The Week of the Veneration of the Cross does, of course, remind us of the great cost of the Crucifixion to Christ, but the texts are mostly about the power of the Cross to set us free because of the One Who 'for the joy set before Him' endured it. And the Annunciation, while certainly joyful, is also the time when the Archangel Gabriel told the Theotokos that a sword would pierce her heart. Yet, she willingly accepted that sword - which was to watch the Crucifixion of her Son Who willingly accepted His Cross.
And so, as we celebrate the Annunciation and continue our journey towards Pascha, may we too accept the joy and the sorrow of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who died and rose that we might die and rise with Him!
Credit: Icon of The Annunciation, courtesy of OCA.org
An Orthodox Christian Monastery for Women
From its home on the banks of the Napa River in Calistoga, California,
Holy Assumption Monastery welcomes faithful pilgrims and visitors of all backgrounds.
Please use our website to learn about our community, explore Orthodox Christianity and its monastic tradition,
and find out about events at the monastery.
Holy Assumption Monastery is part of the Orthodox Church in America's Diocese of San Francisco and the West,
under the omophorion of His Eminence, Archbishop BENJAMIN.
$50,000.00
We have a house, but we're not finished yet!
It's been AMAZING to see the new St. Nicholas House take shape over the past few months, and we are so very grateful to have secured a loan with the Orthodox Church Capital Improvement Fund (OCCIF). However, we still need a small amount of cash to pay all the bills that will come due in April, AND we need to begin the process of collecting the money that will pay off the OCCIF loan.
Once again, a small group of friends is offering a matching-donation challenge: they will match every dollar donated towards St. Nicholas House in April, up to $50,000!
The community around Holy Assumption Monastery has been incredibly supportive during this process, and the project still needs your participation. Can you finish Lent with a contribution towards St. Nicholas House? Celebrate Pascha with a donation? May the Lord send upon us His abundant mercies, as we strive to do His will.
Upcoming Schedule
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Psalm 122:1
March 2023 Newsletter
The monastery's newsletter is available! Read Mother Melania's monthly reflection and other updates. The monthly calendar may be viewed in the newsletter, or by checking our online calendar or our Facebook Page.
CLICK this box to read our latest newsletter
NEW! Mother Melania's Monthly Missives
A not entirely random mix of reflections on life, coloring pages, thoughts about kids' books and updates on Mother Melania's books
CLICK this box to read Mother's latest newsletter
Online Retreat
May (date TBD) at 10 a.m. Pacific Time - Fr. Spyridon Jajeh - Topic: TBD. NO APRIL ONLINE RETREAT.
CLICK this box for details (link will be activated later)
