Holy Monastery "Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple"

The Ascension of our Lord
Troparion – Tone 4
O Christ God, You have ascended in Glory,
Granting joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Through the blessing they were assured
That You are the Son of God,
The Redeemer of the world!

There will be a Vigil and Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Ascension, tomorrow night, Wednesday May 23, beginning at 7:30 pm.  Guests and friends of the Holy Monastery “Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple” are welcome to join the sisters for this Great Feast of the Church.

(Mid-week Liturgies will only take place when announced, but the Divine Liturgy is to be celebrated on Saturdays at 8:00 and Sundays at 9:00 unless otherwise announced.)

Bishop Thomas touring the property with Sister Ignatia, Father Raphael Barberg and the Rowe Family

On Tuesday, March 20, 2012, His Grace Bishop THOMAS (Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, serving in the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic) was received by the Sisterhood of the Holy Monastery of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple in Unionville, Maryland. Bishop THOMAS was accompanied by four of his diocesan priests, including Father Gregory Mathewes-Green (Holy Cross Church, Linthicum, MD), Father Patrick Cardine (St. Patrick Mission, Warrenton, VA), Father James Hamrick (St. John the Baptist Mission, Lewistown, MD), and Father Raphael Barberg (St. James the Apostle Mission, Westminster, MD).

Bishop THOMAS and Fr. Gregory Mathewes-Green

Following a short service of reception in the chapel, Bishop THOMAS welcomed the sisters to their new property and urged all present to do whatever necessary to ensure that the property would remain an Orthodox monastery. Bishop THOMAS and his priests were then led to the dining room where the sisters provided a hot Lenten meal.

Father James Hamrick with Sister Diodora (left) and Sister Ignatia (center) outside of the chapel

Following lunch, Sister Ignatia accompanied Bishop THOMAS and the guests on a brief tour of the property. The 131-acre property, containing a chapel, a barn, a large farmhouse, a retreat house, and four large homes, had been owned formerly by the Life in Jesus Community (Charismatic Episcopal Church, or CEC) under Bishop Philip Zampino. It is located in rural Frederick County near Unionville, Maryland, approximately 45 minutes west of Baltimore and an hour northwest of Washington, D.C.

Father Patrick Cardine telling Bishop Thomas and Sister Ignatia about his time as resident on the property

Both Father Patrick Cardine and Father James Hamrick had been priests in the CEC prior to becoming Orthodox, and consequently had ties to the property. Father Patrick and Father James attended a CEC seminary there. In addition, Father Patrick and his family had lived on the property for two years. Later, Father James was ordained in the chapel, and served as priest under Bishop Zampino before his conversion to Holy Orthodoxy. Father Patrick and Father James were therefore able to provide insight into the history of the property and the way it was used. Father James told Bishop THOMAS and Sister Ignatia, “Since the property went on the market, I have been praying for this place to become an Orthodox monastery.”

The sisterhood, led by Abbess Aemiliane (who could not be present for Bishop THOMAS’ visit), and under the guidance of the Most Reverend Archimandrite, Elder Dionysius, recently located on the property. They have been granted a two-year lease, with an option to buy. In that time, they must raise two million dollars for the purchase, so they are requesting donations and praying that God will provide generous benefactors. Sister Ignatia encouraged the local congregations to raise awareness of their presence and ministry by visiting the monastery and their website at http://entranceofthetheotokos.org/.

Bishop THOMAS told the sisters that he will be asking his priests whose churches and missions are close by to do what they can do in supporting the work at the monastery. Bishop THOMAS indicated that he would arrange for another visit soon so that he could meet Abbess Aemiliane.

(Reprinted with permission. The Word Magazine, Volume 56, No. 5, May 2012)

Have you ever visited a monastery?  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fellowship with Orthodox Christian nuns as they pray and work to establish North America’s newest monastery?  Have you heard of this exciting new monastic community just outside of our nation’s capital but still are uncertain how they are doing and what you can do to help?  Would you like to be a part of something historical, spiritual and meaningful by helping establish the Holy Monastery “Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple”?

Join me on this brief stroll around the grounds of this very special property as the Sisters are very busy with their ministries of hospitality and prayer.  The Sisters are very busy with their daily schedule of Services, preparing for visitors and many of the indoor projects which need to be done in and around the property.  You may not see much of them outside yet but they have big plans for these sacred hills, fields, trees, flowers and buildings.

Our first stop might be to sit and pause a minute to take in the beauty of the new springtime growth scattered throughout the 131 acres the Sisters now call home. It would certainly be appropriate to thank God for saving this special property for our dear Sisters and for introducing them to these holy grounds.

As we walk around these grounds it impossible to overlook the original 192 year old manor house which sits atop the hill over looking the remainder of the farmland, fruit trees, vineyard and bee hives. The manor, although in need of repairs and updating, has six bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and could be used for many possible ministries and outreaches to those who need to be restored physically, spiritually and emotionally. If only this house could talk.....almost 200 years of stories, people, and special events. And now a stately centerpiece at the core of a monastic community helping to bring the fullness of Orthodox Christianity to North America. Many more stories will be told, lives will be changed, God will be praised and we trust that His Church will continue blossom around the grounds of this majestic manor. You must come and see it!

Just a short walk from the Manor is the Monastery Catholicon (the main Monastery Church). This all brick building of nearly 7,000 square feet was built by the former owners in 1990 and can accommodate as many as 175 worshippers.

The Bell Tower at the Church is very special to Abbess Aemiliane. The bell is rung to mark the beginning of the services and the Sisters and guests scattered throughout the grounds know that it is time to gather the community for prayer and worship.

As soon as we walk into the Catholicon (The Monastery Church) we see the Patronal Feast Icon of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple. Beautiful daffodils from just outside adorn shrine dedicated to the Mother of God.

As we continue to make our way around the grounds which soon be buzzing with honey bees we see the pond where deer, wild ducks, foxes and other wildlife find refreshment.

We finish our walk atop of the back hill, overlooking the entire property, where we will find the houses where the Sisters and guests rest and eat throughout the week. A simple, but always delicious, meal is set out from food which is often donated by area bakeries and grocery stores who have generously shared from their extras as well as food brought to the monastery by faithful pilgrims.

If you find yourself in the area, please stop by and visit the Sisters and you will also grow to love this new home nestled in rural Maryland less than an hour’s drive from Baltimore or Washington, DC.  We, the Friends of the Holy Monastery, continue to look to God and His people for the generous one-time donations and monthly support to purchase this property for the permanent use of the Sisterhood.  If you would like to be numbered among those who are sacrificially giving toward the purchase of this property please CLICK HERE to make your gift online or to find the address to where your donation may be mailed.

The Sisters at the Holy Monastery “Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple” have announced the days and times of the Sacred Services to be celebrated during Holy Week and for Holy Pascha.  Guests are welcome at any of these services below.

Palm Sunday, April 8:

8:00 am  Matins and the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

4:00 pm  Vespers

8:00 pm  Bridegroom Matins of Holy Monday

Holy Monday, April 9  Commemoration of Joseph the All-fair:

8:00 am  Hours and Vespers with Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

5:00 pm  Great Compline

8:00 pm Bridegroom Matins of Holy Tuesday

Holy Tuesday, April 10  Commemoration of the Parable of the Ten Virgins:

8:00 am  Hours and Vespers with Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

5:00 pm  Great Compline

8:00 pm Bridegroom Matins of Holy Wednesday

Holy Wednesday, April 11  Commemoration of the Harlot who anointed the Lord:

8:00 am  Hours and Vespers with Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

4:00 pm  Holy Unction

Commemoration of the Washing of the Disciples feet; the Last Supper

8:00 pm  Matins of Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday, April 12:

8:00 am  Hours and the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Service of the Holy Passion (Twelve Gospels)

7:00 pm  Good Friday Matins

Good Friday, April 13  The Holy, Saving and Awesome Passion of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ

8:00 am  Royal Hours. Great Vespers of the Un-nailing from the Cross

The Burial of the Divine Body and the Descent into Hell

7:00 pm  Matins of Holy Saturday and the Funeral Lamentations

Holy Saturday, April 14:

8:00 am  Great Vespers and the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

9:00 pm  Reading of the Four Gospels

11:00 pm  Midnight Office of the Resurrection

12:00 Midnight  Matins and the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Holy Pascha, April 15  The Life-Bearing Resurrection of the Lord

12:00 Noon  Vespers of Love

7:00 pm  Compline of the Resurrection

Bright Monday, April 16:

8:30 am  Matins and the Divine Liturgy

Bright Tuesday, April 17:

8:00 am Matins and the Divine Liturgy, Procession and Blessing of the Water

To save and print you own copy of the Holy Week and Pascha Services CLICK HERE.

Whether you desire to donate furniture or food; whether you are highly skilled or not so skilled – you can still be of great help to the Sisters of the Holy Monastery “Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple”.

The Sisters and qualified inspectors have made a list of several items which need immediate attention to the buildings and the grounds.   Men’s or women’s work groups, OCF Chapters, Teen Work Camps, Individuals, Couples, and Small Groups are ALL welcome to spend a weekend, weekday, half-day or whatever time possible to help with several one-time projects or on-going needs at the Monastery.  What a great way to enter into the lives and regular schedule of the Sisters and also be of great help to establishment of this very special Monastic Community.  Please communicate with the Sisters before coming out to complete any of the projects so they will know to expect you. You can find that list by CLICKING HERE.

Do you have furniture or common household equipment or supplies that you would like to donate to the Monastery?  Are you wondering what food items you might bring with you when you visit the Sisters or come join them at one of their regular services?  HERE IS A LIST of items including some one-time needs as well as some ongoing needs where you can be of great help to the Sisters and their ministry of hospitality at the Monastery.