Our Mission
Holy Cross Monastery is an Orthodox Christian Monastery
The Orthodox Church traces its history back to the original Church founded by our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Church of the apostles, of the martyrs, and of the early Christians. Orthodoxía is a Greek word meaning "correct praise" or "correct teaching" and the Orthodox Church considers itself to be the bearer of ancient Christian Tradition.
Monasticism itself arose out of this spiritual fervor and devotion of the early Christian Church. The monastic life has always been an honored path for men and women to "deny themselves, take up their cross" and follow the Lord by devoting their lives to Him and becoming monks or nuns. (cf. Matthew 16:24). Taking vows of personal poverty, chastity, obedience and stability, they seek spiritual perfection by leading lives pleasing to Christ. In their imperfect way, they strive to serve him with a three-fold service of prayer, work and study. (For more on the origins of monasticism, see Come, Follow Me.)
Holy Cross Monastery serves Orthodox Christians of all ethnic backgrounds and all cultural traditions. Services are predominantly celebrated in English, but are often also heard in Romanian, Slavonic (Old Bulgarian), and Greek.
Many Romanian and Bulgarian Orthodox Christians regularly attend services at the monastery. Orthodox faithful of all backgrounds come here for weddings, baptisms, and other sacramental blessings. Elegant dining space and a covered portico are available for receptions.
Spiritual retreats have been held here by Orthodox Christians from the OCA, by neighboring Greek Orthodox parishes, by Christians from the Holy Land with services in Arabic, by Christians from Egypt with services in Coptic, and by Christians from Ethiopia with services in Amharic and Geez.
The Fathers Joyfully Welcome Visitors of All Faiths
The Fathers do their utmost to make every visitor feel that their monastic dwelling is a spiritual home to anyone who comes to them for spiritual nourishment. Holy Cross Monastery has many friends and supporters who are Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and from other non-Christian backgrounds. A variety of groups have held seminars and conferences here. Everyone is welcome in this haven of GodÕs grace and embrace.
Holy Cross Monastery exists as a haven of spiritual tranquility, tolerance and kindness, not only for the local owls, deer, foxes, and raccoons, but for all who come to partake of the Monastery's peace and befriend the Fathers. The beauty and harmony of the Monastery and its environs speak for themselvesÑand speak to the soul and heart of anyone who loves God, humankind, and nature.
A Sanctuary where God Dwells among Men
Our Lord said: "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" (Matthew 8:20). In this tumultuous and tempestuous world, the Lord has few places in which to lay His holy head. Monasteries provide the Lord with sanctuaries of calm and quietude, where He can rest His holy head and where those who seek Him and love Him can embrace Him. God resides and dwells among us here at Holy Cross Monastery, where the monks strive and struggle in their imperfect way to serve His every need.
This page was last edited on October 30, 2005