Monastery News

Tonsure of Monk Basil
On Friday evening, June 29th, we concluded our celebration of the Vigil for St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, and prepared for the tonsure of Riassophore-monk Justin to the Mantia and his taking of final vows. The tonsure service began with Fr. Justin being brought in by the other monks, clothed in a white baptismal robe.
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A Pilgrimage to Optina Monastery
B‌y the grace of God, two Hermitage monks have been given the opportunity to make a pilgrimage this summer to Russia. They departed from the U.S. on May 31st, and spent their first weekend in Moscow visiting the holy sites there. Following this, they travelled to Optina Skete where they spent several weeks living the monastic life there alongside the brethren.
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The Visit of the Icon of the Theotokos “Softener of Evil Hearts”
On Monday, March 19, the myrrh-streaming Icon of the Mother of God, “Softener of Evil Hearts”, arrived at the Hermitage of the Holy Cross. The Icon has been touring in the United States, coming most recently from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Washington, DC. The brotherhood gathered Monday evening to welcome the Icon with bells, flowers, and a procession into the monastery church, followed by a short Moleben.
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The New St. Ignatius Bakery
Our bakery is finally up and running full blast, getting dozens of warm, fresh, golden kulichi ready for the Paschal festivities. It is the last room to be completed in the new St. Herman of Alaska building, which also houses the spacious candle factory and comfy community room, where the brothers meet for spiritual talks and fellowship.
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