In July 1995, five fathers came to the barren Sonora Arizona desert from the Holy Monastery of
Philotheou,
Mount Athos. Within three years, the brotherhood increased to its present number of 35 fathers. Because St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery follows the
"cenobitic" way of monastic life, all things are common to all, and everyone follows the same daily schedule, under the discretion of the abbot. Meals are eaten together, and the work, rest periods, and services are conducted according to the monastery's schedule.
St. Anthony's Monastery welcomes all visitors. There are guest quarters for pilgrims who would like to stay at the monastery. All who are interested must call beforehand to make arrangements. If you wish to enter the holy grounds of the monastery, you should be dressed appropriately and modestly. Men are asked to wear long pants and sleeved shirts. Women are asked to wear skirts well below the knees, long-sleeved shirts, and are to have their heads covered with a scarf. (No hats, sheer scarves, pants, shorts, tight skirts or blouses, etc.) Everyone is asked to wear socks. Smoking is strictly forbidden, and small children should be kept under parental supervision at all times.

view of monastery from atop a nearby hill

the beauty of grounds at the monastery

the blessed Church

A large Cross surrounded by beauty

A fountain in the desert

A walkway in the beauty of the Monastery

A view of the Church through the trees

A small Church on the Monastery grounds

More beauty to walk through
Church dedicated to St. George

Bell
Tower to the Church of St. George
Cross on the Monastery Property

Building housing for the pilgrims and visitors

More
building in the desert

a small chapel within the grounds
growing oranges in the desert
Lemon Trees in the Desert

Grapefruit
Trees in the Desert

The
Main Church through the view of the fruit trees

a visiting pilgrim works in the heat

the beauty of sunset after Compline

the Summitt of Mt. Athos in Northern Greece
 ...   Orthodox Monasteries and Monasticism
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