Holy Archangels Greek Orthodox Monastery

Pictures located below....

Archimandrite Dositheos P.O. Box 422 Kendalia, TX 78027 USA Tel: (830) 833-2793 Fax: (830) 833-2231 Holy Archangels Greek Orthodox Monastery is located on a beautiful 155-acre property in the hill country of central Texas, between Austin and San Antonio. It was founded in 1996 by Archimandrite Ephraim of Philotheou Monastery on Mt. Athos, with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Isaiah. The monastery was formerly a Moslem center, with a large mosque and several other buildings. The mosque has been converted into the main church and some of the buildings are being renovated. Last year, the monastery completed construction of its Katholikon (main church), which is a basilica-style, similar to St. Catherine's on Mount Sinai. The interior of the church is traditionally styled with hand painted iconography, a wood-carved icon screen, "stasidia" (wooden stalls where you lean against or sit in), and a huge "polyeleos" (chandelier with candles) which is lit and swung during various feasts, following Athonite tradition. There is continuing work to build the monastic cells, complete the trapeza (refectory), complete the landscaping, etc. A century-old Texas ranch house built of field stone serves as one monastic residence, while other monks are housed in a contemporary structure. There is also a stone-wall chapel where the monks prayed before the Katholikon was built. A beautiful lake on the property is abundantly filled with fish, and empties to form a small waterfall. The monastery follows the Athonite typicon and follows the "cenobitic" way of monastic life: all things are common to all the monks, 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. The monks also have their "kanona", their private prayer rule, which involves prostrations and prayer (the Jesus Prayer) during private vigils at night in their own cells. The monastery's feast is celebrated on November 8 (the Feast of the Holy Archangels). The Abbot, Father Dositheos, was raised to the rank of Archimandrite and officially enthroned last November. Father Dositheos is an Athonite monk with many years of experience in the monastic life. There are several other monks in residence, including two that were tonsured last November (Father Taxiarchis and Father Joseph). They come from several countries, including the U.S., and some have spent time on Mount Athos. Visitors are welcome. Overnight and extended stays are only possible for men, and must be arranged in advance. Lodging in nearby towns is also available, and information can be obtained through Father Dositheos. Due to the sanctity of the grounds and the fact that it is a monastic community, pilgrims are asked to dress appropriately. Men are asked to wear long pants and sleeved shirts. Women are asked to wear skirts below the knees, long-sleeved shirts, and are to have their heads covered with a scarf. (No pants, shorts, tight skirts, etc.) Everyone is asked to wear socks. Smoking is strictly forbidden, and small children should be kept under parental supervision at all times. Everyone should remember that a monastery is a place of prayer, not only during the services, but at all times. The monastery has been extremely blessed to have been visited by His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah several times, as well as by His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon. Many priests, monastics, and laypeople have visited from around the world, from many Orthodox jurisdictions. A history of the development of Monasteries in the United States...Mount Athos

The Following Pictures Were Taken November 22, 2003...

Entering the Monastery grounds

The following motel is offering a group rate of $49.95 for the Feastday guests of Holy Archangels Greek Orthodox Monastery. The rate is for a room with two double beds for up to 4 people. The motel is 5 minutes from the airport and about 40 minutes from the monastery. Rooms are being held exclusively for our group until October 15. It is best to make arrangements as soon as possible.

This is a Holy Monastery of our Lord Jesus Christ; that is, a place of repentance and redemption for those leading a monastic life and for pious pilgrims. If you wish to enter the Holy grounds, you should be dressed appropriately.

Women are asked to enter dressed modestly, wearing skirts below the knees, sleeved shirts, and are to have their heads covered with a veil or scarf. (No pants, shorts, mini-skirts, tight skirts, sleeveless blouses, etc.) Men are to wear long pants and sleeved shirts. Everyone is asked to wear socks. Smoking is strictly forbidden and children must remain under parental supervision at all times.

We trust in your good intent that you will adhere to the rules set above within the precincts of the spiritual garden of the Holy Archangels.

Note: Monastery gate is locked at night. If planning to arrive while dark, please call the day before to make arrangements.