There’s always so much to see in New York that even if you’re a regular to this marvellous city, you might find something new each time you visit. With the many cultures and religions that inhabit New York, it’s expected that you’ll see many buildings and performances that reflect the diversity that can be found here. The historical buildings in the city are also something to pay attention to and the beautiful architecture from olden days will take your breath away and fill you with solemnity as you tour inside their walls. This includes the monasteries that New York still preserves and are open for visitors to come and explore, as they admire the buildings. Check out these amazing monasteries to visit in New York that will make your travel to the City that Never Sleeps even more memorable.
If you’re planning to stay for a few days, be sure to check out the top accommodations, including wheelchair-accessible hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals near Catskill Mountains,
1. Holy Trinity Monastery
Founded by two Russians immigrants in 1930, this monastery was built as a male stavropegial monastery at first, before it became the centre for the Russian Orthodox religion. Located near Jordanville, New York, Hieromonk Panteleimon and his brotherhood built the first incarnation of the structure and it was intended as a place for the monks to live. Unfortunately, right after they finished making it, the monastery caught on fire and burnt to the ground.
They then decided to build a new religious place, known as today’s Holy Trinity Monastery. The Russian influence is felt really strong in the architecture here and also in the bookstore that is located next door to the church. The bookstore sells historical books on Russia that are available both in Russian and in English. It will be an exciting visit for you, which will also leave you refreshed.
Holy Trinity Monastery
Address: Holy Trinity Monastery, PO Box 36, Jordanville, New York
Website: Holy Trinity Monastery
2. Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Monastery
Known as one of the famous Greek Orthodox monasteries in New York, the Saint Nektarios Monastery is open to all Orthodox Christians who would like to visit and have a sacred moment. The church was founded by the Reverend Elder Ephraim in January 1999 and is meant to preserve the holy tradition of the Orthodox Church for the younger generations.
The stone walls here will astound you and make you feel like you’re on a Mediterranean island somewhere in Europe. At this monastery, you can also have a serene moment with the monks and share bread with them as you learn more about the religious place.
Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Monastery
Address: Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Monastery, 100 Anawanda Lake Road, Roscoe, New York
3. Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This place was built as a stavropegial monastic community for women, based in the Orthodox religious tradition. Located in Otego, New York, the Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery was founded between 1977 and 1982 and it has quite a history. It was first a rented facility close to St. Vladimir’s Seminary and, in 1983, the monastery bought the land and building, along with a newly built chapel.
The monastery also provides mail-order and an online store for people who are looking for particular books and icons for their churches and homes, including items from the Myrrhbearers Arab Orthodox Society of Jerusalem, which provides embroidered products.
Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery
Address: Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery, 144 Bert Washburn Road, Otego, New York
Website: Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery
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4. Holy Ascension Monastery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This male monastic community monastery is a Traditional Byzantine church that follows all the rituals and daily life of the Christian Orthodox faith. Its daily services include traditional Byzantine chanting. Two-thirds of the church’s services are held in English and one-third in Greek. The monks who live here follow the strict traditions of the Orthodox church, including mealtime, fasting, and obedience. There are several acts of obedience that they observe every day, including candle-making, construction, music practice, and much more.
A few years ago, the Holy Ascension Monastery planned to build a replica of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. Unfortunately, due to construction and permit complications, the project was put on infinite hiatus in 2016.
Holy Ascension Monastery
Address: Holy Ascension Monastery, 521 Cold Brook Road, Bearsville, New York
5. Holy Cross Monastery
The Holy Cross Monastery is famous for its guesthouses, where visitors can stay when they want to have a quiet time away from hectic daily life. The main building of the monastery features a combination of Spanish Revival and Tudorbethan styles and was designed by Ralph Adams Cram and Henry Vaughan, who were famous for their religious buildings. You can visit for a spiritual experience, or a few tranquil days living with the monks, joining them in their daily activities and services.
Holy Cross Monastery
Address: Holy Cross Monastery, 1615 Route 9W (or Broadway), West Park, New York
Website: Holy Cross Monastery
Places to find your spiritual peace in the middle of the metropolis
There is more to these monasteries than meets the eyes. Located at various spots in New York, these places are oases amongst the vibrancy of urban life. Paying a visit to these places can help you find a spiritual peace that will balance your hectic daily life.
While you’re here, have a look at the best wine tours and places for snowboarding to make the most of your stay.
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