Holy Trinity Monastery Welcomes Nearly 200 Visitors to First Open House in a Decade

JORDANVILLE, NY — Holy Trinity Monastery welcomed nearly 200 visitors, most of them non-Orthodox Christians, to its first open house in a decade on October 17, 2026. The three-hour event offered guests an opportunity to explore the monastery’s religious, cultural, and daily life, with some attendees traveling from as far away as Delaware.

Bp. Luke opened the program in Seminary Hall, explaining that the initiative originated with Fr. Flor, one of the last members of the monastery’s older generation of clergy. He emphasized the historical continuity of Orthodox Christianity, pointing to Orthodox churches at significant biblical sites, including Mount Sinai, Golgotha, the Holy Sepulcher, and Bethlehem. He described Holy Trinity Monastery as preserving the faith passed from Christ to the Apostles, declaring that “there is a straight line from Moses to Jordanville!”

Visitors subsequently toured five locations: the church, Russian History Museum, baptistry, trapeza, and candle factory. At the cathedral, the seminary choir performed a brief concert of Russian Orthodox music. One attendee described the experience as “other-worldly,” reflecting the distinctive atmosphere of the monastery’s fresco-covered church.

Throughout the afternoon, monks, novices, clergy, seminarians, and parishioners guided guests and answered questions. The event concluded at 4 p.m. with a bell concert featuring the monastery’s large Pascha Bell. Visitors then departed with monastery products, including freshly baked bread and honey, and a firsthand introduction to Russian Orthodox monastic life.

Previously, the UOJ reported that news coverage highlighted opposition to a wind project near Holy Trinity Monastery.