New Church of St. Joseph the Hesychast Opens at Pennsylvania Monastery

SAXONBURG, PA — The Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in Saxonburg celebrated the opening of its new Church of St. Joseph the Hesychast on September 5, marking a significant event in the life of the women’s monastery.

The opening and Divine Liturgy were led by Metr. Savas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh. Clergy, monastics, and lay faithful gathered at the monastery for the celebration, including Elder Paisios, abbot of St. Anthony’s Monastery in Arizona, who was among the special guests.

The new church has a particular spiritual significance for the monastery because of its connection to St. Joseph the Hesychast. The Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery was the first monastery in America founded by Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona, one of St. Joseph’s disciples.

The convent is currently led by Gerontissa Theophano, who has spoken publicly about the monastery’s spiritual heritage and its connection to Elder Ephraim. The new church dedicated to St. Joseph further reflects that heritage and the monastery’s continuing place within the spiritual tradition associated with the elder.

Orthopraxia Press published video footage of the September 5 celebration, including the opening of the doors to the new church and the Divine Liturgy. The event brought together members of the Orthodox community for prayer and fellowship as the monastery formally opened its new place of worship.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the 5th Monastic Synaxis honored the legacy of Gerontissa Taxiarchia at Holy Archangels Monastery.