Let God arise!
Let His enemies be scattered!

About the Monastery

Holy Resurrection Monastery is a female Orthodox monastic community under the omophorion of His Eminence Archbishop DANIEL [Brum] of the Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America.

On November 1, 2020, the Monastery was reestablished with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop PAUL [Gassios] of thrice blessed memory. The previous monastics had left a few years prior, and the property was under the care of a local parish.

God knows

This is the account that was told to Mother Alexandra by a participant:

“In early Spring of 2020, prior to the covid lockdowns, His Eminence, Archbishop Paul had traveled to Missouri and met with members of the parish committee to discuss the future of the property that had been a monastery. At that time, there were no known monastics who could come and reside there, so it was decided that all would be disbanded, and the property sold. At the end of the meeting, His Eminence said that they should pray in the Chapel before departing. At the conclusion of the service, His Eminence came out through the Royal Doors and said that they couldn’t sell the place. Everyone adjourned with no decision about the future of the property.”

His Eminence Archbishop PAUL of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest, 2014-2022.

"I Have a Monastery"

About three weeks later during the covid lockdown, not knowing about the abandoned monastery nor what had transpired, Mother Alexandra called his Eminence. She had returned to the Midwest from Central America and inquired about coming under his omophorion. His Eminence said that he would receive her (through the proper procedures) and he said, “I have a monastery.” After she was formally released and received, he asked if she would travel to Missouri and consider revitalizing the monastic life there.

In June, a couple of friends drove Mother to Missouri, accompanied her to the monastery, and investigated the surrounding area. Not long after Mother responded affirmatively to His Eminence, a generous benefactor offered a grant to pay off the loans on the property and costs associated with the reestablishment. On October 8, 2020, the Diocesan Assembly approved by vote to accept the grant and to proceed. His Eminence blessed the reopening on November 1, 2020 with the name of Holy Resurrection Monastery.

start nothing without prayer

Mother arrived the evening before, loaded with supplies. She was under no illusions. Local friends had done some cleaning before her arrival, but they reported that it was uninhabitable. There was much to do in order to repair, refurbish, and revitalize the monastic life.

Immediately, the Services were resumed. In December, Divine Liturgy was served. Mother learned how to make candles and applied herself to master the process and increase production while monitoring costs and profit margin. In January of 2021, a website was initiated, thanks to continued assistance from a local priest and his parish. The online store provided an additional option for parishes and all who desire to order monastery products. An onsite gift shop was added to supply the local Orthodox at reduced costs for icons, lampadas, etc. 

Six months later, the main floor of the residence had been cleaned, painted, and the plumbing and electricity repaired. The heating and the cost of heating by an inefficient electric furnace had been addressed by adding propane heaters in needed locations. The grounds were receiving regular attention and appeared tidy. Improvements were done in the Chapel. Guests were coming on a regular basis, including ministry teams to assist with the repairs. They built decks, repaired the front porch, painted, and planted.

Two years later, there are some outdoor projects in progress and Mother is slowly furnishing the areas downstairs, adjacent to the Chapel.

The story
Services resumed
Plumbing repairs
Structural repairs
Front porch repairs
Candle shop
.
Orders!
.
Painting assistance
Fr Peter serving
Back deck
Shed ramp
Downstairs
young guests
Christ is risen!
Pascha Agape
Back steps
New rugs
Young helpers
.
Front porch
Front door
Front door
Refurbishing bedroom
Gift Shop
.
Gift Shop
Guest pantry finished
Finished bedroom
Finished bathroom
Finished Bedroom
Holy Communion
Fellowship
Front porch finished
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Do nothing without a blessing

With deep sorrow and hope in the resurrection, His Eminence PAUL fell asleep in the Lord on Pascha of 2022. He had visited the monastery over the St Mary of Egypt weekend in 2021 (photo above) and had seen some of the refurbishments. 

On July 18, 2022, Bishop DANIEL [Brum] of Santa Rosa was elected by the Diocese of the Midwest and confirmed by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America to succeed as the 9th Bishop of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest. He was enthroned on October 1, 2022 at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago and elevated to the rank of Archbishop by the Holy Synod on November 11, 2022. Life at the Monastery continues under his omophorion and with his blessing. Many years, Master!

His Eminence Archbishop DANIEL of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest, 2022-current.

Until the next chapter of this monastery’s history, 

“Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.” Gal 6.9