CN Staff visit Transfiguration Monastery

Saturday evening a group of seven men from the CN staff traveled to Ellwood City to pray with the monastics at Holy Transfiguration Monastery. The monastery is about an hour away from the camp so we had a nice drive to and from the monastery. Upon arriving at the monastery we were greeted by Mother Karitina who gave us a tour of the monastery before vespers and vigil.

After the tour, Mother Karitina took us into the monastery church for vespers and vigil. Because there was no priest to serve, the services were done readers style. For over 2 hours we stood in the chapel praying and singing with the nuns. Thankfully the sisterhood and Camp Nazareth have a close relationship, so the nuns knew some of us already. During vespers the CN staff were blessed to sing the hymn "Gladsome Light," and again during vigil were asked to sing with the nuns. Below is a link to hear the staff sing with the nuns.



After service was over, we were invited by Mother Magdalena into the dining hall for some snacks and conversation. What a joy to be able to spend some time visiting with the monastics. We also had the blessing of Abbess Mother Christophora joining us in the dining hall to visit with us for a short time. Overall, a wonderful experience for the CN staff! Upon leaving the monastery one of the staff exclaimed, "That was awesome! I'm so thankful to be Orthodox!" It's safe to assume the CN Staff have found a wonderful new refuge for spiritual growth and rejuvenation to help us in our ministry at Camp!

Mother Karitina giving staff a tour of the monastery.

The altar table of the new chapel at the Monastery.

An icon written by Mother Alexandria (of Blessed Repose).

Main chapel of the monastery.

Small chapel dedicated to the Protection of the Mother of God.