A visit to St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery, Florence AZ

After reading about this Monastery near Florence in the desert, I was intrigued. After research on the Internet, looking at pictures and reading the rules for visitors I was even more intrigued. My better half not so much, but willing to give it a try. 

Below are some of rules, there were others that pertained to buildings not open to visitors, no photos of the monks and other common sense rules, such as being respectful of their sacred place. The Monastery opens their doors to the public for a few hours each day, not as a tourist attraction but as a place to reflect and to be in a peaceful place. There is no charge but a small bookstore sells religious books and olive oil from the olive grove on the grounds. 

Proper Attire Rules:

Visitors must be properly attired to enter the Monastery grounds. In general, clothing should be modest and loose-fitting, and include the following:

1. Orthodox clergy must wear a cassock in the Monastery. 
2. Men must wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
3. Women must wear long skirts, long-sleeved blouses, and scarves. (Please, no pants/slacks, no tight-fitting clothing, no skirts with slits, hats, low-cut blouses, or sheer or small scarves)
4. Shoes/sandals must be worn with socks at all times. Please do not wear sheer stockings. Please wear flat shoes, no high heels, platform shoes or open-toed sandals.
5. Pilgrims staying at the Monastery and all those attending church services must observe the order of the Monastery.

A bit of history:

In the summer of 1995 six monks arrived in the southern Arizona desert to establish St. Anthony’s Monastery, carrying with them the sacred heritage of Athos, considered to be a very Holy Mountain in northern Greece. Today there are approximately 50 monks at the Monastery.

Upon our arrival, we were surprised to see several cars in the parking area, we entered thru a stone arched gate and were met by a tall soft-spoken monk, he went over a few rules and we were off to roam the grounds. I was wearing a dress but wasn’t sure the length was long enough, I wore some over-the knee socks so my legs were covered, the monk said it would be fine. They also have some skirts with elastic waists that they let women slip over their pants if they arrive without a dress or skirt, very thoughtful.

We were totally amazed as we toured the grounds.This place makes you feel like you're somewhere else - a real oasis in the desert. There are several different chapels and one main chapel where most services take place, all with stunning craftsmanship. The grounds were out-of-the-world beautiful (and peaceful). 

We found a bench and sat for awhile just trying to take it all in. 

Beautiful stonework.

Inside the main chapel. Ornate and breath-taking.

Tall chairs where monks stand during services, if they get tired 

the seat folds down for sitting.

It was a garden paradise.

 One of several chapels.

 Proper attire.

Loved the craftsmanship in the ceilings. 

We walked up the hill to this chapel but it appeared to be new and still under construction. 

We enjoyed this day very much and found the Monastery so interesting. Would love to visit again.