Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery

Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery offers a monastic way of life to those who seek to dedicate their lives to Christ. Nuns missionize in many venues, garnering grass roots support for the spiritual work they offer to many who are challenged with social family issues and problems. The Monastery is an oasis for pilgrims - children, teenagers, adults - welcoming them, offering comfort from struggles and afflictions in a caring, spiritually nurturing environment.

"Sisters in Crisis" is a building remediation and health situation that the Monastery has been undergoing for the past 11 months because of the environmental mold issue discovered in the convent, August 2015. At times, the situation has made areas of the convent uninhabitable. The costs to remediate the mold are more than what was anticipated and what can be paid for. 2/3 of the building has been completed but the last 1/3, where the nuns' bedrooms are located , must be remediated before the winter months. The Sisterhood is also trying to raise money to build a new monastery which would be environmentally safer and would accommodate even more women who are interested in pursuing the monastic way of life. The convent is looking for the opportunity on this "Day of Giving" to raise the funds needed to complete the remediation.

The following are highlights of the services the Sisterhood offers.

* Sisters attend over 22 Church festivals and pan-Orthodox events throughout the year, selling their hand-crafted items and speaking and listening to countless individuals with social family issues and problems; they also speak about the faith, resulting in the conversion of several families to Orthodoxy.
* The Monastery hosts many youth groups, university students, and people from different parishes in many states in addition to PA: NY, NJ, MD. WV, OH, ME, Canada.
* In its Byzantine Iconography Studio room, the Monastery generates hand-painted icons and the Abbess offers sessions to young children and teenagers on the art and techniques of Byzantine iconography.
* The Monastery sponsors didactic programs throughout the year through forums such as a Victorian tea, DInner Banquet, Walk-A-Thon. At all these events, the Abbess of the Monastery addresses topics such as the life of monastics, raising children, social issues, prayer, and participating in the sacraments of the Church.
* The Monastery engenders local support by hiring and working with local businesses in the operation of the Monastery. Local supporters attend Monastery events and the Monastery supports the fund-raising efforts of community organizations.