The spirituality of the Orthodox Church is best exemplified in its spiritual centers, the monasteries. The monk is a "martyr" or "witness" to Christ, the Son of the living God. Dostoyevsky's The Brothers Karamazov is an excellent example of this spiritual model in the person of Father Zossima. This monastic model eloquently portrays the spirituality of the Orthodox Church. Dostoyevsky distinguishes between worldly freedom and the spiritual person. He says that the worldly or secular people "maintain that the world is getting more and more united, more and more bound together in brotherly community, as it overcomes distance and sets thoughts flying through the air." But in reality the opposite is true, as is evident in international conflicts and wars. This famous Orthodox novelist expressed eloquently the Orthodox view that in spiritual subjugation, that is, in absolute obedience to Christ, one finds limitless freedom. This is especially exemplified in monasteries where spirituality is nurtured.
Monasteries of Our Metropolis
Abbeville, SC – Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Paracletos
Gerontissa Pavlina
790 Gin House Road
Abbeville, SC 29620
TEL: 864-348-7545
Cell: 845-242-1742
Email: paracletos@wctel.net
Lawsonville, NC – Panagia Pammakaristos MonasteryHiermonk Nektarios
1631 Creasey Road 27032
TEL: 336-593-9760
FAX: 336-593-9767
Reddich, FL – Annunciation MonasteryAbbess Ephraimia
13486 NW Highway 225 32686
TEL: 352-591-1803
FAX: 352-591-2083
Troy, NC – Panagia Prousiotissa Monastery
Abbess Agne
404 Warner Road 27371
TEL: 910-572-3331
FAX: 910-572-4176
Williston, FL – Panagia Vlahernon Monastery
Hiermonk Modestos
12600 West Hwy. 318 32696
TEL: 352-591-1716
FAX: 352-591-1719
Orthodox Monasteries in North America
(Note this site contains both canonical and non-canonical listings)