… monasteries, and even more sketes and hermitages, but none in the Diocese of New England.
“If it’s God’s will, that may change,” Fr. Mark writes, as a donation of over 5 acres is being made to the diocese near Rutland, Vermont, in the middle of the state.
The announcement about the property was initially made on the feast of Ascension, with parishes being asked to add a petition to the Augmented Litany: “Again we pray that we may be made worthy of founding in our Diocese a monastery in honor of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, let us pray to the Lord!”
Former hierarch of the diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Job, dedicated the entire diocese to the Theotokos, thus it is fitting that its first monastery would be named for her as well, Fr. Mark explains.
“The founding of a monastery would be a huge step for our Diocese, and would fulfill a dream of His Grace, Bishop Benedict,” he notes.
The article for two things: prayer that “God raise up candidates …
Rutland, Vermont, August 11, 2026
Rural area near Rutland, Vermont. Photo: brandonjbroderick.com
The Diocese of New England of the Orthodox Church in America hopes to open a monastery in Vermont in the near future.
In an article in the July 2026 issue of the diocesan newsletter Orthodox New England, Fr. Mark Roosien of Holy Ghost Church in New Haven, Connecticut, notes that the OCA has about two dozen monasteries, and even more sketes and hermitages, but none in the Diocese of New England.
“If it’s God’s will, that may change,” Fr. Mark writes, as a donation of over 5 acres is being made to the diocese near Rutland, Vermont, in the middle of the state.
The announcement about the property was initially made on the feast of Ascension, with parishes being asked to add a petition to the Augmented Litany: “Again we pray that we may be made worthy of founding in our Diocese a monastery in honor of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, let us pray to the Lord!”
Former hierarch of the diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Job, dedicated the entire diocese to the Theotokos, thus it is fitting that its first monastery would be named for her as well, Fr. Mark explains.
“The founding of a monastery would be a huge step for our Diocese, and would fulfill a dream of His Grace, Bishop Benedict,” he notes.
The article for two things: prayer that “God raise up candidates for monastic life, and wise ascetic teachers who can guide them,” and financial assistance.
The most immediate need is to pay for a land surveyor to take measurements of the land before any development or building can occur. The cost is just under $5,000.
Checks can be sent to:
Diocese of New England
PO Box 96
Wallingford, CT
Fr. Mark concludes by quoting Fr. Mircea Geana of Holy Trinity Church in Springfield, Vermont, Chair of the Diocesan Monastery Committee:
“The prayers and guidance of the Theotokos, together with your generosity, will surely accomplish this much needed work for the glory of God and the spreading of His Gospel. May the Lord bless each of you in return with His heavenly gifts!”
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