Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery

[Sophia]

I wondering if anyone would be willing to share with me any knowledge they have of this women's monastery in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. I hope to be asking for permission of Abbess Theophano to visit soon.
I still have to ask my employer for time off and schedule a flight.

In Christ, Sophia

[Michael C.]

I don't know what you are looking for, but for me, it is a spiritual oasis, a place to "recharge" my batteries from the difficulties of this world. It is also a place where people are struggling for the salvation of their souls, and the expulsion of the passions. And if you meet such a person, a struggler against the passions, then you truly meet an ICON of Christ, a person that has been created in God's image and likeness. We all are like that, but the outward struggles that we face don't allow us to combat our inner passions. When you meet this person you truly get to know what it must be like in Paradise, and Nativity of the Theotokos is truly filled with people like this...

[Sophia]

Thank you Michael,

I am hoping to visit them soon. I realize that I wasn't clear about what information I am looking for. I truly look forward to experiencing the things you have mentioned.

I will be flying in to Pittsburgh and have never been in the area before. I hope to also visit The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City on my trip. My questions are more geographical than anything. I wonder if it is hard to find or easy to get lost driving there. Is there a better time of day to arrive? What is the weather like this time of year? Are there particular hazards that I should be aware of? I hope to take my trip in February and will most likely be traveling alone.

I am a little nervous about the trip, but I feel that this will be one of the most important things I ever do in my life.

In Christ,
Sophia

[Herman Blaydoe]

The Monastery is located about an hour North of Pittsburgh. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), take Exit 4, Butler Valley, and head North on Route 8. Follow Route 8 to right onto Route 228 East (Glade Mills Road). Turn left onto Victory Road at first large crossroad; turn right at "T", then cross a little bridge onto Golden City Road; Turn left at first stop sign onto Dinnerbell Road. Turn right on St. Elias Lane into the Monastery grounds.

More information is available here: Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery (http://omna.malf.net/nattheo.htm)

http://omna.malf.net/nattheo.gif

[Sunny]

The weather can be extremely changeable at this time of year. I'm planning a trip to Pennsylvania and central New York (where I'm from), but will not go until June. Pennsylvania now will be less inclement than New York, but you could have snow, sleet, and at the very least fog to deal with, anywhere in that area. I'm not sure where you're coming from, but if you must go soon pack things that will keep you warm and dry.
Sunny

[Sophia]

Thank you both so much! I am coming from the Denver area, so I'll be going from cold to cold, I guess. I am so excited to go!

[Patrick Lee]

Thank you both so much! I am coming from the Denver area, so I'll be going from cold to cold, I guess. I am so excited to go!

I hope your visit went well. I haven't been there yet, but have had the opportunity to meet and hear talks by Fr. Demetrios.