All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Christian Monastery — Attraction in Washington

The most peaceful and beautiful place that I have ever been in my life.

As a catechumen preparing to be baptized in to the Orthodox Church, this was a perfect place for me to visit to understand the Orthodox ethos and way of life.

The monks at this place are not as detached from you as you may assume. They aren’t some creepy, transcendent non-humans. They are simply a bunch of guys who have discarded the pleasures and ways of modern life in order to pursue Christ and pray for the world.

The ways that they conduct themselves are so kind and welcoming. Not just the things they do, but the way that they make you feel subconsciously. There is an other-worldly peace that envelops the whole property.

Father Martin is the monk that is mainly responsible for the kitchen. He cooks every meal as if he is cooking for the sake of his life. Nothing tastes bad, or even simply good. Every single thing he makes is delicious. It was my 18th birthday during my visit along with Father Nicodemus’ 54th birthday, and he baked us a cake. He is very grounded and intelligent. Funny too. And he speaks Japanese, what?!

Father Paul is the monk who I believe either serves as a Deacon or as a third Priest. He is great as well, very fatherly and has a great sense of humor. He told me some great stories and was very comforting.

Father Nicodemus who, in place of Abbot Tryphon due to health issues, was serving as the main priest. He also runs the book store. Very quiet but very kind and polite. It’s unusual to those who live in the world to meet people who are very quiet yet not afraid to talk/interact, but he is exactly that. I didn’t speak to him much but his kindness and love was always quietly radiant.

Father Paisios was the main chanter in the choir and did most of the outdoor chores other than the garden. He’s a funny guy with a southern-midwestern accent. Very kind, loving, and laid back. I had some good conversations with him and he made me feel very welcomed.

Brother Basil is a novice at the monastery and is mainly in charge of the garden and did a fair share of chanting as well. Kind of funny that Brother Basil is in charge of the garden. Anyways, he is very quiet as well. At first, much like Father Nicodemus, I mistook him as simply afraid to talk or shy. This was not the case. Once you talk to him, you understand that he is very personable and very humble. I helped him to make apple butter. He has a gadget that he straps around his chest and puts his phone on. We asked him what it was for and he said it was so that he could work in the garden while having a call with his mom. That warmed my heart very much.

Gnash was the main kitty. He was orange and rather large. He loved to meow to go inside and out more frequently than what was convenient. He is very cute and a very good boy, though. Lets you pet him but does his own thing. Loves to cuddle the monks, namely Father Martin.

And finally, Abbot Tryphon. Grandpa, they call him, and it is fitting. He is a grandpa in every way, and a great one. He listens well, has great conversations, and seems to know about you before you share anything. He is extremely humble and an extremely warm person. A wonderful Abbot.

The monastery is a tiny village setting and everything is simply perfect. If you are a man, please book a stay for as long as possible and experience what I did. If you are a woman, book somewhere near by and visit.

I was blessed to visit heaven on earth and I cannot wait to return. Thank you Monks! Glory to...

One of the loveliest places on earth. Liturgy is beautiful in this cozy house of God filled with icons of the saints. Trappezza after is very jolly with readings from the Lives of the Saints. We are deliciously nourished by Father Martin's prayful and sometimes Thai inspired cooking! Children are known to frolic by the fountain and in the forests. For the studious, there is class afterward in a library fit hobbits - where many topics from history to angels- are addressed by our beloved Priest Monk Nicodemus. Or there are conversations on the porch with our most cherished Grandpa. If you are lucky, you might find out something interesting about languages, obscure othdox texts, poetry or history from Southern vocalist Father Peter. Or if you peek into the garden you may possibly be inlisted to weed cabages by a quiet, thoughtful, and bright-eyed brother, Basil. Lastly if youre spuritual engine needs a tune up, 5 minutes conversation with the pragmatic Father Paul on the porch, in confession or the coffee isle at Thriftway, will leave you brighter, glader and able to see the world in focus once more. All around a spiritually grounded, hard-working and blessed...

This is a great place to visit for anyone interested in Christianity and Orthodox Christianity. I had the opportunity to have a visit and interview with the head of the monastery, Abbot Tryphon. I could tell that even though I am not Orthodox, Abbot Tryphon still welcomed my questions and it was an overall welcoming interview in general. The following day I went to the Divine Liturgy and trapeza meal. I recommend anyone to come here and learn more about Apostolic...