Holy Dormition Friary

What are services like?
The Divine Liturgy is the traditional Eucharist service of the Byzantine Catholic Church. We also have private confession on Thursday and Friday, a chance to seek reconciliation with God and Church, and to receive brief advice from a priest. The friars (brothers in residence) pray Matins (morning prayer) and Vespers (evening prayer) most days, taken from the Byzantine Eastern Christian tradition. We have occasional other prayer services. Almost everything is chanted, plainly or to simple melodies. We welcome visitors to participate as they are comfortable. Most of our prayer is either Scriptural or is poetry and hymns that use mostly Scriptural images.

What is the community like?
There are four brothers in residence (friars/monks), two are also priests. Most of the people who regularly attend our services come for Divine Liturgy on the weekends and feastdays. Most people staying on retreat -- families with children, young or older adults -- will also join us for services while they are here. Those who are experienced in serving at the altar or in reading the Epistle or cantoring are welcome to volunteer to assist.

What if I'm not a Christian?
Non-Christians are welcome to visit and take quiet refuge in our chapel off the highway. You are welcome to sing and participate as you are comfortable, but only not to receive Communion, since that is a sacrament reserved to those who are Christians in communion with the Catholic Church (Roman Catholic, Byzantine Catholic, etc). People of all walks of faith have found our place to be a welcome and reflective spot for prayer, walks, contemplation, and peace.