Where Are We Wednesday - St. Anthony's Monastery

 

Here in Arizona we suffer through hotter than hell summers. But we are rewarded with the most beautiful winters, springs and falls. It is at those times that I like to enjoy the ability to travel to the southern parts of the state without burning up. So many people think of Arizona and picture cactus and tumbleweeds. But every once in a while this great state will surprise you with beautiful lakes, rivers and lush oasis'. Today I would like to introduce you to one of those places.

 St. Anthony's Church

St. Anthony's Monastery is an oasis located just outside of Florence, Arizona. It was started by 6 monks back in 1995. I couldn't believe it was that new! My friend and I started our road trip from the Phoenix area about mid morning and arrived at the monastery just before lunch time. It is free to tour the grounds here. But there are some strict rules to abide by. Such as, women must wear a head scarf, long sleeved shirt and a floor length skirt as well as socks and shoes. If you are wearing sandals, you must also wear socks. Men must wear long sleeved shirts and long pants. The same footwear rules to men as to women. There is no loud talking and no loud laughter. This is a working monastery and the monks are going about their business while you are there. 

Stasidia (Tall seats)

There are no pews in the churches. They stand during the services in the tall seats which line the walls. They are beautifully carved. The woodwork in these churches is absolutely gorgeous. The detail is amazing. If the monks do get tired of standing they are able to also sit in these seats. 

Brass Chandelier

 

 

 No electric lights are used in the churches. All of the churches on the property have the dome sky-lights and brass chandeliers. The candles on the chandeliers are lit on major feast days. As you meander through the lush grounds the churches get smaller and smaller. And you notice the chandeliers get smaller as well.

 

      Main courtyard      

 

 

                                 

 

Fountain near St. George's Chapel

 Beautiful fountain among palm trees

Pathway to St. Demetrios' Chapel

 

  

 This monastery grows a lot of their own food. They have orchards of fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Everything was so beautiful. The sky was the most beautiful blue. The pathways were kept cool by the many water fountains and the shade from the many trees. I could have stayed the whole day wandering the grounds. Unfortunately, you have to be out by 2pm. The monks have services at 2:30.

 

St. Demetrios' Chapel

                                                                                                                       

                                                         Fountain of the Cross

After spending over an hour touring the grounds and spending time in each of the chapels we decided to head toward Florence for lunch. We stopped at LB Cantina. They brought out the chips and salsa and we were in heaven. The chips were warm and crunchy and the salsa was just the right amount of spicy. My friend ordered shrimp tacos and I had fish tacos and we shared with each other. They were very good but were even better with some salsa on them.

This was such a fun day. St. Antony's Monastery was such a pleasant surprise. But I think it is definitely something that should be done in the winter or spring. Summer would be unbearable for me. Especially having to wear so much clothing.

If you are looking for something to do that is a little out of the ordinary, then this is it. And it's free. Just the cost of gas and lunch.