Visiting Hours & Dress Code

The Abbey is a place of prayer, sanctity and repentance, thus visitors to the Abbey are rarely approved. However, if a visit is approved you are kindly asked to respect the quietude and solitude of the grounds. And we ask you to please call before visiting so we may greet you properly, and not disturb the monks prayer schedule.

When attending services please respect the Altar as if you were approaching God… This has been and Orthodox tradition for over 1000 Years.

When visiting, Priests, Monks, and Nuns are expected to wear proper clerical or monastic attire.

Laypersons are asked to please respect the dress code by dressing modestly and properly during services or visiting.

  • We ask that you please consider the following dress guidelines:
  • Dress modestly and comfortable. Flashy, expensive or loud clothes detract from another individual’s ability to pray. Services can be long and involve significant amounts of standing, and prostrations (bowing), so wearing comfortable-fitting clothing is a good idea.
  • Clothes and appearance for men: Men (including teens & children) are asked to wear long pants and a presentable shirt, preferably one with a collar.
    • Hats, caps, and bandannas are completely unacceptable for men to wear in the Chapel at any time unless there is a medical necessity.
  • Clothes and appearance for women: It is asked that you do not wear skirts that go above the knees. Pants are acceptable. Make-up and jewelry is allowed, but we do ask that women apply it sparingly. A special note: if you are wearing lipstick, please do not kiss the icons. The chemicals that make up lipstick can permanently damage icons that are hand-written with either acrylic oils and natural powders.
  • Unacceptable clothing: Tank tops and shorts are considered unacceptable, as are clothes with logos or statements on them. Saggy jeans are not acceptable either.
  • Head-coverings for women: Traditionally, women were once required to wear some form of head covering (scarves) in the Chapel. Though it is not obligatory, we ask you to use your best judgment.
  • Footwear: We DO NOT wear shoes at the altar and we ask our visitors to do the same; however, orthodox services involve a good deal of standing, bowing and moving around, if you must wear footwear, it is best to wear those that give adequate support.
    • For parents, we ask that you do not allow your children to dress in novelty footwear that have either lights on the heels or “rollershoes”.
  • Cultural norms: The Orthodox faith has a representation in dozens of different cultures and ethnicity. Different Orthodox cultures have different cultural norms for dress, and we try to be as accepting of different cultures both in and outside of Orthodoxy as possible. All we ask is that you do your best to be respectful to Christ and His house, and those that serve and do God’s work.
  • Special note on attire
  • From the Bible:

1 Corinthians 11:7-9: For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, inasmuch as he is the image and glory of God..

1 Timothy 2:9-10: In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefulness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.

Deuteronomy 22:5: The woman shall not wear that which pertains unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

1 Corinthians 11:7-15: For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, inasmuch as he is the glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels… Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

·         Please ask before taking any photographs.· Video recordings are not permitted without permission of the Abbot.