On Monday, November 9, the brethren of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV officially broke ground on our new church. At noon, the brotherhood, led by monastery abbot Archimandrite Seraphim (Voepel), served a moleben at the site of the new temple and sprinkled the entire area with holy water. Immediately afterward, contractors began excavation work. The brethren intend to move quickly in order to be able to pour the footers before the weather gets too cold, and earnestly entreat everyone to pray for the good success of this undertaking, which they have been desiring to begin for such a long time.

Unfortunately, the cost of construction has grown to be significantly higher than originally anticipated, in part due to the remoteness of the monastery’s location and also in large part due to the decision to outfit the lower level as a kitchen and monastic refectory, as the current dining hall is now on the brink of collapse. The monks have therefore decided to divide the construction into phases, and complete each phase as funds permit.

The brethren of Holy Cross Monastery express their deep gratitude for all the support they have received thus far, and entreat you to consider making a monthly or one-time donation as you are able, so that they can continue construction and complete the new church and refectory with as few interruptions as possible. Above all, please remember them and this undertaking in your prayers to the Lord, and know that you remain in their prayers, as well.