![[ IMAGE: Icon of the Nativity of the Theotokos ]](nattheo.gif)
There is a small guesthouse on the premises. Guests should call ahead. There are also nearby motels both on Route 8 and Route 19 in Cranberry Township, which is about 20 minutes away.
Directions: The Monastery is located about an hour North of Pittsburgh. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), take Exit 4, Butler Valley, and head North on Route 8. Follow Route 8 to right onto Route 228 East (Glade Mills Road). Turn left onto Victory Road at first large crossroad; turn right at "T", then cross a little bridge onto Golden City Road; Turn left at first stop sign onto Dinnerbell Road. Turn right on St. Elias Lane into the Monastery grounds.
The Monastery was founded by His Grace, Bishop Maximos (GOAA) in 1988, with the help of Fr. Ephraim of Mt. Athos. The main building houses Monastic living quarters, the main church, dining rooms for guests and for the nuns, and a bookstore/giftshop. A separate, second chapel dedicated to St. Seraphim of Sarov was recently constructed. Services are in Greek, but most of the sisters also speak English. There are eleven monastics in residence.
The Monastics sew vestments, paint and mount icons, knit prayer ropes, and make candles.