Help Save Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville
November 2, 2012 by matushka constantinaReposted to Irenikon on November 3, 2012
I know that many of my readers are “philomonaxoi” (monastic-lovers) and so I know that you will all be willing to offer aid to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York as best you can. If you would be so kind to offer financial aid it would benefit not only the monastery (which is dire need of help: see letter below), but also you yourselves will be benefited by the kind and loving alms-giving you offer to the monastery for the glory of God. For those of you who cannot give money at this time, your prayers for the monastery are greatly appreciated!
May the Mother of God be with you all, and may the Most Holy Trinity grant you grace and great mercy for your kindness!
Dear brothers and sisters,
While all eyes are focused on Hurricane Sandy, another emerging catastrophe calls for our special consideration in helping our fathers and brethren at the Holy Trinity Monastery. This venerable ROCOR institution, founded in 1928, has touched the lives of countless monks, seminarians, pilgrims, and other Orthodox faithful. The time I spent in 1982 as a “summer boy” was spiritually transforming, serving as an anchor in the midst of turbulent teenage years. My father has also found his resting place among the other 1,500 Orthodox colleagues in Christ at the monastery’s unique cemetery.
I visited the monastery earlier this week in order to review the endowment and scholarship funds provided by the FFA earlier this year. I was shocked to learn that the monastery is now under severe financial difficulty on the back of two major developments:
Environmental: all the heating oil tanks used for heating have had to be urgently replaced. Initial works were completed, but do not yet meet required standard due to a lack of sufficient funds. Failure to complete these works in time could result in a fine levied by the New York Environment Commission of $37,000 per day!
Infrastructure: the plumbing
(including septic tank) and electricity in the main building (“bratskij
korpus”) requires urgent replacement. When the founding monks built this
complex in the 1950s, they did what they could with the materials they
could afford. Unfortunately, the pipes are literally disintegrating (see
photos).
The electricity is in a similar state of affairs – the reliable contractor of many years refuses to do any more service work without replacement of all wires, panels, and infrastructure. Lastly, the kitchen requires replacement in order to accommodate increasing requirements and rotting floor.
There is no retained income sufficient to fill the gap these urgent expenses require. I personally reviewed audited financial statements, and found in the fiscal year 2010-2011, expenses (including seminary) exceeded revenue (including donations) by several hundreds of thousands of dollars. The operating costs increased due to urgent repairs (see above) and costs associated with maintaining the large cemetery (crosses requiring replacement, not paid for by families). The preliminary figures for 2011-2012 a lower loss, but a loss, nevertheless. Fortunately, the monks are urgently finding ways to fill the gap with sales from a revised book store and publishing activity, and selling incense, and other liturgical items.
The importance of the monastic life in our Church and was described by Metropolitan Hilarion, where he said:
“Monasteries are the foundation of our Church, because they are places where prayer never ceases. Even if we are not able to visit, we will still be comforted, because we know that the monastics are praying for all of us. Monasticism means living the Christian life to the fullest.”
Towards the end of last year our donor base generously contributed over $190,000 in aid of the Holy Cross Monastery. We ask that the same enthusiasm and support be given to the Holy Trinity Monastery as well!
The Fund for Assistance is so convinced of the need to ensure the survival of the Holy Trinity Monastery that we will match every dollar you contribute through the end of December, 2012*.
Please donate now by sending a check to the Fund for Assistance at: 75 East 93rd Street New York, NY 10128 USA; or, even more quickly click here.
May you all enjoy a most wonderful approach towards Nativity!
In Christ,
Mark SelawryPresident – Fund for Assistance
*The first $50,000 of contributions will be matched.
