I am very encouraged by today’s announcement of an important new work, an Atlas of American Orthodox Christian Monasteries.

I see this new publication as a sign of growing interest in Orthodox monasticism in North America, as well as the sort of book which will itself help grow that interest, especially by providing a handy and practical resource for pilgrims and seekers.

This is just the sort of complementary title which helps support the North American Thebaid Photographic Pilgrimage Project, and I look forward to using this new Atlas as a resource in my upcoming travels.

We can only pray that there will be a need for an updated edition of this Atlas in the coming years as existing Orthodox monasteries grow and thrive, and new ones are born, just like the Monastery of St Silouan in Sonora CA, and St Peter’s Monastery in Montana, both founded in 2015!

From the announcement at Holy Cross Bookstore:

Expected to ship in February 2016.

Drawing on extensive research, as well as fascinating stories and “insider” anecdotes, the Atlas offers to readers:

• An introduction into traditions of Eastern Christian monasticism and a history of Orthodox monasteries in America,
• A comprehensive directory of American Orthodox Christian monasteries,
• An enticing travel guide for those seeking to visit American monasteries and to “sample” monastic life.
• In addition, twenty-three selected monasteries share their “personal stories” and offer a glimpse in the surprising spiritual appeal of monastic life in 21st century America.

Edited by Alexei Krindatch, 150 pages of text are accompanied by 4 maps and more than one hundred photographs depicting everyday lives of US Orthodox monasteries.

“This is a fascinating and comprehensive guide to a small but important sector of American religious life. Whether you want to know about the history and theology of Orthodox monasticism or you just want to know what to expect if you visit, the stories, maps, and directories here are invaluable.”

—Nancy T. Ammerman, Professor of Sociology of Religion, Boston University