Easily one of the most significant and influential Orthodox monasteries in North America, Holy Trinity is nestled in the rolling farmland of central New York State, about halfway between Syracuse and Albany. Its very surroundings, where time seems to move more slowly and irenically, invite one to quietude, to contemplation, to simple chores and inner prayer.
My heartfelt thanks to Fr. Abbot Luke for his blessing to photograph the grounds and services, and also to the several monks and seminarians (and candidates!) who kindly pointed me towards holy places of great interest.
Main Cathedral Church at night.
Approaching the Monastery from the south.
An Orthodox 3-bar cross atop a distant hill marks the extensive grounds of Holy Trinity Monastery.
St Elizabeth the New Martyr Skete for women, a short walk from the monastery.
A hermitage on the path towards the chapel by the lake.
Main Cathedral Church, detail.
Seminarians help staff the extensive bookstore.
Monks and seminarians at Trapeza.
Cemeteries bear witness to Holy Trinity’s deep roots and holy legacy.
The crypts on the ground level of the Main Cathedral are typically open so one can venerate revered archpastors and elders; here, Archimandrite Cyprian (left) and Metropolitan Laurus (right), of blessed memory.
Igumen Philemon (left), and Archbishop Averky (right), of blessed memory.
This photo and next, the grave of Brother Joseph Muñoz-Cortes, guardian of the Miraculous Myrrh-streaming Iveron Icon of the Mother of God.
Entering the Lower Chapel for Matins.
A monastic candidate follows the service.
Veneration of the Holy Icons.
Receiving the Abbot’s blessing.
Pannikhida (memorial service) in a side chapel of the Main Cathedral.
A simple but comfortable room in the guest house, a short walk from the monastery.
Path to the chapel by the lake, at sunset.
The chapel by the lake, looking for all the world like a church in the Russian north.
The North American Thebaid 