Holy Cross Monastery (West Park, New York)

Holy Cross Monastery is an Anglican Benedictine monastery of the Episcopal Church located in West Park, New York. Situated on a scenic bluff overlooking the Hudson River, the monastery is part of the worldwide Anglican Benedictine Order.

History:

Founded in 1884 by James Otis Sargent Huntington, OHC, the Order of the Holy Cross (OHC) aimed to establish a monastic life within the Episcopal Church tradition. Initially located in New York City, the monastery moved to its present location in West Park in 1902. The land was donated by J. Pierpont Morgan. The monastery has served as a center for prayer, contemplation, and hospitality for over a century.

Life at the Monastery:

The monks of Holy Cross follow the Rule of St. Benedict, a guide to monastic life that emphasizes prayer, work, study, and community. Their daily routine includes communal prayer services (the Divine Office), including Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline, as well as the celebration of the Eucharist. The monks support themselves through various ministries, including their guesthouse, bookstore, pottery, and icon restoration work.

Ministries:

• Guesthouse: Holy Cross Monastery offers a guesthouse for individuals and groups seeking a place for retreat, spiritual renewal, and quiet reflection.
• Bookstore: The monastery operates a bookstore that sells books on spirituality, theology, monasticism, and related subjects.
• Pottery: The monks create handcrafted pottery items that are sold in the monastery bookstore and online.
• Icon Restoration: The monastery is known for its expertise in the restoration of religious icons.
• Spiritual Direction: Monks offer spiritual direction to those seeking guidance in their spiritual lives.

Architecture:

The monastery's buildings, including the main chapel, dormitory, and refectory, are built in the Collegiate Gothic style. The architecture reflects the monastic tradition of simplicity and functionality, while also creating a space conducive to prayer and contemplation. The grounds include extensive gardens and wooded areas, offering opportunities for quiet walks and reflection.