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corrections for accuracy and update to include the time after the sisters arrived
The '''Holy Assumption Monastery''' is a [[monastery]] under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Diocese of the West (OCA)|Orthodox Church in America - Diocese of the West]]. It is located on the banks of the Napa River in Calistoga, CA.
[http://holyassumptionmonastery.com/generalinformation.html#.V_Vn-4WcHIU bookstore]==History==Holy Assumption Monastery was founded in 1941 by a small group of [[nun]]s who fled from Russia and China with St. [[John Maximovitch]] in search of freedom to practice their faith. Though they originally settled in San Francisco, they soon discovered the quiet town of Calistoga 80 miles north of the city, and with the blessing of the local [[church]] hierarchy, purchased an old two-story property by the Napa River.
They were given permission to establish their new monastery on the condition that they would finance and administer the community on their own and would dedicate themselves to the service of God with faith that He would take care of them. At first, the old building had to serve as both [[chapel]] and living quarters, but soon the nuns, with their own hands, built a separate small wooden chapel as their place of [[worship]]. They adorned it with their own [[iconography|icons]] and embroidered cloths and began to hold services, to which all those inside and outside their gates were welcome.
The community continued to thrive through the 1960s and 1970s, drawing people from all backgrounds through its serenity, beautiful surroundings, and spiritual presence. In the mid-1980s, the monastery extended its outreach far beyond its borders through the work of priest-in-charge Fr. [[George M. Benigsen|George Benigsen]], who broadcast regularly on Radio Free Europe. His radio talks became known as an inspired voice of Orthodox Christianity that touched millions around the world.
After Fr. Benigsen, the monastery fell into disrepair. The nuns were gone and buildings were dilapidated, even condemned. It was In 1998, a restoration of the property began through the efforts of [[Igumen]] Sergious Gerken, the new [[abbot]] of the monastery. Following an unfortunate period encyclical and the advice of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch [[Bartholomew I (Archontonis) of which some took advantageConstantinople|Bartholomew]] and his concern for the environment, the grounds have been transformed into a lush garden oasis, using a tranquil place ideal for reflection and contemplation. Much-needed retaining walls were built to hold back the annual flooding of the buildings Napa River. The historic chapel has undergone extensive renovation and improvements. A [[rectory]] was purchased and renovated, but has since been sold. The main historical building which now houses nuns and serve as the hospitality center was retrofitted and reinforced with concrete floors and steel beams in order to withstand most any earthquake. A new roof and new cedar siding were installed. The grounds were graced with a free shelterkoi pond and more church bells were added. They disrespected A small community of dedicated monastery friends formed. Through the love and efforts of Father Sergious, hundreds of thousands of dollars were generously and abused sacrificially donated to ready the monasteryfor the return of a women's monastic community. While the finishing touches were still being put on the main building, the long-expected nuns did arrive, but from an unexpected quarter. On the morning of October 8, 2009, piling enormous amounts the community of debris St. Barbara Monastery in Santa Paula, CA was informed that they had 30 days to remove the RVs in which nearly two thirds of the community was living while trying to build a wing to house the sagging buildings sisters. By that evening, Abbess Victoria had contacted Bishop Benjamin and groundsreceived his enthusiastic blessing to relocate ten of the sisters to Calistoga. The grounds themselves were barren; nothing grew. On [[January 1]]Two weeks later, on October 22, the sisters, 1998under the leadership of Mother Melania, arrived at their new home to a restoration gracious welcome from Fr. Sergious. Soon thereafter, various members of the property beganlocal community and the outlying areas started arriving with good wishes, food, and practical help of various kinds.The sisters were and continue to be overwhelmed by such kindness
==Contact information==