Three women devoted to God who follow all Greek Orthodox traditions are trying to bring people closer to their faith by expanding their monastery to accommodate more people.
The monastery is situated on a 122 acre lot in South Carolina. Abbess Paulina, Sister Miriam and Sister Alexia reside on the beautiful land. The Paracletos Greek Orthodox Monastery, which is part of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, is where these three ladies dedicate their lives to God, to complete the church that they began building, and to religiously guide others.
Their day begins at 4 am with prayer and continues throughout the day with prayers. What may seem as sacrifice to some is ultimate happiness and peace for these three women. They dedicated their lives to live with God and not only are there no signs of regret but there is a glow on their faces that answers any doubts about how content they are.
During the course of the day, the ladies spend most of their time praying but also work in their workshop making religious icons which they sell to in hopes of expanding their chapel.
They are financially supported by the Andersen Greek Festival, which is in its fifth year. Festival profits and donations have offered assistance in property payments. The finances have helped to pay for the building of the Chapel of Pangaea Soumela, its guest house, their house, dining room and workshop. They grow their own food.
During Greek Orthodox feast days more than 100 people visit the monastery to hear the liturgy. The chapel which now is large enough to fit 50 people is hoping to be expanded soon. Designs for the expansion are being sent over from Greece and construction will start when the funds are available. The three ladies are hoping that the Greek festival at the Civic Center of Anderson on September 18th and 19th will further assist with the beginning costs of construction.
The abbess believes that in the Greek Orthodox faith there are many people seeking for a deeper spiritual life and the monastery is a place where they can find that.
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