Holy Apostles Convent - History

Holy Apostles Convent was founded in 1986 by then-Archimandrite Gregory of Dormition Skete and Mother Mariam. The Convent, near Trout Creek, is located in the conifer-studded national forest of San Isabel, nestled in the Collegiate Peaks of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, which block the winter cold and snow. The surrounding prominent and steep Castles, ancient massive volcanic rock formations, loom out of the earth to a starry height, are surrounded by spruce and pinion trees and the coarse grass range, reminiscent of the stone forest at Meteora in Kalambaka, Greece.

The Convent is under the canonical jurisdiction of the Genuine Orthodox Church of Greece, using the traditional Church Calendar. Services are in Greek and English, using traditional Byzantine chant.

Holy Apostles Convent is engaged in translating Greek texts of the lives of the Saints, Scriptures, and homilies into English and publishing them. Icon painting is also pursued in the true Greek Byzantine style which includes hand-painted icons and large fresco-style paintings on canvas. A listing of our current publications is provided at this site. Current publications include The Orthodox New Testament.

The monastic life here is a quest for union with God through prayer, repentance, and work. Saint Pachomios the Great said, It is by God's favor that there appeared upon earth the holy (monastic) community. This conduct of life produces effects within the individual, the community, and the world. The monastic life establishes a routine for living within and can progressively transform the monastic into the image and likeness of God. Within the community, the Holy Spirit can transform the diverse gifts of body and spirit of each nun and bring them to their fullness. We seek the glory of God and union with Him. All of our talents and every resource of our person is brought to bear upon its accomplishment. We struggle to keep these commandments: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength; and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself [Mk. 12:30].