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St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery: An Oasis in the Desert

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On Christmas Eve, we visited an oasis in the desert: Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona.

Florence, which we’ve driven through on numerous occasions, doesn’t provide many compelling reasons to stop and linger. Maybe a visit with a significant other who may be incarcerated in one of the many prisons there… but I digress. Florence is… Florence. But off highway 79, down East Paisano Way, is a BEAUTIFUL reason to stop. In a non-descript expanse of Sonoran Desert is a monastery lush with flowering plants, tall palms and olive groves. Many fountains accompany the Greek-style monastic buildings. It is an oasis.

This photo below is of the Abbott’s home overlooking St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery.

Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/

In the summer of 1995, six Athonite monks arrived in Florence to establish St. Anthony’s Monastery. The main church was the first to be built, then living quarters, a dining hall, and guest facilities. A vegetable garden, a vineyard, citrus orchards, and an olive grove were added. Today, visitors can see how well this establishment has flourished when wandering the elaborate gardens, pathways, and gazebos with Spanish fountains.

After parking in the visitor lot, we entered the gated premises and were greeted in the courtyard. After us women donned the proper attire, we were given a brochure and map of the grounds for a self-guided tour.

This red building is St.Anthony’s Church, a traditional Byzantine-style domed basilica church where daily services are held. There are no pews inside this church as worship is done while standing.

Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/

This is called the Phiali –or the main courtyard:

Fountain inside Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/

This building is St. Nicholas’ Chapel. St. Nicholas, the Wonderworker, is the patron saint of sailors and is one of the most beloved saints of Orthodoxy. The Divine Liturgy is sometimes held in this chapel.

Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Flowers, fountain, orangery inside Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/

This tall white stone chapel is St. George’s Chapel, where the Divine Liturgy is also sometimes held. The architecture of this chapel is typical of Romania.

Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/
Architecture of Saint Anthonys Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, AZ - AmericanExpeditioners /st-anthonys-greek-orthodox-monastery/

If you find yourself driving through Florence, St. Anthony’s is a must-see. There is a strict dress code (especially for women), however, they do supply a limited wardrobe for those who come unprepared. It is worth it.

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