The Hermitage of Saint Olympia
With the blessing of His Eminence Michael, Archbishop of New York and the Diocese of NY/NJ, the seed of monastic life in the southwestern corner of St. Lawrence County has been planted with the founding of the Hermitage of Saint Olympia. The mission of the hermitage is to grow in faith and love for Jesus Christ, the eternally begotten Son and Word of God, to share the good news of great joy that “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” and to convey this message through a life of prayer, Christian service, study and the practice of Orthodox Christian iconography.
A little about our dear Mother Sophronia:
Mother Sophronia Hofstead studied drawing and painting through the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, N.Y., throughout her pre-college years. Even though several of her pieces were selected for traveling exhibits of young artists' work, art took a back seat to science, and she pursued an education and a career as a bio-organic chemist. Yet, she continued to paint, and she studied folk art painting and watercolor with various New England artists. In 1991, she began the study of icon painting, and from 1998 to 2003, she attended intensive workshops held by the Prosopon School of Iconology, founded by master iconographer, Vladislav Andreyev. From 2000 to 2003, she also apprenticed as an iconography instructor and retreat director with Sister Jeanette Serra, a long-time associate of Andreyev. In 2005, she studied with Anton and Julia Belov of the Yaroslavl Russia Icon Studio, and also learned fresco painting with Philip Davidov of St. Petersburg, Russia. Following her retirement from the Natural Products Chemistry Research Group at Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2001, she devoted herself to iconography. Seeking greater solitude for prayer, work and proximity to the liturgical life of the Orthodox Church, she began to live a more monastic way of life, and in 2010, was tonsured as a nun. She has lived with the Sisterhood of the Skete of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr in Jordanville, N.Y., and with Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in Otego, N.Y. Although she has been an integral part of monastic communities, her calling as an iconographer continued to lead her to a solitary life.
VESPERS
Vespers and other services are held at the Hermitage, please check the website for the schedule and times of the services. The Hermitage has recently relocated to 10 Prospect Street in Norwood, NY 13668.
All are welcome!
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