The brotherhood of the Monastery of St. Dionysios the Areopagite of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in St. James, New York, was forced to leave its home and church in April 2018, and has been praying and worshiping since then in a small chapel within the monastery building, which becomes overly-crowded on Sundays and feast days.
The brotherhood was recently blessed by an anonymous donor offering to match all donations received towards the building of a new church in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God by the end of 2020 (up to $300,000), reports the brotherhood on the monastery’s website.
Thus, the brotherhood, led by Right Reverend Archimandrite Maximos (Weimar), is turning to the faithful, seeking their prayers and financial assistance towards this God-pleasing endeavor.
Architectural plans for the church have already been drawn up, and the project is estimated to cost $600,000. Thus, if the brotherhood can raise $300,000 by the end of the year, with the other half being covered by the anonymous donor, the building project could begin in the beginning of 2021.
Donations can be made via the monastery’s website here. For large donations, the brotherhood asks that you contact Abbot Maximos at archimandritemaximos@gmail.com or 631-721-8150.
“Our Brotherhood is keenly aware that this is a difficult time for many people. While we ask for prayers from everyone, we know it may be difficult to actually donate towards the project. A donation of any size is sincerely appreciated; every dollar we receive before the end of the year will be doubled,” Fr. Maximos and the brethren write.