Holy Virgin Protection Orthodox Church, Buena

The Holy Virgin Protection Orthodox Church is an Orthodox church building in Buena Vista Township featuring a bell tower with five bells originally from Rhodesia. The interior contains an ornate iconostasis and hand-painted religious artwork throughout the space.

The church was founded in 1953 as a parish church serving the local Orthodox community. In 2015, it transformed into a male monastery under the leadership of Abbot Tikhon Gayfudinov.

The church interior displays hand-painted frescoes created by Archimandrite Cyprian and an ornate iconostasis crafted by skilled artisans. These religious artworks shape how visitors experience the sacred space and reflect the community's devotion.

The church grounds include an Orthodox cemetery where families can purchase burial plots and ensure their loved ones rest in a maintained sacred space. The resident monks care for the graves and keep the surrounding landscape in good order.

The five bells in the tower originally come from Rhodesia, creating an unexpected connection to African history. This distant origin gives the bell tower a surprising geographical and cultural dimension that few visitors anticipate.

Website: http://holyskete.com

GPS coordinates: 39.53969,-74.89823

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:27