St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, Greek Orthodox monastery in Pinal County, Arizona, US

St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery lies in the Sonoran Desert about 15 km from Florence, Arizona. Its main church, built in the style of a Greek basilica, is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great and Nectarios of Aegina, and is joined by seven chapels, monastic quarters, a dining hall and guest facilities. Gardens, pathways and gazebos with Spanish fountains link the buildings, and a wall separates the grounds from the desert.

In summer 1995 Elder Ephraim, former abbot of Philotheou Monastery on Mount Athos, sent monks to the Sonoran Desert near Florence, Arizona, to found a monastery dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great. The first monks lived in four trailers, one serving as a church, without electricity or water. The main church, dedicated to Saint Anthony and Nectarios of Aegina, was reportedly built in four months. A chapel to the Prophet Elias was completed on the eastern hill in summer 2008.

The monk community lives according to Eastern Christian traditions, structuring their days around regular prayer times and religious services. Visitors can observe these practices and witness how the brotherhood organizes its spiritual life within the monastery walls.

The monastery grounds are open to visitors during daytime hours, with separate accommodation options available for those wishing to stay longer. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk the grounds, and bring water since the location sits in a hot desert climate.

The chapel of the Prophet Elias, finished in summer 2008 on the hill east of the monastery, can be seen from up to five miles away; its first liturgy was held on the prophet's feast day. The main church, built in four months, is dedicated to Saint Anthony and Nectarios of Aegina.