St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, Greek Orthodox monastery in Florence, Arizona.
St. Anthony's is a Greek Orthodox monastery located in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, featuring a main church, residential quarters, dining hall, and several small chapels. The buildings are arranged throughout landscaped grounds with fountains, gardens, and pathways that connect the different areas.
The monastery was established in 1995 by six monks from Mount Athos, bringing Eastern Orthodox traditions to the Arizona region. Under the spiritual guidance of Elder Ephraim, it became a center for Eastern Christian practices in the American Southwest.
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 monastery maintains citrus groves, olive orchards, and herb gardens in the midst of the dry desert, creating a Mediterranean-style setting. These farming practices reflect the heritage of the founding monks and demonstrate how Eastern monastic traditions adapted to the American landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
