About Our Monastery
The Monastery of Panagia Prousiotissa located in Troy, North Carolina was established in 1998 through the tireless efforts of Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta.
Geronda Ephraim, a priest-monk and former Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Philotheou located on the Holy Mountain of Athos, was already the spiritual father/elder of eleven monasteries in Greece prior to 1989. At that time, he began establishing monasteries in North America with the blessing of Church officials and at the appeal of the Orthodox faithful in the United States and Canada. These communities' primary profession is to pray for the world, to provide spiritual guidance to the faithful, and to help preserve the Holy Traditions of the Church and Orthodox Monasticism.
The community is comprised of a sisterhood of nuns who were transplanted from Greece where they had been members of the Archangel Michael Monastery located on the island of Thasos.
The Monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and her miracle working icon Panagia Prousiotissa. The original precious icon, located in the Greek state of Evrytania, is venerated by many Greeks and is considered their Protectress and Guardian. An iconographical copy of the Holy Icon was brought to Troy on the first day of the Monastery's opening. The presence of Panagia Prousiotissa in America inspires and comforts people from all walks of life who desire a renewal of faith and seek a fountain of comfort in times of distress.
The Monastery is in an area of rich vegetation and gently rolling hills. The property itself is a combination of green meadows and wooded areas further enhanced by the presence of a lovely pond. Much of the sisters' efforts during the years have been dedicated towards the beautification of the property with the planting of flowers, shrubs, and trees. Vegetable gardens have also been planted along with some fruit trees. A landscaped park with a gazebo and stone walkways adds to the Monastery's harmony and beauty.
We would like to humbly express our endless thanks, first to Metropolitan Alexios and then to our venerable Elder, Geronda Ephraim, for their paternal interest, personal labor, guidance, and support in our mission to serve our Orthodox Church. A tremendous sense of gratitude also exists in the hearts of the sisters for visitors, both Orthodox and non-Orthodox, who have helped our Panagia's dwelling place. These individuals, the builders of the Monastery, will be commemorated until the end of time and Panagia's protection will be with them and their families.
“Have our Panagia, His dear, sweet Mother, as your protectress and entreat her constantly. Embrace her holy icon as if she were alive, and wet it with tears as the myrrh-bearer did to Jesus' feet. And you will derive substantial consolation as if she were beside you.”
— St. Joseph the Hesychast