MIRACULOUSLY, GOD HAS PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO ACQUIRE THE HISTORIC SQUABBLETOWN RANCH, DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE MONASTERY. IN THE COMING MONTHS WE’LL BE ABLE TO SHARE MORE WITH YOU ABOUT THIS INCREDIBLE GIFT OF 67 ACRES THAT WILL ALLOW FOR SIGNIFICANT FARMING LAND AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GUESTS AND GUEST WORKERS.

At the same time that we are expanding, our Superior, Father Ignatius, is recovering from a triple bypass. While Father Maximos tends to the spiritual and daily life of the monastery, Father Ignatius is following his doctor’s instructions to rest, rebuild, and heal. For this reason, Father Ignatius has been required to move out of the motor home on the existing monastery property, as its location did not offer the kind of temperature control, indoor plumbing, and freedom from mice and lizards as roommates that Father needs for his recovery.

With events happening as they are, we find ourselves, for the first time ever, asking our supporters, in a more formal way, for help and support. Might you be interested in partnering with us financially to keep St. Silouan Monastery on its path toward serving God and His children?

Immediate needs

• Winterize property.

• Finish the creation of permanent housing for Superior.

• Construct temporary worker housing.

Future Goals

• Start construction on the chapel.

Project 1: The Temple, Catholicon, Church - Goal Met
Budget: $4000 needed to begin
Timeline: Immediate need: now; Ultimate project timeline: 5-6 years

We currently have a building to expand and remodel which the county planning department has given us the verbal consent to use for this project. We have an engineering firm on board. We currently need to raise $4000 in order to move forward on selecting the architect or architectural firm that will create the plans for the project.

Project 2: Cell for Fr. Ignatius
Budget: $25,000
Timeline: Now

The new property holds a small dwelling which will be spruced up to become the primary dwelling for Fr. Ignatius. Specific items will be added to this list as time goes on but, for now, giving for this option will go toward the general renovation fund. $5000 has already been spent and replenishing these dollars is included in the budget above.

Project 3: Olive Grove
Budget: $5000
Timeline: Next 5 months

200 Lucca, Mission, and Manzanillo olive trees have been ordered and will be picked up in March of 2020. Work will include TUD water set up down the hill with trench mainline and punch tree holes. This will be best done in winter when the ground is wet and easy to dig. Mainline and row driplines will be laid on marked rows and, finally, the grove will be planted.

Project 4: Solar System to Provide Electricity to Monks’ Cells & Irrigation for Olive Grove
Budget: $19,227
Timeline: Next 5 months

This project is well underway with the solar panels having been donated, batteries purchased, the trench work already completed by volunteers, and the interior wiring of the monks' cells already in place. All that is needed from here is $14,227 for materials; $2,500 for the solar mounting platform, and $2,500 for traditional labor costs.