Saint Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Monastery

 

Visitor's Guide


Welcome to the Holy Monastery of Saint Paraskevi!

We kindly ask that you adhere to the following guidelines by virtue of which we may offer hospitality.

Day Time Visits

The Holy Monastery of Saint Paraskevi is a place of repentance, worship, and prayer for those leading a monastic life, the faithful pilgrims, and other pious guests. The grounds of the Monastery are sacred and should be approached with reverence and respect.

Visitors are welcome daily from 9:30 AM (or at the beginning of the services on Saturdays and Sundays) to 7:00 PM or the end of the evening services.

Visitors may venerate at the church, spend time in quietude and prayer, receive hospitality at the guest quarters, and enjoy the gardens surrounding the guest area and the church building. A blessing is needed to walk around other areas of the Monastery.

The Church and the guesthouse are wheelchair accessible.

Guests are kindly requested to call prior to making a day trip to confirm the availability of the Sisters and the church service schedule.

We can be reached by phone at (936) 878-2390, but we kindly ask that you contact us by fax at (936) 878-2630 or by text message at (979) 525-8625 when possible, as these are our preferred methods of communication.

Attire

Visitors who wish to enter the holy grounds of the Monastery should be dressed appropriately and modestly at all times.

  • Orthodox Clergy: Please wear a cassock (rason) on the grounds and an outer cassock (exorason) when participating in services.
  • Women: Long skirts or dresses below the knees, long-sleeved blouses that cover the chest up to the neck, and a head covering (veil or scarf). Pants, shorts, mini-skirts, short-sleeved/sleeveless/low-cut blouses, and skin-tight or see-through clothing are not acceptable. A limited supply of modest garments is available at the bookstore.
  • Men: Long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Shorts and short-sleeved shirts are not acceptable.
  • Footwear: Shoes or sandals must always be worn with socks for both men and women.

Accommodation

The Monastery does not currently provide overnight accommodations. Hotels are available in nearby towns (Brenham and Navasota, TX). Please see the Feast link on our website for recommended options.

Services

Note: The schedule may change due to ongoing construction. Please check the online calendar before planning your visit.

  • Daily Services: 5:00-7:00 PM - Vespers & Small Compline
  • Saturdays: 7:00 AM - Matins & First Hour; 8:30 AM - Divine Liturgy
  • Sundays: 6:00 AM - Midnight Prayers, Matins & First Hour; 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
  • Feast of Saint Paraskevi: Celebrated on the evening of July 25th and July 26th
  • Major Feasts: Celebrated with a Vigil Service (see online calendar for details)

According to Orthodox tradition, non-Orthodox visitors are kindly asked to participate in the services from the narthex (entry area at the western entrance of the Church). Catechumens are also kindly asked to adhere to the dismissal rule at the appropriate time during the Divine Liturgy.

Other Guidelines

  • Children: Parents are fully responsible for their children's safety and behavior. Children must remain under direct supervision and should not roam freely.
  • Photography: Photos or videos are not allowed on the grounds or inside buildings without special permission. This includes images of the Sisters or other guests. Please respect our privacy and do not post images online or on social media.
  • Cell Phones: Must be set to silent or vibrate while on Monastery grounds.
  • Behavior: The sanctity of the Monastery requires proper decorum. Loud conversation, rude gestures, unrestrained laughter, or inappropriate behavior are not acceptable.
  • Smoking: Strictly prohibited anywhere on the Monastery grounds.
  • Firearms: Absolutely forbidden on the Monastery grounds.