St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery
In 1995 St. Anthony’s Monastery was established in the southern desert of Florence, Arizona by six Athonite monks that brought with them the sacred heritage of the Holy Mountain of Athos, a steep, rocky peninsula in northern Greece that has long served as a have for ancient monastics. The monks built a main church, living quarters, a dining hall and guest facilities; they then set to work planting a vegetable garden, a small vineyard, citrus orchards and an olive grove. They also built elaborate gardens with pathways, gazebos with Spanish fountains, creating an oasis in the desert dedicated to renowned 3rd century anchorite St. Anthony the Great. To date the monks continue to care for the property, spending their days on construction, grounds keeping, vine dressing, gardening, woodworking, publishing, food preparation, and offering hospitality. Day visitors are welcome to see the grounds daily between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.