Colorado monastery endangered by wildfires again

(OCA) - Exactly ten years after the nuns at Protection of the Holy Virgin Monastery here were evacuated on June 20, 2002 in the wake of the Hayman fire — the monastery was spared at that time — the current Springer Fire is once again threatening the monastery and its immediate environs.

An institution of the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the West, the monastery was evacuated on Sunday, June 17, 2012.

According to Mother Cassiana, acting superior, “over 450 acres are now involved in the blaze that is being fought by fire fighters from around the region.”

While the monastery remains untouched, prayers are requested that it might be spared, together with the countless residences scattered throughout the region.

Established in 1993, the monastery is home to several nuns who over the years have labored not only to establish a strong Orthodox community and witness in the area, but have built a physical complex that includes a beautiful chapel, quarters for the nuns, guest rooms, a bookstore, and a refectory.

The monastery may be contacted via regular mail at 2343 Country Rd 403, PO Box 416, Lake George, CO 80827-0416.

Additional updates will be posted as received.