Convent of St Elizabeth

The Convent of Saint Elizabeth is a traditional Greek Orthodox convent located in Etna, California. Established in 1984, it is a dependency of the Holy monastery of Sts. Cyprian and Justina in Phyle, Greece. The convent maintains daily church services and supports itself through handiwork such as vestments, icons, and prayer ropes. Learn more

The Convent of Saint Elizabeth the Grand Duchess of Russia is nestled in a forested area of rural Scott Valley, a few miles from Etna, California. Founded in 1984, it operates under the spiritual guidance of Mother Elizabeth and Bishop Auxentios of Etna and Portland. The convent is dedicated to maintaining a full cycle of daily church services and has two chapels: one for St. Elizabeth and another for St. Xenia of St. Petersburg.

The sisters support the convent through various handiwork activities, including:

• Sewing Room: Creating vestments, cassocks, altar covers, and icons using free-motion embroidery.
• Icon Studio: Producing traditional Byzantine-style hand-painted icons and special-order portraits.
• Handcrafts: Making prayer ropes and beeswax candles for church use and gifts.

In addition to their craft work, the sisters have other obediences such as caring for animals, cultivating a vegetable garden, cooking, cleaning, and providing hospitality to guests. They also help maintain the St. Photios Orthodox Theological Seminary, where some nuns teach courses in Iconography, Parish and Mission Work, and Vestment Sewing.

The convent is involved in a future project to build a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) dedicated to Sts. Martha and Mary. This facility aims to address a lack of such services in the local community and is dependent on donor support. More details

For visitors, the convent recommends calling in advance for service and visiting hours. Review

Nestled in rural Scott Valley near Etna, California, the Convent of St Elizabeth offers a serene Greek Orthodox retreat rooted in tradition. Visitors will encounter a welcoming community dedicated to daily worship, handcrafted spiritual goods, and hospitality. The convent’s blend of prayer, artisan work, and plans for elder care reflects a quiet, purposeful devotion.

Pros

• Daily church services with a full cycle of worship times posted clearly.
• Offers handiwork like vestments, icons, and prayer ropes alongside theological teaching.
• Future Residential Care Facility project highlights community outreach efforts.
• Well-maintained facilities include two chapels, gardens, and craft studios.
• Professional and hospitable interactions noted in visitor feedback.
• Combines spiritual practice with practical support for seminary and local needs.

Cons

• Visiting hours require advance calls, which may inconvenience spontaneous visitors.
• Sparse details on accessibility features or family-friendly amenities for guests.