St. John the Forerunner Monastery

St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery is a women’s monastic community located in Goldendale, WA. Founded in 1995, the monastery supports itself through the handiwork of the sisters and donations. Learn more.

St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery is a women’s monastic community located in Goldendale, WA. Founded in 1995, the monastery was established by the Greek Orthodox Diocese of San Francisco on a 48-acre property donated by local doctor Gerald Timmer. The community was accepted by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony and guided by Geronta Ephraim, a priest-monk and former abbot from Holy Mount Athos, Greece. The monastery is part of a network of 17 Orthodox monasteries in North America, with a mission to preserve the Holy Traditions of the Church through prayer, spiritual guidance, and exemplary Christian life.

The sisters at St. John’s Monastery practice traditional Orthodox arts such as writing Byzantine icons, making incense, and dipping beeswax candles. They also produce natural soap, lotion, and bake traditional Greek food and pastries for their on-site bakery and gift shop. The monastery supports itself through these efforts and donations from the faithful.

The monastery welcomes visitors to its grounds and has a small guesthouse for Orthodox pilgrims. Overnight stays are limited and require a referral from an Orthodox priest. The bakery is open Monday through Saturday, and visitors are encouraged to call ahead to confirm hours and availability.

The faith tradition of the monastery is Orthodox, and it is part of the broader Greek Orthodox Church. The community is dedicated to preserving the traditions and teachings of the Orthodox faith, and visitors are invited to learn more about the Church and its practices.

For more information, visit the monastery's website.

St. John the Forerunner Monastery in Goldendale, WA, offers a serene, tradition-focused Orthodox experience rooted in prayer and craftsmanship. First-time visitors would notice a welcoming, contemplative atmosphere shaped by the sisters’ dedication to spiritual life and handmade goods. The small guesthouse and open bakery suggest a balance between monastic seclusion and community engagement.

Pros

• The monastery maintains a strong connection to Orthodox traditions through prayer, iconography, and spiritual guidance.
• Handmade goods like icons, candles, and Greek pastries reflect the sisters' craftsmanship and self-sufficiency.
• The on-site bakery and gift shop provide accessible points of interaction for visitors.
• The website clearly outlines the monastery’s mission and visitor guidelines.
• The guesthouse offers limited overnight stays for Orthodox pilgrims, fostering deeper spiritual engagement.

Cons

• Overnight stays require a referral from an Orthodox priest, which may limit accessibility for some visitors.
• Facility details like accessibility features or family-friendly amenities are not specified.
• Service times or specific spiritual programs for newcomers are not clearly detailed on the website.
• The remote Goldendale location may pose travel challenges for those outside the immediate area.