Myrrhbearing Lay Sisters

Myrrhbearing Lay Sisters We are attached to Holy Annunciation Byzantine Monastery, Sugarloaf PA

We are women from all ages and states of life who want to live more monastically while we carry out our individual vocations in the world as wives, mothers, or single businesswomen.

09/01/2026
08/28/2026
Best yogurt ever!  Try some today!
08/22/2026

Best yogurt ever! Try some today!

07/22/2026

In June Mother Marija celebrated her 97th birthday. Today, July 22nd, we celebrate with her 80 years of monastic life. To God we give thanks for the grace of this vocation. And we thank her for her witness of fidelity to God's will. May God grant her many more years!

We lay sisters will be praying our way through the psalter during the Apostles Fast starting tomorrow!  Feel free to joi...
05/31/2026

We lay sisters will be praying our way through the psalter during the Apostles Fast starting tomorrow! Feel free to join us, praying specifically each day for the groups of people listed on this handy countdown calendar from
ByziKids magazine ( Its not just for kids!) ☺️

We have another fast coming up!
This means another countdown calendar!

Accompany us on a Walk through the Apostles’ Fast! It begins on June 1st for those on the Western Calendar. Those on the Eastern Calendar can jump in on June 8th!

Print it for yourself or look for it in the May Issue of ByziKids!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CEOxA5ieLJtontKj98fwpUj__8tXQkKn/view?usp=drivesdk

Some photos from the formal installation of Mother Kristina as Hegumena of Holy Annunciation Monastery last Thursday.  M...
05/30/2026

Some photos from the formal installation of Mother Kristina as Hegumena of Holy Annunciation Monastery last Thursday.
May God bless and guide her!

05/23/2026

Our next "Orthodox Influencer" is written by Sherry Mohr:

Even the most devout still have something to learn. After contemplating the holiness of those living in the world, the revered monastic St. Macarius of Egypt was once brought by the Holy Spirit from the desert of Shiheet (Scetis) to the coastal city of Alexandria to observe the righteousness of two women. Upon meeting them, St. Macarius asked about their lives, curious why the Lord had directed him to their home. These women, sisters by marriage, lived together in a communal household. After marrying, they decided to dedicate their lives to Christ as monastics, but their husbands prohibited them from pursuing this calling. Undeterred, they consecrated their hearts through fasting and prayer, living a monasticism within their daily lives.

Fascinated by their dedication, St. Macarius listened as they shared their story. They stated that they cared for each other's children as if they were their own. They added, “We live together in unity, follow the same purpose, and our husbands are shepherds. We are poor, with only our daily bread, and share whatever is left with the poor and needy.”

The lesson is clear: holiness is not exclusive to monastics. As heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven, God’s grace is available to all who seek Him and desire salvation. That day, St. Macarius the Great praised the Lord, saying: “In truth, the Lord seeks neither virgins nor married women, and neither monks nor laymen, but values a person’s free intent, accepting it as the deed itself.”

These women exemplify how a life lived for Christ takes many shapes, sizes, and forms. It reveals that consecration begins in the heart, providing the Lord a place to rest and dwell. The daily interactions of living side-by-side with other imperfect humans - whether they be children, spouses, parents, roommates, or other family members - can be either the ingredients for irritations and conflict, or the ingredients for sainthood. These influencers not only lived in communion with Christ but also in communion with each other and those around them. They served as Christ served, pouring out the love in their hearts as He did.

The witness of these two women changed St. Marcarius’ perspective about holiness and the road to Christ. I can imagine it opened his heart in new ways to those who came seeking his wisdom and reshaped his understanding of God’s immense love.

Holiness isn’t exclusive to the desert; it can take root within each one of us, illuminating Christ to all those we encounter.

Today we commemorate one of the Holy Myrrhbearers, St Mary Cleopas.
05/23/2026

Today we commemorate one of the Holy Myrrhbearers, St Mary Cleopas.

According to Church Tradition, Saint Mary was the daughter of Saint Joseph the Betrothed by his first wife. She was still very young when the Most Holy Virgin Mary was betrothed to the Righteous Joseph and brought to his house. Thus, Saint Mary became the childhood friend of the Most Holy…

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403 West County Road
Sugarloaf, PA
18249

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