Stiperstones Trust - Developments.

In order to develop the retreat work of the Monastery, the trustees have decided to refurbish the Chapter House
as a kitchen, refectory and bathroom serving the existing three cells, St Milburga’s, St Melangell’s and St
Columba’s. The funds for this first stage were raised in the spring of 2009, and work on the Chapter House was
completed during the summer.

The second stage will be the construction of two new wooden cells in the orchard, and a poultry house. If you are
interested to contribute to fund raising for these important developments, contact Fr Silouan.

Once we have five cells, supported by the Chapter House facilities, the Monastery will at last be able to offer
small weekend retreats in the inspiring environment of its woodlands and high pastures. This will enable the
Monastery to develop its work in accordance with the aims of the Stiperstones Trust.

In the meantime, the work of day retreats and quiet days will continue as far as possible as before.

In the longer term, two more cells in the woods might be feasible, since in 2004, planning permission for four
cells was granted, and this part of the earlier plan sponsored by the Prince of Wales could then be realised.

Retreats would use the monastery church, but for some gatherings an 18ft yurt, with a central log stove, and
raised wooden floors would provide a circular environment that might be appropriate, even inspiring.

Fr Silouan envisages leading retreats on the orthodox mysteries of the Holy Name and the PRAXIS of THEOREIA
in the light of THEOSIS. But there are many qualified spiritual practitioners who could be asked to lead retreats,
and groups may sometimes bring their own leader. In the past, retreats in the Monastery that worked best were
between Friday and Sunday afternoon. Even with new cells, they will never be large affairs. But the work of the
Monastery and the objects of the Stiperstones Trust would both be served by a development of retreat facilities,
so much needed in our pressured times. We are often asked what Christian Orthodoxy has to offer to emerging
wisdom culture and integral spiritual practices, and whether we have anything to contribute to local transition,
post-oil initiatives. The Monastery environment might be a very good place to gather to address such key issues.