Help Us Build a New Monastic Space To Welcome Families For Overnight Spiritual Retreats

Support the construction of our new building to provide a home for our monks, and to allow us to offer overnight spiritual retreats to women and families.

What We’re Building & Why

What

A Dedicated Space For Monastic Life

We are constructing a new monastic residence with:
✦ Private cells for the monks
✦ Spaces for prayer
✦ Communal areas

This residence is essential for their spiritual journey and for upholding the traditions that have sustained our faith for centuries.

This building will ensure that our monks can live in seclusion, as our faith requires, after which the current retreat centre will be able to accommodate women and families for overnight retreats.

Why

Honouring Tradition

Monks live a life devoted to prayer, reflection, and solitude, However, our monks are currently housed in the retreat center, a space meant for the thousands of visitors that stay at the monastery every year.

There is also no room right now for new monks to join the monastery.

By building this residence, you are not just allowing the current monks to live in accordance with their vows—you’re creating space for future generations to answer their call to monastic life.

With more monks, we can better serve our community, teaching our children and guiding our people in faith.

How

The Impact of Your Dontation

As the first and only Coptic Orthodox monastery in Canada, St. Anthony's Monastery upholds the ancient practices of our faith, brought from the the deserts of Egypt, to our new home.

Your support will help us grow, offering a sanctuary for you, your family, and future generations to find refuge, peace, and spiritual renewal amidst the many challenges of the modern western world.

Every dollar you give directly builds the foundation of our monastery.

Vision, Goals, & Impact

Our Mission

Upholding Faith Amidst Modern Challenges

Our mission is to bring the light of Coptic monasticism to Canada, offering refuge from the spiritual warfare of the modern western world. The new monastic residence is crucial to this mission, allowing our monks to live in seclusion and deepen their spiritual practices, which in turn strengthens the entire community.

Our Vision

A Future Rooted in Tradition and Growth

We envision a self-sustaining monastery that not only preserves our ancient practices but also grows to serve more people. With your support, we will build a monastic community that stands as a beacon of faith, providing guidance and spiritual nourishment for generations to come.

What We Do

St. Anthony's Monastery is the beginning of Coptic Orthodox monastic life in Canada, a sanctuary in the heart of the forest where everyone is welcome to find peace, and seek Christ. We offer day and overnight retreats, creating a space for spiritual growth and reflection. With the new building, we’ll be able to expand these offerings,  to women and families who currently cannot stay overnight.

Our Impact

Lives are transformed here. By supporting our project, you’re ensuring that this sacred space will continue to offer spiritual guidance and renewal for all who seek it.

Youth and Young Adults

Adults and Families

What Our Visitors Say

" Wonderful and welcoming, full of people who are wonderful and welcoming themselves. I'm not all the way home while writing this and I already miss it. Go here when you can. Its beautiful, peaceful, holy and radiates grace

Steven

"Very welcoming and loving here. Astonishing preservation of the monastic and Orthodox traditions (Biblical, Canonical and Oral). Christ is truly present in His church"

Paul

"Amazing quite place for retreat. Very welcoming and the elder monk is very friendly. I would go there anytime if I could; it's awesome"

Kirollos

"What a peaceful experience! We spent the night in praises and ended it with an early morning mass. Felt like we were tasting part of true paradise. The true hospitality and highly spiritual atmosphere made it difficult to leave that beautiful place!"

Nelly

"Peaceful place, very welcoming and friendly serving members. True spirit for those seeking relief and support."

Anne-Marie

"The Monastery is full of spirituality and blessings for everybody. There you see heavens on earth."

Maged

"Very cool retreat in a secluded location. Very nice people."

Alset

"If you need some retreat time between yourself and your creator, then the monastery is your best choice and the perfect place to do it."

Rick

"Best place to review your life"

Peter

" Wonderful and welcoming, full of people who are wonderful and welcoming themselves. I'm not all the way home while writing this and I already miss it. Go here when you can. Its beautiful, peaceful, holy and radiates grace

Steven

"Very welcoming and loving here. Astonishing preservation of the monastic and Orthodox traditions (Biblical, Canonical and Oral). Christ is truly present in His church"

Paul

"Amazing quite place for retreat. Very welcoming and the elder monk is very friendly. I would go there anytime if I could; it's awesome"

Kirollos

"What a peaceful experience! We spent the night in praises and ended it with an early morning mass. Felt like we were tasting part of true paradise. The true hospitality and highly spiritual atmosphere made it difficult to leave that beautiful place!"

Nelly

"Peaceful place, very welcoming and friendly serving members. True spirit for those seeking relief and support."

Anne-Marie

"The Monastery is full of spirituality and blessings for everybody. There you see heavens on earth."

Maged

"Very cool retreat in a secluded location. Very nice people."

Alset

"If you need some retreat time between yourself and your creator, then the monastery is your best choice and the perfect place to do it."

Rick

"Best place to review your life"

Peter

New Building Schematics   

Phase 1

Land Clearing & Excavation

New Electrical Service:
A trench will be dug to connect the existing electrical service to the new building, and a new transformer will be installed to provide additional power.

Road Widening:
To meet fire code requirements, existing roads will be widened, and a new road will be paved to access the new building.

Sewage Infrastructure:
A new septic system and sewage infrastructure will be built to support the new building’s facilities.

Timeline:

November 2023 - July 2024

Estimated Cost:

$1,000,000

Phase 2

Foundation

Road Completion:
Road widening and paving must be completed first to ensure safe access for heavy construction vehicles. Additional parking spaces will be created to accommodate buses.

Foundation Laying:
Once the roads are prepared, the foundation for the new building can be securely laid.

Timeline:

August 2024 - September 2024

Estimated Cost:

$1,000,000

Phase 3

Main Building Construction

Facility Construction:
The main construction will include spaces for new brothers, monks, and priests, including:  
✦ A 3 Alter Church
✦ Library
✦ Kitchen/Cafeteria

Logistics:
Due to the remote location, construction workers will need stay at a nearby motel, increasing the overall cost of this phase.

Timeline:

October 2024 - Completion

Estimated Cost:

$6,000,000

Help Build Our Monastery

Your donation is more than a contribution, every gift, no matter the size, directly builds the foundation of our monastery.

Send us a Check
Mail a check payable to
“St. Anthony Monastery”
Our Address is
608 Miners Point Rd.
Perth, ON  K7H 3C5
Reoccurring Donation Form
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Donate via E-Transfer
Please Send E-TRANSFER to info@abbaanthony.ca
Password: Monastery





(613) 264 8071
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Give With Confidence. Your donation is secure, tax-deductible, and goes directly to building the monastery. Our Payment Gateway is secured with Stripe. Tax receipts will be issued to the email address provided.

Looking To Help In Other Ways?

If you are unable to contribute financially, there are still many ways you can help. Consider volunteering your time, spreading the word about our project, or including St. Anthony’s Monastery in your prayers. Every bit of support helps us get closer to our goal.

About St. Anthony’s
Coptic Orthodox Monastery

Learn more about Canada’s first Coptic Orthodox Monastery

The Coptic Orthodox Church

The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations and its roots trace back to St. Mark the Apostle, who founded the church in Alexandria, Egypt, in the first century. A cornerstone of the Coptic Orthodox faith is their steadfast commitment to ancient teachings, preserving the purity and integrity of the original Christian doctrine.  Known for its rich traditions, liturgical heritage, and historical connection to the early Christian community, the Coptic Church continues to uphold its spiritual practices unchanged since its inception, including unique rites and rituals that have been preserved over centuries.

"Coptic" is the final stage of the ancient Egyptian language. It emerged around the 2nd century AD and became the liturgical language of the Coptic Orthodox Church. While it is no longer spoken as a daily language, Coptic is still used in religious services and is a vital part of the church's heritage. Its preservation helps maintain the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Coptic Christian community.

Our Monastery History

St. Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Monastery was established in 2014 under the guidance of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II as Canada’s first Coptic Orthodox monastery.

Nestled in the serene landscape of Perth, Ontario, it offers a spiritual retreat for those seeking peace and reflection.

The monastery follows the ancient traditions of monastic life, emphasizing prayer, work, and communal living. It serves as a sacred space for worship and spiritual growth.

Over the years, it has become a beacon of tranquility and renewal, welcoming individuals from all walks of life to experience its peaceful atmosphere. Today, it continues to invite people from diverse backgrounds to partake in its serene environment, fostering a sense of community and spiritual enrichment.

Come & Visit Us

Experience the Sacred Space You’re Helping Build. We'd love for you to join us for a day visit or an overnight retreat.

Day Retreat Form

Please fill out the below form to register for a day visit.
Day Visit bookings must be made at least 1 days before the desired date.
Arrival Date:
Arrival Time:
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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Looking to book an overnight retreat? Register here

Important Information About Your Visit

Visitors must register prior to coming to the monastery.
You will receive an email confirmation once your visit request is approved.

The monastery is a sacred space, respectful attire is required.
Shorts, skirts, and tank-tops are NOT permitted to be worn on the monastery grounds.
Please refer to theFAQsto review the dress code.

The property is smoke-free, drug-free, and alcohol-free. Pets are not allowed. No exceptions.


Our Location

608 Miners Point Rd Perth, ON K7H 3C5 Canada

Contact us

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Have any Questions? Check out our FAQs or fill out our contact form above.

FAQs