About Christ the Bridegroom Monastery in Burton, Ohio:
Christ the Bridegroom Monastery in Burton, Ohio is a Byzantine Catholic women’s monastery in the Eparchy of Parma, living in and drawing others into the spousal love of Christ through prayer and hospitality.
In January of 2008, Bishop John Kudrick outlined his vision for the foundation of a monastery in the Eparchy of Parma as a response to St. John Paul II’s call for the revitalization of Eastern Monasticism in his apostolic letter Orientale Lumen (Light of the East). The Order here responded to that call and were blessed with a house and property in Burton, Ohio, from the Social Mission Sisters who formerly resided there. Renovations were undertaken with the help of many volunteers and they moved in on April 3, 2009. On March 29, 2010, Bishop John received their community into the Eparchy. Mother Theodora was tonsured as our first stavrophore (“cross bearer”/life-professed) nun on November 20, 2011.
On August 2, 2015, they were established by Bishop John as a Public Association of the Faithful. On September 27, 2019, Bishop Milan Lach completed the canonical process of the founding of their monastery, establishing them as a sui iuris monastery of eparchial right, and approved their typikon (rule of life). On September 29, 2019, Mother Theodora was elected hegumena (abbess), and on September 30, Bishop Milan publicly announced the canonical establishment and performed the liturgical institution of the hegumena.
Christ the Bridgroom Monastery is a Byzantine Catholic monastic community of women in the Eparchy of Parma dedicated to a vigilant life of prayer and hospitality according to the traditions of the Christian East. Laying down their lives in imitation of the Bridegroom, they joyfully embrace the monastic virtues of poverty, chastity and obedience. They participate in the dynamic love of the Trinity by sharing a life of prayer, work and recreation at theirmonastery. Meditating on Scripture, especially the Song of Songs, and immersing themselves in a life of personal and liturgical prayer, they enter into a spousal relationship with Christ the Bridegroom. Looking to the Theotokos as their model, they open ourselves to the Divine life of the Holy Spirit, bearing forth fruit for the Church and the world. Theirmonastery provides a spiritual garden and a bridal chamber in which we draw others into this same life-giving relationship with Christ the Bridegroom.
Note: Byzantine Catholics are in full communion with the Pope and Rome. They share the same beliefs as Roman Catholics, but may have different emphases and traditions. You are welcome to attend Mass and receive communion in a Byzantine Catholic Church as you would in any Roman Catholic Church.
Traveling to Christ the Bridegroom Monastery in Burton, Ohio:
The monastery is located across the street from the Byzantine Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch in rural Geauga County, Ohio, in Amish country. It is approximately 36 miles southeast of Cleveland.
Address: 17485 Mumford Rd. Burton, OH 44021
Phone: +1 440-834-0290
Please try to call during these hours: Monday: Noon – 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – Noon or 12:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Email: christthebridegroom@gmail.com
Click here for the official website of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery in Burton, Ohio