Monastery Sister To Speak To Historical Society On Monday

Nestled in the hills of Wayne Township is a peaceful place of prayer and service.

The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration is a monastery for women under the auspices of the Orthodox Church in America. It was founded in 1967 by Mother Alexandra (the former Princess Ileana of Romania) whose dream was to provide a place where American Orthodox women from all ethnic backgrounds could come to live the monastic life and benefit from a liturgical cycle in English. Since that time, Mother Alexandra’s vision has been fulfilled. The nuns, many of whom are converts to Orthodoxy, as well as the monastery’s many visitors, span a variety of backgrounds. Many of the visitors are not Orthodox followers and all are welcome. Currently, 10 nuns fulfill their dedicated service at the monastery.

On Monday, October 13, 2025, Sister Sarah (Holiday), will speak to the Ellwood City Area Historical Society about the history and mission of the Monastery. Her talk will focus on one of the earlier spiritual fathers of the Monastery, Father Roman Braga who is currently being considered for sainthood by the Orthodox Church. Father Braga was a survivor of the Romanian prison camps and lived at the Monastery for 6 years.

The Public is invited to hear this dynamic story. The meeting will be held in the Bob and Janice Barensfeld Meeting Room at the History Center, 310 5th Street in Ellwood City on Monday evening October 13, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. Refreshments and door prizes will be offered. The talk is open to the public.

Come and hear the story about Ellwood City’s holy ground.