November 3, 2012
An Appeal from the Fund for Assistance to ROCOR on behalf of Holy
Trinity Monastery
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
While all eyes are focused on Hurricane Sandy, another emerging
catastrophe calls for our special consideration in helping our
fathers and brethren at Holy Trinity Monastery. This venerable
ROCOR institution, founded in 1928, has touched the lives of
countless monks, seminarians, pilgrims, and other Orthodox faithful.
I visited the monastery about a month ago in order to review the
endowment and scholarship funds provided by the FFA earlier this
year. I was shocked to learn that the monastery is now under severe
financial difficulty on the back of two major developments:
1) Environmental: All the heating oil tanks used for heating have
had to be urgently replaced. Initial works were completed, but do
not yet meet required standard due to a lack of sufficient funds.
Failure to complete these works in time could result in a fine
levied by the New York Environment Commission of $37,000 per day!
2) Infrastructure: The plumbing (including septic tank) and
electricity in the main building requires urgent replacement. When
the founding monks built this complex in the 1950s, they did what
they could with the materials they could afford. Unfortunately, the
pipes are literally disintegrating (see photos). Given the cold
winter approaching, this could spell disaster unless they are
urgently replaced, at a cost the monastery cannot afford. The
electricity is in a similar state of affairs – the reliable
contractor of many years refuses to do any more service work without
replacement of all wires, panels, and infrastructure. Lastly, the
kitchen requires replacement in order to accommodate increasing
requirements and rotting floor.
There
is no retained income sufficient to fill the gap these urgent
expenses require.
I personally reviewed audited financial statements, and found in the
fiscal year 2010-2011, expenses (including seminary) exceeded
revenue (including donations) by several hundreds of thousands of
dollars. The operating costs increased due to urgent repairs (see
above) and costs associated with maintaining the large cemetery
(crosses requiring replacement, not paid for by families). The
preliminary figures for 2011-2012 show a lower loss, but a loss
nevertheless. Fortunately, the monks are urgently finding ways to
fill the gap with sales from a revised book store and publishing
activity, and selling incense, and other liturgical items.
The importance of the monastic life in our Church was described by
Metropolitan Hilarion, where he said:
"Monasteries are the foundation of our Church, because they are
places where prayer never ceases. Even if we are not able to visit,
we will still be comforted, because we know that the monastics are
praying for all of us. Monasticism means living the Christian life
to the fullest."
Towards the end of last year our donor base generously contributed
over $190,000 in support of Holy Cross Monastery. We ask that the
same enthusiasm and support be given to Holy Trinity Monastery as
well!
The Fund for Assistance is so convinced of the need to ensure the
survival of Holy Trinity Monastery that we will match every dollar
you contribute through the end of December, 2012.*
Please donate now by sending a check to:
Fund for Assistance
75 East 93rd Street
New York,
NY 10128 USA
…or, even more quickly, by visiting our website at:
http://www.fundforassistance.org.
May you all enjoy a most wonderful approach towards Nativity!
In Christ,
Mark Selawry
President
Fund for Assistance to ROCOR
*The first $50,000 of contributions will be matched.
The FFA’s mandate is clear: we support needy clergy, youth ministry
and emergency relief. We cannot support construction/renovations,
etc. Therefore, we are raising money to help offset certain
operational costs at the monastery and seminary (especially related
to youth, summer programs, pilgrimage, medical insurance, etc.),
which would allow them sufficient breathing room to address the
other issues. Their shortfall in operational costs 2011-2012 was
over $120,000.
P.S. Jordanville has
played an important role in my life as well. The time I spent at
Holy Trinity monastery in 1982 as a "summer boy" was spiritually
transforming, serving as an anchor in the midst of turbulent teenage
years. My father has also found his resting place among the other
1,500 Orthodox colleagues in Christ at the monastery’s unique
cemetery. I think the best way I can give commendation to the
monastery is to increase my support. I invite you to do the same by
making a donation
here.
Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese
