About
The Convent
“Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Ephesians 5:20
By the grace of God and prayers of our beloved Abbot, His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef, St. Mary Convent found its first home in Titusville, Florida in 2010. Its consecrated community was founded in 2012: the first novice entered that January, and that March the first consecrated sister was dressed, joining her sisters in the life of monasticism.
What began as a single branch has, through the providence of God, grown into a flourishing convent dedicated wholly to the life of female monasticism, its story written across more than a decade and three homes.
A Journey of Faith
More than a decade of prayer, across three homes — follow the path.
First Home in Florida
The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States purchased property in Titusville, Florida, now home to St. Stephen Christian Retreat Center. The Convent had a temporary residence within the retreat center from July 2010 until December 2011.
A Second Branch in Texas
On the Feast of the Entrance of the Virgin Mary into the Temple, St. Mary Convent relocated to San Antonio, Texas and began its second branch, welcoming novices into the life of monasticism. Its first novice entered in January 2012, and in March of the same year the first consecrated sister was dressed, joining her sisters in service.
St. Mary & St. Demiana
On the Feast of Consecration of St. Demiana’s Church, St. Mary Convent officially became St. Mary & St. Demiana Convent, no longer two branches but now dedicated only for female monastics.
A Permanent Home
St. Mary & St. Demiana Convent moved to its permanent location in Dawsonville, Georgia.
A Papal Blessing
The Convent was blessed by the historical visit of our beloved father, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.
An Official Convent
The Holy Synod officially recognized St. Mary & St. Demiana Convent as an official convent in the Coptic Orthodox Church.
The First Nun Consecrated
By the grace of God, the Convent’s first nun was consecrated by our beloved father and Abbot, His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef.
St. Mary & St. Demiana Convent continues to flourish by the manifold graces of God.
Blessed by the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.
~ October 7, 2015To the Clergy & Congregation of St. Antony Coptic Orthodox Church
Looking back at our history it seems that while on earth hearts were beginning to be filled with the desire for the monastic life, in heaven God was planning the perfect place to have it begin. Who greater than the Mother of God to take care of His daughters and where greater than in the church named after the Father of all Monks?
History has written those three years in its books and your great care, love, and endless generosity has written and engraved them in our hearts. For all that you have done for us, you have done for God, and we are forever grateful.
We sincerely thank you from the depth of our hearts and ask you to remember us always in your prayers.
“We give thanks to God always for you always, making mention of you in our prayers.”~ 1 Thessalonians 1:2