St. Francis of the Woods is a spiritual retreat center and contemplative community with roots in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. We are guided by the traditions of the early Church, and we look to scripture, tradition, and the writings of saints and sages for inspiration. This is a place where people of all beliefs and backgrounds can find spiritual renewal and enrichment. Whether though shared liturgy, meditation, the holy mysteries, art, creativity, or the wonder of the natural world, this is a place of community and connection. 

Our small residential community is made up of sincere spiritual seekers dedicated to cultivating peace and united in the healing work of love. We desire to unveil the mystical in the everyday and develop a daily practice that brings us into deep communion with our neighbors, the earth, and our Creator. We are not here to convert anyone. Rather, we hope to offer love and support to one another on our spiritual journeys. 

St. Francis of the Woods was inspired by the Russian Orthodox tradition of the Poustinia, a place where travelers and pilgrims are welcomed and given shelter for prayer and inner reflection. It was the desire of our founders, Bishop John and Kay Adair, to offer a safe haven, a sacred space for respite and renewal, to anyone on a spiritual journey. 

We offer a number of ways to renew your spirit and offer support for your spiritual journey. Most Sundays we gather in the St. Francis Chapel for Liturgy and Meditation.  The liturgy follows an ancient pattern and offers prayers from the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Franciscan, Celtic, Anglican, and Native American traditions. Each week we practice a Lecito Divina meditation on the readings. We follow the Eastern Orthodox Liturgical Calendar for Epistle and Gospel readings with additional readings and poems from mystics of the ancient wisdom traditions. You can suggest a reading here. On Saturdays, the service of Unction (the anointing with oil for healing) is offered in the Oakerhater Chapel. On the first Sunday of each month we meet in the St. Francis Chapel for the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chyrsostom, an ancient eucharistic service compiled around 400 CE. 

St. Francis of the Woods is also home to HeartPaths, a spiritual formation and spiritual direction training program. HeartPaths Spirituality Centre has been enriching peoples spiritual lives and training spiritual directors since 1982. New cohorts begin every September. For more information visit the HeartPaths website here.