The Russian Orthodox Monastery in Jordanville, NY
February 27, 2008 by Mrs. Mecomber
Filed under barns, castles, cemeteries, driving, philosophy
Jordanville, NY, is in the middle of nowhere. Really. I think it is nothing more than a four-corner settlement with a library. But it does have two interesting landmarks that dot the rolling hillsides: a castle and a monastery. We went to see the monastery in the early spring of 2006.
This area of the Mohawk Valley is home to a large number of Russian immigrants, most of whom emigrated to America during times of religious persecution under Joseph Stalin (hiss, hiss). My stepfather was Russian Jewish, so I have a natural interest in Russian history. (My step-dad also said Russian monks made the best wines, and I think he was in part of some kind of Russian wine of the month club, lol).
The monastery was founded in 1928. You can read more of its history and view some gorgeous aerial pictures here.
We had hoped to be able to enter the church and look inside. But a sign at the gate forbad women wearing pants to enter. Nuts. We drove around the front and snapped a few pictures. I got a shot of a beautiful mosaic over the doors. The halos above the apostles’ heads are made of gold mosaic tile. Click the photo to see a larger one with more detail.
More colorful mosaics were to be found beyond this exquisite gate. I was not bold enough to enter through the gate, but I took this picture.
I also took a quick snapshot of the glorious golden onion dome, so typical of the orthodox style.
It was a nice visit, even though we did not get to go in the buildings. The kids and I are currently studying ancient world cultures and Church History. We have just finished reading about the fall of the Roman Empire and the invasion of the Northern tribes, and started learning about the formation of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. It is good to see their artwork and religious style first-hand, rather than relying only on pictures in books.
We drove further down the road and came to the monastery’s cemetery. I took a few pictures. The cemetery chapel reminded me of Taj Mahal.
On our way back to the main thoroughfare (i.e., Jordanville Rd.) we spotted a swath of signs denouncing the Iraq War. All along his property, a farmer had large signs such as the one below, protesting the war as a “blood for oil” contest.
Not all appreciated the farmer’s signs, and defaced the property with spray paint. 
Who knew tiny Jordanville was a hotbed of seething political passions? Then again, this is America. 
HoundsGood on Thu, 28th Feb 2008 9:56 am
What a gorgeous building. Looks like they have kept it up very well, too.
Mrs. Mecomber on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:44 pm
The area is beautiful! Unfortunately, big business wants to use eminent domain and other means to put up useless windmills and power lines all across Upstate. Who knew those Russian fleeing Soviet communism would come to the U.S. only to have to fight encroaching fascism?
Diana on Mon, 17th Mar 2008 6:43 pm
I have visited this cemetery on several occasions. I have a friend who is buried there. The one thing I have always noticed is how calm and quiet it is there. It is a good place to come and think about things and to reflect on your own mortality.
Michael on Thu, 22nd May 2008 1:34 pm
Thank you for publishing the account of your journey. I urge you to visit again to see the inside of the church and the excellent museum they have on the site. If you call in advance, they would be happy to give you and your children a tour.
Jules on Thu, 31st Jul 2008 9:56 pm
It may seem like nowhere, but the area is rich with history. Much of what happened there was before 1800! There is a property right down the road from the monastery that has been owned by the same family for 300 years! If you love American history, Jordanville and the surrounding area is jam packed with it!
Olga Ganakina on Mon, 16th Feb 2009 1:05 pm
Hello,
I am of a Russian origin, and looking forward to visti this place. The comments go back to 2008, and I am really worried that place has been destroyed (I read articles about Russian Othtodox Church intentions to cell this parcell for the comercial use). Does anyone know anything about the monastery and the church? Would appreciate any information.
olga.ganakina@gmail.com
Doug on Tue, 7th Apr 2009 12:15 pm
Hello,
I have visited the monastery when I lived in the area. I am not of Russian Orthodox decent so forgive me if I offend anyone.
It is a great show, the chants, Women on one side and men on the other, no pews. It does have benches when you are tired you can sit on. Very Religious, sometimes the services can go on for hours and they repeat a lot.
The monestery has an on sight book store to sell Rusian orthodoxy literature and incense. The grounds are nice to walk around and very peacefull.
This place is about 45 minutes to Cooperstown, NY. The Baseball hall of fame. This is a great place to visit. The Otesaga ??? Hotel, the shops, and the sights. Barbara Streisand had a house there where no one should be able to build. There was a nice farmhouse bed an breakfast outside of the area called Hog’s Hollow.
Go during the late summer or fall. It is a great time to visit.
Paul Nagy on Thu, 7th May 2009 9:35 pm
The monks here are very hospitable. They would have loved to show you their Church (Cathedral) both inside and out.
Had you arrived at lunch time, they would have shared their lunch with you.
Had you arrived on the day they baked bread, you could have purchased some of the most delicious black bread I have ever had.
You have to approach them. They will not approach you. (Russian tradition, at least for monks). Like God, they are there waiting for you to make the first move.
rosiland miller on Fri, 3rd Jul 2009 8:44 pm
I was told by a Russian friend that there was a monastery called Nova Diveevo in Spring Vallery NY-
this is not it- do you know if they are still opened
I am seeking a place to stay for the summer
Rosiland Miller
rosiland miller on Fri, 3rd Jul 2009 8:47 pm
I am seeking a russian monastery called Novo- Diveevo in Spring Valley NY
Rosiland Miller
julie ayaz on Fri, 8th Jan 2010 7:41 am
I was raised in the 70’s in a house built by my father-less than two miles from the russian monastery. I have very strong visual memories of the buildings, the lands, the monks, and the surrounding russian community. I hold these images very dear-for me, they are mystical.
In the summers, my siblings and I would make treks on foot or bikes to Jordanville town to buy popsicles and penny candy at Hoke’s general store.
We would pass in front of the monastery, coming and going.
I have made drawings in attempts to capture these beautiful memories.
Thank you for the photographs.