Tucked into the quiet outskirts of Safford, Saint Paisius Orthodox Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox women's monastery founded in 1993. The monastery takes its name from Saint Paisius Velichkovsky, an 18th-century Orthodox monk and spiritual writer known for reviving contemplative monastic traditions within Eastern Orthodoxy — a legacy the community continues in its own daily rhythm of prayer and work.
A Life of Prayer, Work, and Hospitality
The monastery's sisters follow a traditional monastic pattern built around prayer, manual labor, and hospitality toward guests. This combination reflects centuries-old Orthodox monastic practice, in which welcoming visitors is considered part of the community's spiritual mission rather than a separate activity from its religious life.
A Peaceful Setting in the Gila Valley
Because it sits away from Safford's busier areas, the monastery offers a notably quiet, contemplative environment, distinct from the valley's more commercial or civic attractions. It stands as one of several distinctive faith communities in the region, alongside the Gila Valley Arizona Temple in Central and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Solomon, each representing a different religious tradition with deep roots in this part of Arizona.
Visiting Today
Saint Paisius Monastery welcomes visitors interested in retreat, reflection, or simply learning about Orthodox monastic life, but guests should plan ahead and arrange visits with advance notice. Because it is a working monastic community rather than a tourist site, visitors are expected to respect the monastery's guidelines and the rhythm of the sisters' daily life. Those planning a visit should reach out ahead of time to confirm expectations and any current guidance for guests.