On November 21, 2017 Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) of blessed memory blessed the opening of the new Convent of the Mother of God "Quick to Hear" in Richfield Springs, NY. Metropolitan Hilarion and Bishop Luke of Syracuse believed there was a need for a woman’s monastery in the Russian tradition using English and, with God’s blessing, the convent is now celebrating the 5th anniversary of its founding.

Bishop Luke and Mother Nektaria (McElroy) searched for a suitable property for establishing a monastery. After several months of searching, a picturesque piece of property was found: a five-acre plot of land with a house and a very large, unfinished two-story garage. It is in the quiet rural hills just outside of Richfield Springs and a 20-minute drive from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville.

In the main house, the sisters set up the chapel, a large room overlooking the beautiful view of the hills. The chapel is dedicated the Neva Icon of the Mother of God "Quick to Hear." Priest Dimitri Kulp built the iconostasis, with the icons printed at the icon studio in Trinity Monastery. The new iconostasis was installed in time for the patronal feast on Monday, November 21, 2022. Bishop Luke celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by monastery clergy. Upon conclusion of the service, His Grace blessed the iconostasis.

The convent has been very active: the first summer, the sisters started a raised bed garden, which supplies the community with fresh vegetables each summer. The next project was to renovate the second floor of the garage and build four cells for the sisters. When the upstairs was completed, work began on the downstairs, where there is now a fully functioning work kitchen. The sisters also built a woodshop, a room for woodturning, and a separate room for oiling, staining, or varnishing. The sisters make cutting boards, candlesticks, standing and hanging lampadas, and folding analogia, which are available to purchase on the convent website. The sale of these products helps support the convent.

The sisters express their thanks to all the people who support and donate so generously. You help make it possible for them to live in their community, to work and to pray to the glory of God.

The convent welcomes visitors: to arrange a visit, call (315) 858-6563 or e-mail allidillard17@gmail.com. The convent website is: www.conventquicktohear.org and is located at:

235 Cole Hill Road
Richfield Springs, NY 13429