Visitors
Plan your visit
We are always happy to receive pilgrims and visitors. Everything you need to know before you set out — when the gate is open, how to find the road, what to wear, and how to stay longer than a day.
When we are open
Come on a Sunday if you can
Sunday is the fullest day: Liturgy at nine, coffee afterwards, the bookstore open, and sisters free to talk. On a weekday the grounds are quiet and the church may be locked — telephone first if you are driving any distance.
- GroundsEvery day, 9 AM – 5 PM
- ChurchBefore and after every service
- BookstoreSundays, after the Liturgy
- Divine LiturgySundays and great feasts, 9:00 AM
- Telephone(574) 654-7994
All times are Central, even though Indiana keeps Eastern time. The monastery follows Chicago.
Getting here
32787 Early Rd, New Carlisle, Indiana
Off the Indiana Toll Road, forty minutes west of South Bend, the last stretch on a quiet country road. Watch for the gate — it is easy to drive past.
- Chicago, IL80 miles
- Indianapolis, IN165 miles
- Milwaukee, WI180 miles
- Detroit, MI230 miles
- Columbus, OH270 miles
- St. Louis, MO345 miles
Etiquette
A few rules, kindly observed
We are always happy to receive pilgrims and visitors to Nativity of the Mother of God Serbian Orthodox Monastery. However, we request that you observe the following rules.
On the monastery grounds
- Women should be suitably dressed — no slacks, shorts or immodest skirts
- Men should be suitably dressed — no shorts or revealing shirts
- There is absolutely no smoking in or around the church or grounds
In the church
- Women should wear some head covering
- Men should remove their hats
- There should be no loud talking or laughing
- No one should chew gum
- Please ask for a blessing to use cameras during services
- Visitors are strictly forbidden to enter the Altar/Sanctuary area
- If a service is in progress, kindly remain in the back of the church and try not to disturb or interrupt the prayers of those present
In general, please bear in mind this is a monastic religious community and conduct yourselves accordingly. May God bless you for your courtesy and cooperation.
Staying overnight
A day, or several
Pilgrims are received in the guest house with the blessing of the abbess. Write or telephone well ahead so a place can be prepared and so you know what the day looks like — the services begin early.
Ask about staying →Helping the sisters
Work alongside them
You may want to consider offering to help the sisters in their daily activities and learn about the monastic life and faith in the process. There is always work in the garden, the kitchen and the grounds.
Share your talent →Bookstore
Books, candles, icons
Orthodox books, manuals, prayer books and magazines in English and Serbian, together with candles, incense, icons and other religious items. Open on Sundays after the Liturgy.
Many Orthodox believers have found this monastery to be a blessed oasis in the midst of the fast-paced humanistic world, and come for spiritual replenishment. You will be pleasantly taken by the beauty of the complex and the grounds… and the peace.
Ask about a visit
Write to us before you come
Tell us roughly when you would like to come and how many of you there are. A sister will write back. We invite you to sign the guest register in the back of the church when you arrive.
For group visits, please do not use the form — telephone (574) 654-7994 so a day can be arranged.