Boscobel, Wisconsin, April 1, 2026
Photo: domoca.org
St. Paul the Apostle Monastery, a holy habitation in Wisconsin founded by monks from St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Arizona, received a new antimension for its altar this week.
The brotherhood was initially founded with the blessing of the late Archbishop Peter of Chicago of ROCOR, who reposed in 2024, and was received into the Orthodox Church in America under the omophorion of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago last month.
The property was previously home to the St. Isaac of Syria Skete, which for nearly four decades was associated with Orthodox monastic life in the region, under various jurisdictions and sometimes in schism. The new brotherhood, however, is entirely separate from that community.
On Monday, March 30, Abp. Daniel, accompanied by several priests from the diocese, paid a visit to the monastery to place the new antimension and Chrism on the altar, the diocese reports.
Photo: domoca.org
An antimension is a cloth, bearing the bishop’s signature, placed on an altar table to signify the bishop’s blessing for the Liturgy to be celebrated on the given altar. Chrism is the consecrated Sacramental oil used to chrismate new Orthodox Christians as well as altars and churches. Both the antimension and Chrism signify being under the given bishop’s canonical authority.
Upon arrival, Abp. Daniel was greeted by the brotherhood and local community, led by monastery Superior, Hierodeacon Menas (Thomas), who has labored as a monk for more than 50 years, including 26 years at St. Anthony’s under the direction of Elder Ephraim.
After placing the liturgical items on the altar, the Archbishop led a moleben of thanksgiving and offered a reflection on the importance of monasticism for the life of the Church.
Then the guests were treated to a meal and a tour of the monastery.
Learn more about the monastery at its website.
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