“We are a community of a brotherhood and a sisterhood having a vision to serve our generation with a special focus on the new generation.

The brotherhood and sisterhood are comprised of men and women who have taken a vow of celibacy and poverty to dedicate their lives to prayer and service of others.

The movement first began in Upper Egypt in the mid-1970s, and later in the mid-1980s they relocated to Cairo which gave many more the opportunity to come in contact with the budding group. The goal of the movement centered around restoring the teaching and life of the early fathers of Christianity where the commandments of love of God and neighbor with frequent prayers ruled supreme.

Over time the movement became known to several influential leaders of international organizations, such as Youth with a Mission, and also Churches Across the Globe. Through these connections, the leaders were invited to speak at various conferences around the world and a new extension of the movement was formed. This new extension was mainly comprised of families and youth in the United States, Europe, and South Korea.

Also, during this time, the main leaders moved out of Egypt and settled in the United States and Europe. The members of the brotherhood who went to the United States gathered in Phoenix, Arizona while the members of the sisterhood gathered in Montclair, California. Later, the brotherhood and the sisterhood became formally recognized as St. John the Baptist, and St. Macarius the Great Orthodox Monasteries, respectively, under the Orthodox Church in America.

Although the movement has spread across various continents and has greatly expanded to include all walks of life since its formation in the 1970s and 1980s, the vision from the start has always been to one day have a single property where all could gather again and can settle down after this long journey.

Finally, that dream is being realized. The brotherhood and the sisterhood, are now planning to converge on a single property (as two separate monasteries) in the City of Casa Grande, AZ, USA.

With this settlement we are planning to make in this same property a special, well-organized city for service with special focus on the young generation through prayer, fasting, inspiration and pastoral care.

We are in much need for your prayers and support.

Thank you and God bless you all!”

– Fr. Macarius Meshreky, Founder