Watford NS Hermitage of the Annunciation 1999
Watford, Nova Scotia, Hermitage of the Annunciation, 1999, 2003
Watford, Nova Scotia, Monastic Chapel of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, 1999
Foundation of the community, 1999
The community may be said to have had its beginning in an improvised manner in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, before 1999, under the leadership of Father Roman (Bonnel) in a house in the city of Halifax. It was a dependency of the Communauté monastique de Saint-Séraphim de Sarov (Québec), a monastic community of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The official blessing to begin came in 1999.
In 2000, the Monk Monk Roman (Bonnel) Roman (Bonnel)] purchased a house next to the local house-church of the Saint Vladimir Prince of Kyiv Mission in Halifax, where the germinal monastic community established itself in a visible place. The monastic chapel, which was also established there, was included within the limited space available at the time, and it was named for Saint Sergius of Radonezh. Although the community was established and blessed as a monastic community in 1999, it remained a part of the monastic community in Rawdon, Québec.
On 22 February, 2001, the Monk-subdeacon Roman (Bonnel) was ordained by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) to the Holy Diaconate in the Monastic Chapel of Saint Sergius of Radonezh in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was attached to the Communauté Monastique de Saint-Séraphim de Sarov in Rawdon, Québec, which supervised the development of the Halifax community.
In 1998, Basil Marek had entered the Orthodox Christian Church. In 2002, he became a part of the community officially. Later, he was tonsured into the lesser schema, and he was given the name Cassian.
In 2003, a property became available near Watford, which is situated abut 5 km (3 mi) from New Germany, located in Lunenburg County. There, the existing house and barn were supplemented by the construction of the Chapel of Saint Sergius.
On 11 January, 2004, Hierodeacon Roman (Bonnel) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at Saint Vladimir's Mission in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was attached to the Communauté Monastique de Saint-Séraphim de Sarov in Rawdon, Québec, while he continued to live in Nova Scotia, in the newly-acquired monastic site.
Early view of a common area of the house
The Annunciation Hermitage is blessed to be an independent community, 2010
On 1 September, 2010, the Annunciation Hermitage was blessed to continue its life as an independent entity.
On 1 September, 2010, the Hieromonk Roman (Bonnel) was released from his attachment to the Communauté Monastique de Saint-Séraphim de Sarov in Rawdon, Québec.
He was assigned to serve as the Superior of the Hermitage of the Annunciation at Watford, Nova Scotia.
Iconostas 
Memorial table
On 10 May, 2012, Hieromonk Roman (Bonnel) was elevated to the dignity of igumen (higoumène, hegumen) by Bishop Irénée (Rochon).
On 18 January, 2014, the Monk-subdeacon Cassian (Marek) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon) at Saint Vladimir's Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was attached to the Saint Sergius of Radonezh Chapel at the Annunciation Hermitage at New Germany, Nova Scotia.
On 19 January, 2014, Hierodeacon Cassian (Marek) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Irénée (Rochon) at Saint Vladimir's Church, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which was by then in its own distinct building. He was attached to the Saint Sergius of Radonezh Chapel at the Annunciation Hermitage at New Germany, Nova Scotia.
On 20 January, 2014, the Hieromonk Cassian (Marek) served the Divine Liturgy for the first time (in the presence of Bishop Irénée (Rochon)) in the monastery chapel of Sergius of Radonezh.
On 21 May, 2015, Archbishop Irénée visited the Hermitage on the Feast of the Holy Ascension. He was accompanied by Archpriest Nazari Polataiko and Deacon Nicholas Svetlovsky. The Hermitage received the icons of Christ and of the Mother of God written by Archpriest Nazari. The new icons were blessed by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).
On 20 January, 2016, the abbot, Igumen Roman (Bonnel) was tonsured to the Great Schema by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), and he was given the name Luc (Luke).
Saint Sergius Chapel at the beginning
Gift of bells
In 2016, the monastery received a gift of some bells, for which they constructed a bell-house near the Temple.
In 2016, the monastic community received notice that the chapel was required to conform to local by-laws. As a consequence, it was required to construct a physical connexion between the chapel and the main monastic building. This was undertaken quickly with the help of various supporters, although accomplishing this feat took some time.
Saint Sergius Chapel and house during construction work
In 2019, the Hieromonks Jean-Baptiste (Penner) and Nathaniel (Humphrey), members of this hermitage, were ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).
In 2020, the monastery was no exception when everything was closed for a long period of time because of the restrictions imposed by the government of Nova Scotia regarding the minimising of the pandemic covid-19. The monks were interviewed by the "CBC" on 28 April, 2020, about the effects of the isolation/self-quarantine that was imposed :
The Orthodox Hermitage of the Holy Annunciation sits on an old hilltop farmstead overlooking the LaHave River near New Germany, N.S. Three monks live inside. 'Monastics are not naturally drawn to self-isolation and social distancing. It might be a bit of a misnomer out there that we're anti-social', says Father Nathaniel, who like others at the hermitage goes by one name. The truth is the opposite : we're very social. It's just with the bigger society out there — we've found something better'. Father Jean-Baptiste agrees. Five years ago, he lived in a nice house overlooking Halifax harbour and had a good job. But he felt called to isolation and followed that into a monastic life. For him, it was about embracing a richer and deeper existence. 'I tasted something that was so much greater — a love, a peace of God that I felt', he says. 'Monks are like naive teenage lovers : we just jump right in and follow that hope that we felt'. He says that deliberate entrance into isolation differs greatly from the unwanted COVID lockdown around the world. But he believes unordained people can also embark upon "the last adventure humankind can do'. 'That adventure is not going around and finding entertainment, finding distractions, but it's putting aside all the ambitions we have, putting aside all the possessiveness of the world ; no longer being a slave to that, but becoming a true hobo, a true wanderer', Jean-Baptise says. Spiritual growth in alone time He notes they are isolated from the wider world, but not from each other : a situation many families and roommates are now experiencing. He says living together in close quarters is actually one of the hardest parts of monastic life — not the isolation. 'And this is where people will learn they're not maybe as perfect as they thought they were', Nathaniel says. 'They're going to annoy other people and it's going to be their fault, and they're going to have to ask for forgiveness. And this is going to be good, if we can all manage that. I'm not perfect and neither are you, and that's OK'. While many of us experience lockdown as a loss — loss of work, of school, of socializing, of parks — the secret is to focus on the potential gain, the monks say. 'In my experience, spiritual growth has only ever happened in alone time. It's never happened for me in a larger social group', Nathaniel says. 'I would say this is a perfect time for people to go inward a little bit and do some spiritual searching. This is precisely the situation where something like this can get done very meaningfully'. To do that, they recommend creating a 'sacred' space in your home : a corner where you go to choose isolation, even during lockdown, and use it to pray or meditate. Live here and now, not in a mourned past or an imagined future. 'That means to resolve that we're in isolation now. We have that horrible pandemic. Some of us are laid off or there isn't even work to go to at the moment. We are at home', Jean-Baptiste says. 'It's self-abandonment. You're abandoning yourself to the situation at hand and living in the present'.
Novices
By 2025, 2 novices had arrived and begun to live in the community.
Brother Tikhon was originally from Nova Scotia, and Brother Paisios was originally from France.
Pilgrimage, 2025
In 2025, in view of the very-increased number of visits to the monastery, the brotherhood prayerfully took the decision to initiate an annual pilgrimage date. On this date, there would be a particular invitation to visit the monastery, and to experience worship there.
The first such pilgrimage was to occur on Saturday, 20 September, 2025.
By this time, it was understood that it had become necessary to find a way to enlarge the chapel. Not only were there many visitors, but there was also an increase in the brotherhood. They began to investigate the requirements.
Establishment of a monastery cemetery
The Annunciation Monastery established a cemetery on its property.
By 2025, there were 2 interments in the new cemetery.
Fundraising campaign, 2025
In November, 2025, the monastery reported that during the previous 6 months, the community had doubled in size as young Canadian men increasingly seek the monastic life.
The monastery reported that the Orthodox growth happening across North America had reached rural Nova Scotia, and created increased demand for both monastic spaces and room for visitors participating in services. The rapid growth has pushed the monastery’s facilities to capacity, with monks now sharing cells designed for single occupancy, and work and study spaces operating at maximum use.
The influx of new brothers prompted the community to launch an end-of-year fundraising campaign with a goal of $56,800 (Canadian $80,000) to prepare for a major expansion of their main residence planned for 2026-2027.
By November, the campaign had raised $6,755 (Canadian $9,515). Notification was made that donations could be made on-line as one-time gifts, or as monthly contributions. The hermitage is registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Glory to God, young Canadian men are seeking the monastic habit, and more are enquiring all the time.
The funds were for the support of 4 preparatory projects before construction begins on the residence expansion. These include architectural planning for the main monastic dwelling, acquiring a tiny home to serve as a semi-permanent cell while construction limits the use of existing rooms, expanding facilities to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims seeking to share in the community’s life of prayer, and renovating the monastic chapel to hold more monks and faithful.
Appeal poster
2026
In 2026, Hieromonk Nathaniel (Humphrey) was transferred away to the Monastery of All Saints of North America at Dewdney, British Columbia.
In 2026, Hieromonk Cassian (Marek), who had been very ill and disabled, had sufficiently recovered from his fragility that he was able to return to live in the monastic community, and to serve again.
In 2026, the monastic community was continuing to grow, and the need became more pressing to forge ahead with the construction of new cells for monks, expanding the chapel, and other refinements.
The 2026-2027 Capital Campaign was engaged, after having received more than half of the needed funds :
The Hermitage of the Annunciation doesn't have enough room for its growing number of monks. In the past 10 months, the number of monks has doubled! Construction starts in March 2026 to add more monastic cells and living space. Glory to God that young men are seeking God through monasticism. We are seeking your financial help to complete the expansion to our monastic habitation. Total Amount Raised : Already Pledged or Donated: $494,000= 65%
Particular monastery information
This monastic community is part of the Atlantic Canada Deanery of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America. The dean is the Archpriest Stelian Liaboitis. The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).
This community follows the Old (Julian) Calendar.
The monastery's patronal Feast-day is the Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, 25 March/7 April.
The Altar Feast-day of the chapel is the Feast of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, 25 September/8 October.
In 2026, the abbot of the hermitage is Sche-Igumen Luc (Bonnel).
The second priest is Hieromonk Cassian (Marek)
The third priest is Hieromonk Jean-Baptiste (Penner)
The monks in 2020
Monastery sign
Address :
172, Goose Chase Road
New Germany, Nova Scotia
B0R 1E0
Telephone : (902) 644-1388
E-mail : monks@goosechasemonastery.ca
Mailing address :
Hermitage of the Annunciation
Box 155
New Germany, Nova Scotia
B0R 1E0
Directions :
The Hermitage is located on 106 acres of ancient Acadian forest, overlooking the LaHave River Valley, near the South Shore of Nova Scotia, an 80 minute drive west from Halifax. The monastery is located near New Germany, Nova Scotia.
From Halifax :
The distance to the hermitage from Halifax is about 122 km (76 mi).
From Halifax, drive westwards on Highway #103. Take exit 12 north onto towards Highway #10, towards New Germany. Drive for 20.8 km (13 mi) as far as a building supplies store on the right. Just before that store, turn right onto Goose Chase Road (an unpaved road). Drive for 900 m (.56 mi) on Goose Chase Road, to reach the driveway to the hermitage on the right, at #172. There is a sign. Turn right into the driveway, and drive carefully on the pathway for about 370 m (.3 mi) to the hermitage parking area.
The duration of the trip west from Halifax is about 1 hr and 25 min, driving slightly below the speed limits.
From the Annapolis Valley :
From places within the Annapolis Valley, drive on Highway #10 towards New Germany and Bridgewater. After passing New Germany, turn left just after a building supplies store, onto Goose Chase Road (Watford). Drive for 900 m (.56 mi) on the unpaved Goose Chase Road, to reach the driveway to the hermitage on the right, at #172. There is a sign. Turn right into the driveway, and drive carefully on the pathway for about 370 m (.3 mi) to the hermitage parking area.
From the north shore of Nova Scotia :
The hermitage is located about 62 km (38.5 mi) from Middleton (on the north bank of the Annapolis River). Follow Highway #10 south towards New Germany and Bridgewater. After passing New Germany, turn left just after a building supplies store, onto Goose Chase Road (Watford). Drive for 900 m (.56 mi) on the unpaved Goose Chase Road, to reach the driveway to the hermitage on the right, at #172. There is a sign. Turn right into the driveway, and drive carefully on the pathway for about 370 m (.3 mi) to the hermitage parking area.
The monastery and chapel before the connexion was constructed
Sunrise at the monastery, winter, 2020
References
Hopko, Thomas, ‘Monasticism’ in “The Orthodox Faith”, vol. 2.
Orthodoxwiki article about Monasticism
Prokurat, Michael ; Golitzin, Alexander & Petersen, Michael, eds., 'Monasteries' in “The A to Z of the Orthodox Church” (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 223-224. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.
...... 'Monasticism' in “The A to Z of the Orthodox Church” (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), pp. 225-227. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.
Wikipedia article about the history of Eastern Orthodox Christian Monasticism
Additional information :
Archdiocese of Canada (OCA) listing for the Hermitage of the Annunciation, New Germany, Nova Scotia
Archdiocese of Canada (OCA) web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada
Orthodox Church in America (OCA) listing for the Hermitage of the Annunciation
Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America
Hieromonk Nathaniel (Humphrey)
Hieromonk Jean-Baptiste (Penner)
Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos
Wisdomheritage.org article "Monastic Legacy and the Name"
Monastic Communities in the Archdiocese of Canada
Wikipedia list of Orthodox Christian Monasteries in the USA
Orthodoxwiki article about monastic ranks
Video and article about the Hermitage of the Annunciation at "Orthodox Christianity"
Article about the Hermitage in "Lessons from a Monastery"
“Bishop Irénée visited the Hermitage of the Annunciation near New Germany, NS” (21-23 April, 2013)
“Mount Athos visits the Hermitage of the Annunciation” (18 November, 2013)
“Dr Alexander Treiger ordained to the Holy Diaconate; Hiero-deacon Cassian ordained to the Holy Priesthood”, Archdiocese of Canada news (19 January, 2014)
“A Joyful Synaxis at the Hermitage of the Annunciation, Watford, NS” (the first Divine Liturgy celebrated by the newly-ordained Hieromonk Cassian) (20 January, 2014)
Archbishop Irénée visited the Hermitage on the Feast of the Holy Ascension (21 May, 2015)
Consecration of Altar and Blessing of Bells in Rawdon for the Hermitage of the Annunciation (29 July, 2016)
“At the Hermitage of the Holy Annunciation in Nova Scotia : A chime that flies from a church on a breeze” (17 August, 2016)
“Theophany at the Holy Annunciation Hermitage in Nova Scotia” (2016)
CBC Interview at the Hermitage of the Annunciation : “Life under Lockdown” (28 April, 2020)
Video Documentary : Goosechase Monastery (The Hermitage of the Annunciation) Documentary (premiered 11 December, 2021)
“Goose Chase Monastery Holds Prayer For Peace” (26 December, 2023)
'OCA presence in Nova Scotia : a mission and a hermitage' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Spring, 2004), p. 6.
'Antiochian pilgrims experience OCA Annunciation Hermitage' in "COM" (Summer, 2008), pp. 7-8.