Typically, the skete style of community in its earliest form had a small chapel surrounded by monastic kellia or cells where the monks lived and did their private rule of prayers or cell rule, and some handiwork. A spiritual father or abbot guided the spiritual endeavors of the monks of this community. His works have long been one of the basic resources of Orthodox Christian spiritual life, and are often quoted by the spiritual leaders of each succeeding generation. Following the monastic regulation of Mt. Athos in Greece, no women are allowed on the 22 acre tract, and only male visitors who are specifically invited, with the aim of keeping the prayerful constant remembrance of God undistracted. Presently there are 9 monastic cells and a chapel in the secluded valley.
Wood stoves provide heat when needed.
Silence is valued for prayer. At this time there are four monks and a novice living in the skete. The monks are in need of finishing the construction of a common building to provide a kitchen, dining area, laundry facilities, and a library. Coming to the quiet wooded valley in June of 1986 on a retreat, Father Simeon set up a chapel which was extremely poor outwardly, but inexplicably rich in God s blessings. After all, Christ was born in a poor and simple cave.