Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center

Every dollar is matched this month up to $31,000, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Please join us in supporting Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx THANK YOU!

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Wishing you all continued blessings of this Paschal season!

There is one week left and we are still working towards our matching goal. Can we count on your support? Give today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx

We wish you a peaceful and prayerful Holy Week. Thank you for your love and generosity towards Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Our home is your home! www.stnicholasranch.org

Look at the interior and exterior of the renovated Dining Hall. This is just one area that has been upgraded during the pandemic. Thank you for your support. www.stnicholasranch.org

Its going to be a beautiful weekend at the Ranch! We do not have a retreat this weekend, if you were looking for a quiet weekend to visit the Ranch, this is it! Please call our office for reservations. http://www.accuweather.com///93675/weekend-weather/2143074

Things continue to improve with the nearby fire. We had light rain yesterday and this morning. This has helped the firefighters and improved the air quality. Mother Markella and the sisters have returned to the Monastery and this morning we reopened our office. Things have almost returned to normal. Unfortunately, four groups either cancelled or rescheduled due to the fire so it will be pretty quiet here for a few more days. We don't anticipate any more danger from the fire b...ut please continue to keep us in your prayers. As far as visiting the Ranch or Monastery, we are asking guests to wait a few days until we are sure that the fire danger has passed. Also, it will probably take the sisters at the Monastery a few days to get things back in order after having been gone for so long. We are posting a few photos of the fire so you can see what we experienced here. The photos begin with the morning of Friday, September 11 when things really started to get bad and extend through Sunday, September 13 when things began to clear up. We have even included a photo of the rattlesnake Michael "removed" from the Monastery flower garden on Sunday.

As of Monday, September 14, the fire situation has greatly improved. Currently, the section of the fire that was threatening Saint Nicholas Ranch and the Monastery of the Lifegiving Spring has been controlled. Though the fire continues to burn, there is no immediate threat to us and things are improving daily. Since Friday, we have been under a mandatory evacuation order and the Ranch remains closed. Most of the sisters at the Monastery, including Mother Markella, evacuated ...to Fresno where they are being housed at a facility across the street from the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church. They have been able to maintain their daily cycle of prayers at Saint George and hope to return as soon as possible. Michael Pappas has remained at the Ranch, and a couple Sisters have remained at the Monastery, throughout the event. They report that everything is fine and that they have remained safe throughout the fire. The worst thing they experienced was heavy smoke and ash which made breathing difficult while outside. The air has cleared considerably. This morning we also received some light rain which helps both with fighting the fire and improved air quality. There was no damage to either the Ranch or Monastery and the fire never came closer than the Ridge above the Ranch. Later we will post a few pictures so you can see what we experienced the past few days. At the ranch we have had to reschedule the events that were to take place during last weekend and this week. We hope to be back at full operation soon, possibly as early as the end of this week. For now, however, we remain closed to guests. Please keep us in your prayers and spread the good news that both the Ranch and Monastery are safe and doing well.

This is the fire a few days ago vs now. It is a lot clearer at the ranch.

Important update regarding the fire near St Nicholas Ranch. The ranch and monastery are safe. The fire is burning close however it hhas been stopped at the ridge above us. Michael Pappas and several sisters at the monastery have remained there thoughout the events. They report all is fine. There is a mandatory evacuation in effect and the ranch still remains closed until the evacuation is lifted. Keep us in your prayers. For updates, call the Ranch main number and listen to the voice mail. The office number is (559)338-2103

FALL FAMILY CAMP When: Labor Day Weekend, September 4 - 7, 2015 Why: Because you need to get away and your kids will love it. For more information contact St. Nicholas Ranch at... 559-338-2103 or [email protected] See more

We hope you can join us April 17 - 19 for a Spiritual Retreat Featuring Fr Demetrios Carellas! Contact our office for more information.

WINTER FAMILY CAMP Martin Luther King Weekend January 16 19, 2015 Contact our office for more information! We hope to see you then!

Don't forget to send in your registration form for Winter Family Camp January 17 - 20th!

What do you think of our new message board? It is located next to the dining hall door. If you are checking in and looking for your room assignment, look here first!

Save the Date! Winter Family Camp is January 17 - 20, 2014! We hope to see you and your family!

Summer Camp 2013 registration is now open! Please see the following link for dates, prices, and to register: http://www.youth.sanfran.goarch.org/editor/summer-camp/

Escape to St. Nicholas Ranch for a weekend of Faith, Family, & Fun at WINTER FAMILY CAMP Life got you stressed? Need to re-connect with God, family, and nature? ... Come to the Ranch for renewal and relaxation. No TV! No cells! No tweets! Campfires and s’mores. Games and songs. Never been to the Ranch? No problem! Stay in private rooms. Meals are prepared for you. Games and activities are taken care of. Friends and grandparents are all welcome! When: Martin Luther King Weekend January 18th- 21st Where: Just outside of Fresno and minutes away from Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Why: Because you need to get away and your kids will love it. To register contact St. Nicholas Ranch at 559-338-2103 or [email protected] Sing at campfire! Play in the snow! Pray with the nuns!