Have you visited Richmond Hill recently for prayer or a program?
Richmond Hill is an urban monastery praying for the spirit of the city. One of the joys for me of serving at St. John’s is being near Richmond Hill and, as my schedule allows, joining the community for its daily rhythm of prayer. Every day the doors of the chapel are open for a brief service of liturgical prayer at
7 a.m.
12 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
The prayers include a weekly cycle of intercession for Metro Richmond inclusive of the city, counties, public officials, institutions, professions, occupations, and all manner and sorts of people. Through prayer we acknowledge the ways in which our lives are woven together and how we depend on each other for our wellbeing.
The chapel is a beautiful space, which invites stillness and silence. Sometimes the
prayer leader is inspired to lead the congregation in a song. Sometimes I linger in the prayerful silence after the service. I’m reluctant to open my eyes and leave.
On Tuesdays the Holy Eucharistic is celebrated at 5:30 p.m., followed by a community meal in the refectory at 6:30 p.m. On Thursdays after the 12 p.m. service, there is a community lunch at 12:30 p.m. Sometimes I see a familiar face; other times I am glad for the opportunity to break bread with people who are new to me. We meet as strangers and part as friends in Christ.
Richmond Hill offers Spiritual Direction, the ancient ministry of listening with another for the movement of the Spirit in their life and being. The community also offers RUAH, a program to train laity and clergy as Spiritual Directors. Associate Rector Anthony Gaboton and Deacon Maureen Hagen can tell you more.
Richmond Hill is located in a former convent. It’s surrounded by a tall brick wall. Behind the wall is a beautiful garden with places to sit in quiet contemplation or enjoy a conversation. There is a prayer labyrinth to walk and views of the skyline. It is a hidden gem!
A pillar of Richmond Hill is racial healing, which the community pursues through a
variety of initiatives. Visitors can see an ongoing exhibit that describes the racial history of the property and Church Hill and the ways in which the community is working for racial justice and reconciliation.
On Tuesday, November 3, St. John’s will partner with Richmond Hill for a prayer
vigil for Election Day. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. the chapel will be open for prayer.
Between services (see schedule above) persons may pray in silence for the city,
commonwealth and country. Together we will center our lives in prayer, praise and
sacrament for the sake of the welfare of the world. Maybe this modest effort will be the beginning of an annual event in the civic life of Church Hill. May our time together in the chapel fill us with hope and peace. May it be so.
In hope and peace,
The Reverend Gregory Bezilla, Interim Rector
