Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery in Berryville, Arkansas is a contemplative jewel of the Church in America.
Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery in Berryville, Arkansas is a contemplative jewel of the Church in America. The award-winning, monastic chapel is adorned with original Ukrainian Icons. On the grounds are cloistered walkways, peace-filled prayer gardens, and a welcoming monastic community who will provide guided tours and meals.
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Charity Chapel and Bell Tower
Designed by award-winning architect Albert Skiles, Charity Chapel and Bell Tower were inspired by 18th Century Franciscan Missions of San Antonio while retaining its own distinctive sense of place here in the Ozarks. Upon entering, one is greeted with a series of spaces with an ascending order of proportion. The intimate, compressed space of the vestibule offers a comforting respite from the outside world and provides a glimpse of the expansive volume of the nave. The tall, narrow nave is characterized by a timeless quality of diffuse natural light. A glow from the high clerestory (celestial) windows saturate the space with a spiritual ambiance that changes with every hour, day and season. The altar is illuminated with diffuse natural light from unseen windows, so the effect of the light is apparent, but not the source. It is the passage of the sun and clouds that renders the Chapel’s ever-changing interior design. The ceiling borrows from the Gothic tradition of cascading wood timbers that curve upward as if reaching for heaven. The parade of beams serves as a frame for altar ceremonies. With an abundant variety of wood species and a crafted timber-frame design, this Chapel is at home in the Ozarks. Although influenced by different traditions, the overall design of Charity Chapel is unique for this place, for this time and for this Community.
The icons of Charity Chapel represent the integrated charism of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. The presence of the saints in the church were given by traditional Byzantine iconography many centuries ago. This tradition has survived until this day. They often say, “the icon’s been written” just as a text. Therefore, icons are to be read. The icons were hand “written” by Ukrainian artist Oleh Skoropadsky and are one of the high points of visitors.
Prayer Gardens
Visitors are invited to spend time strolling through the beautiful prayer gardens filled with winding paths, cloistered walkways, arbors, statues, fountains and places to simply sit and be refreshed among the peace of God found on its holy grounds.
Portiuncula Chapel
Visitors love to make a stop in the Portiuncula (Little Portion) stone chapel. The building inspired by the chapel Saint Francis of Assisi restored, is a cornerstone of Franciscan spirituality and a place of profound grace to our community and all who visit.
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LITTLE PORTION HERMITAGE AND MONASTERY
- Little Portion Hermitage
- 877-504-9865
- www.littleportion.org
