Visitor Guidelines

Welcome to the Community of Peace

To maintain our monastic rhythm and the sanctity of this space, we ask all visitors to honor the following guidelines.

Please read these carefully before registering, then complete the visitor registration form below.

1. The Practice of Silence

We prioritize interior stillness. Please observe strict silence throughout Sophia House during the following times:

Daily Prayer: 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:55 PM.

House Silence: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM – 8:00 AM.

Sabbath Silence: All day Fridays.

During these windows of silence, all conversation, phone calls, media players, and kitchen activity (during prayer times) must cease in Sophia House and on the decks immediately outside.

View our Daily Rhythm.

2. The Sacred Exchange

Hospitality is a mutual gift. In exchange for food, shelter, and resources, every guest, for more than a day, is expected to perform 4 hours of service each work day. Workdays are Monday through Thursday, but help with house needs and food preparation is nice everyday.

Read more about the Sacred Exchange.

3. Presence, Transport & Autonomy

Punctuality: For evening prayer, House Silence begins 5 minutes early to enter the prayer space energy. For Community Supper, we ask that everyone be present at the start, so we can pray together before the meal.

The community car is only for communal needs (groceries, supplies, and emergency runs). It is not available for personal errands or leisure.

Arrival/Departure: Visitors can arrange for transportation with us to and from Richmond or Charlottesville VA train/bus stations and airports.

Personal Errands: Visitors can ride along into the thriving metropolis of Louisa, VA when we are going in for Community business. Otherwise, you will need to arrange your own transportation (Uber/Lyft/Personal Vehicle).

4. Communal Conduct & Sobriety

Non-Violence: We follow the way of the Reconciled Heart. All conflicts must be handled calmly with non-violent communication; loud, angry, or dramatic behavior is grounds for immediate dismissal.

Discrimination: In word, attitude, or action will not be tolerated. Community of Peace supports social equity and social justice for all. We support and provide a safe haven for all, including queer, trans, and those with neuro-divergent personalities. We understand others have different beliefs, and that is fine, but they may not be expressed here in an attacking or demeaning manner. Doing so is grounds for immediate dismissal.

These guidelines are what maintains the peace everyone is welcome to come and safely experience here.

Sobriety: We are a sober community. Hard drugs and alcohol are prohibited on the property. Smoking and vaping are permitted outdoors where fumes will not blow in open doors and windows of Sophia House. THC use is permitted so long as the user continues to display sober, reasonable behavior; we are aware that many need it for therapeutic use.

Celibacy: We are a celibate community. We ask all visitors to respect this boundary in their conduct and interactions while in Sophia House.

Stewardship: The land is a sanctuary. Do not pick wildflowers or remove stones/wildlife. Consult a resident before any activity that may disturb the natural environment.

5. Legal Status & Departure

By visiting, you acknowledge that you are a guest and not a tenant. Community of Peace is patient with gentle reminders of our need for much silence, and service work. However, we reserve the right to ask any guest to leave if these guidelines are repeatedly not honored.

Any visitor may talk with us about additional future visits, the possibility of a long-term stay, and even eventually becoming a permanent Community member. Or a monk! ~