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.
We expect visitors to our monastic community to be here for this spiritual component of life here, and to attend the sung prayer times regularly.
House Silence: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM – 8:00 AM.
Sabbath Silence: All day Fridays. During these windows, all conversation, phone calls, media players, and kitchen activity (during prayer times) must cease. 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 transportation from us to and from Richmond or Charlottesville train/bus stations and airports.
Personal Errands: Visitors can ride along into the thriving metropolis of Lousia, 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; loud, angry, or dramatic behavior is grounds for immediate dismissal.
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 transient 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 vacate the property immediately 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!