our projects
Lots has been happening here in Birchdale! We are excited to move forwards and we need your help!
There is enthusiasm here and a desire to grow and expand. There is a stone chapel to be built; there are infrastructure needs; there is the development of curricula for our wilderness school; there are ideas for workshops and symposia; and there is lots of energy and inspiration wanting to be grounded!
Thank you for considering becoming one of our co-creators and supporters. Here are some details about our CURRENT PROJECTS underway, for your consideration and prayers.
Current Projects underway
The chapel
- We have plans drawn up for an exquisite stone chapel.
- The foundation is in place and we have started vertical work on the first of the Byzantine chapel walls.
- We have stones lying in wait.
- We have hired a local stone mason who is instructing us in the art of masonry.
- Perhaps most importantly, we have willing bodies and lots of interest in helping with such a wondrous project.
Read Daniel’s chapel construction update here : FAITH IS A FEAT (November 2025)
Visit Nika Icons here: NIKAMCLEOD.COM
HandCraft / Wilderness school
- We have purchased a boat building kit for phase 1 of our Wilderness School.
- There are plans to develop educational curricula.
- There are skilled artisans and materials for iconography and basket weaving workshops.
- We have a printing press/ calligraphy set for working hands on with letters and words .
- There are tools and materials for carpentry and construction, a forge and necessary tools for blacksmithing, and more!
Infrastructure needs
- We have begun construction of landscaped gardens.
- We have come up with a basic plan for an extension on the house that will allow for symposia to be held on site.
- There are accommodation and basic hospitality needs required for our Small Mountain School.
Bridging Earth and Heaven ~ through the prayers of the Theotokos