About Monastic Crafts

Our Story

Monastic Crafts was built on the premise of giving back to our Orthodox Christian community.

Our company provides an important service to Orthodox Churches in North America, a service inspired by our role model, Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov, of blessed memory, and our patron saint, St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco.

Father Valery was among the most widely respected pastors in the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. His spiritual guidance and assistance to the faith was guided by Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, who ordained Father Valery into the clergy.

Father Valery then devoted 55+ years of service to the Church and the spiritual needs of its community. He had a very big impact on our lives, our family and always stressed the importance of giving back and being grateful for all of God’s blessings.

Our connection to St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco is not only driven by our family’s personal experiences, also by St. John's many great deeds and care of orphans and those in need. Today, many of us call it paying forward. At Monastic Crafts we are inspired equally to give back and to help others. 


In honor of the combined memory of a great Saint and our Grandfather, a portion of all Monastic Craft’s profits will be donated to the St. John Benevolent Fund.

Our Craft

As Orthodox Christians we are taught that candles symbolize the Light of God or the Flame of Faith. Our deep connection with God comes mostly with prayer. Lighting a candle accompanied by prayer allows us to edge closer to God, whether we pray for ourselves or our loved ones. Candles are symbolism for prayer, light, and a route to asking for our prayers to be answered.

Monastic Crafts’ candles are handcrafted through a very detailed and precise process. We use all-natural and organic products paired with 100% pure farm beeswax. 

Each candle is designed with intention - carefully crafted and hand-poured. 
Some say beeswax can be difficult to work with and time consuming, but we have a true love for what we create and working with beeswax is a labor of love.

Our Beeswax candles not only have a naturally sweet smelling aroma and brilliant golden color, they are the healthiest choice when it comes to candles - free of harsh synthetic materials. Orthodox have used pure candles produced by virgin bees because it represents the human nature of Christ which came from the Holy Virgin Mary.


Additionally, being a natural renewable resource, beeswax candles purify the air as they burn. It is truly rewarding to know that our candles may enhance one’s spiritual and prayerful experience with clean, long-burning and dripless candles.