Upcoming Events
All are welcome
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Saturday Evening Prayer and Potluck (September 2026)
Join this warm smaller community for evening prayer (5 - 5:30), and then enjoy a vegetarian potluck dinner and conversation. Most months, there will be an additional activity to enjoy. This is a great way to get to know us!
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Spiritual Book Circle (September 2026)
On the fourth Monday of the month, community members enjoy a time of quiet, meaningful conversation on Zoom. After a few moments of silence, we take turns sharing our thoughts and experiences and then responding to each other.
An Evening with St. Francis
Join us for a special evening honoring the spirit of St. Francis as we gather in the days surrounding his feast day. The evening will open with a meditation, followed by a Francis-centered talk from Isha Das. We will then witness a sacred moment in the life of our community as several members take their swami vows. The evening will close with fellowship and refreshments.
Whether you've been part of the Assisi community for years or are just discovering it, all are welcome. Come as you are.
Cookies and Compline
Join Mary McFee at her home at 7:00 pm for cookies and conversation. At 8:00 we will carpool to Christ Church (downtown) and settle into the silence. At 9:00 pm, Schola Cantorum, comprised of Eastman School students and faculty, will sing the night-time prayer service of compline. The service ends by 9:30. If you like heavenly voices in a contemplative setting, this can be the perfect end to your day. Please email Mary (assisi.marymcfee@gmail.com) for more information or to RSVP.
Donations accepted at the church.
Limit to 10 people.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Spiritual Practice for Men (September: Consistent Meditation and Consciousness)
Herb Tierney’s class includes teaching, meditation, and discussion. All men are welcome!
Women’s Satsang with Shantima (September: Becoming)
Our beloved Swami Shantima brings us her rich spirituality, decades of teaching experience, and knowledge of mysticism each month at Women’s Satsang. During the gathering, Shantima shares her special love and understanding of a woman’s spiritual journey along with meditation and a sacred ritual. Join her and a welcoming group of women for connection and wisdom in our temple.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Uniqueness of Bhakti Yoga with Swamini Gopeshwari Devi Ji
We are blessed to have Swamini Gopeshwari Devi, affectionately known as Didi Ji, lead us in an afternoon of devotional chanting and inspired satsang. Didi Ji is an inspiring spiritual teacher whose life reflects deep devotion, scholarship, and service. Born in Nausori, Fiji, and later based in New Zealand, she was drawn to God from an early age and ultimately found her spiritual path under the guidance of His Divine Grace Shri Maharaj Ji. Though she began her studies in medicine, she was called to a life of higher purpose, later earning degrees in arts and law before taking Sanyas in 1985. For nearly four decades, Didi Ji has shared the wisdom of Vedic philosophy and divine love across the world, touching hearts with her clarity, warmth, and powerful presence. We are honored to have her lead us in kirtan and satsang, where her devotion and insight create a deeply uplifting and transformative experience.
When: Sunday, August 30: 1-3 PM
Satsang (talk on Bhakti Yoga and questions) begins at 1:00 pm; Kirtan (devotional chanting) begins at 2:00 pm.
Donations will be gratefully accepted.
Learn more here: https://usbm.org/sushree-gopeshwari-devi-ji.html
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
The AmeriCosmos Experience with Matt Venuti
Doors Open: 7:00pm
Experience Begins at 7:30
*The end time of the experience may vary
**Not suitable for young children.
The Assisi Institute is so pleased to welcome Matt Venuti back in 2026. The experience he is offering, entitled AmeriCosmos, is sure to be a first-of-its-kind event at Assisi!
“Experience the ultimate fusion of Earth and Space... Accompanied by a live music score performed on rare, evocative, and visually captivating instruments, AmeriCosmos pairs breathtaking cinematography captured by Matt Venuti with the deep-space discoveries of NASA and the ESA. It's a journey through the raw beauty of our world and the mysteries of the beyond. Utilizing an array of electronic and acoustic instruments enhanced by looping technology, Venuti creates lush arrangements, intricate grooves, and soaring melodies—all improvised in harmony with the visuals. Critically acclaimed and unforgettable, his performances have enraptured audiences in theaters, planetariums, and art centers nationwide.”
Ticket Information:
Tickets for this wonderful evening are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
You may purchase your tickets here.
Please note that advance tickets will not be sold after 6:30 pm on August 21. Tickets will not be bar-coded or printed, but attendees will be checked in at the door.
A portion of the proceeds of ticket sales will benefit The Assisi Institute. If you have any questions, please contact Vicki at vickijoclaire@aol.com
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Kirtan with Swami Nirvanananda
Wednesday evening, we will be hosting a lively and interactive Kirtan. Swami Nirvanananda and our other wonderful Assisi musicians will bless us by leading us through sacred chanting and devotional songs. Come be invigorated by the sounds of Divinity as you sing, dance, play instruments or simply get enveloped in the high vibes!
Wednesday evening is also a great time to learn about the work Swami Nirvanananda does around the world, sponsor a child or make a donation to his ministries. To learn more now visit…
Astrology of the USA with Gayatri
Tuesday evening will feature an astrology reading on the USA given by Gayatri, who has come all the way from Italy to share her gifts.
As a long time Kriyaban and skilled vedic astrologist, Gayatri will decipher the astrological chart of our country, shedding light on what our karmic role is in the given state of worldly affairs and what to expect moving forward.
Celebrating St. Francis of Assisi
Monday evening Swami Nirvanananda will lead us in commemorating our beloved St Francis of Assisi by celebrating the 800th year since he left his body. Gather with us on this special day as we honor the life and teachings of our patron saint by reflecting on the gifts he gave to the world and to those who still seek him. It promises to be a beautiful celebration!
2026 Assisi Institute Summer Immersion Retreat
From Shifting Sands to Sacred Ground: The Path of Kriya Yoga and Mystical Christianity
With each new wave of current events, we feel the sand shifting beneath our feet. Our institutions no longer seem trustworthy, and our traditional religious structures can leave us feeling hollow. Yet the Divine has not left us helpless. The ancient traditions of Kriya Yoga and mystical Christianity offer an unshakeable rock upon which to build our lives — empowering us to draw on the wisdom and strength of God percolating in the depths of our souls, so that we may live with peace, joy, and love.
You are warmly invited to join us for our summer immersion retreat, July 20–24. This year, we will also be integrating teaching from the mystical Christian tradition. Over these five days, we will meditate together, learn from our spiritual leaders, and experience the grace of sacred community. There will be inspired talks, group meditation, chanting, yoga, and a joyous kirtan. Kriya Yoga initiation will also be offered during the retreat. Please join us for what promises to be a week of healing, growth, and transformation.
Date: July 20 - 24, 2026
Location: The Assisi Institute in Rochester, NY
Cost: This retreat is offered on a donation basis. Donations will be accepted at the time of the retreat.
Registration: Registration is open. To reserve your seat, please fill out this form no later than July 1. More information will be sent when registration has been completed.
Meals: Coffee, tea, and snacks are available throughout the day. Participants will be given ample time to find (or bring) their own lunches and/or dinners off-campus with the exception of our chef-prepared Wednesday dinner at 5 pm, before the kirtan. This is a great time for fellowship! For those who stay with us or bring food to the Assisi Institute, please note that we are strictly vegetarian. Refrigerator space and a microwave are available.
Areas of Focus:
*How Kriya Yoga works to heal and transform our biological and spiritual (chakra) nervous systems, readying us for higher states of consciousness.
* How a spiritual path, especially in the context of Kriya Yoga and mystical Christianity, builds resiliency, empowering us to meet life’s challenges with creativity and wisdom.
* How healthy spirituality works to help heal us from our deeply-held pain and trauma.
* How to deepen our day-to-day attunement with Christ and the gurus of our lineage.
* Different ways of being a yogi in the modern world.
Teacher Bios
Isha Das:
Craig Bullock (Isha Das) is an accomplished teacher, writer, lecturer, practicing psychotherapist, and spiritual director of The Assisi Institute in Rochester, New York. A former pastoral administrator at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Rochester, Isha Das earned graduate degrees in Religious Studies from the University of Notre Dame and Clinical Psychology from the University of Duquesne. His education includes extensive study in psychology, spirituality, mysticism, world religions, and yoga. He counts Richard Rohr among his life-long friends and mentors. Isha Das was made a minister and official Kriya Yoga teacher by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda.
Swami Nirvananda:
Internationally-known musical and spiritual recording artist Swami Nirvanananda Saraswati will be joining us in person to teach and to share his soul-touching music. Merging the teachings of Kriya Yoga with the devotional aspect of Bhakti Yoga and the charitable path of Karma Yoga, Swami expresses unity in the diversity of many paths and religions which all lead to the same goal: Universal Love and Oneness With Spirit.
Christianne Asper-Contant:
Christianne Asper-Contant (CAS, E-RYT 500) is the Director of the Yoga Program at the Assisi Institute and a Clinical Ayurveda Specialist who has been studying and teaching the wisdom sister sciences for over 20 years. Her path includes dedicated study and practice in yoga, Ayurveda, and Kriya Yoga, which have profoundly shaped both her personal life and her approach to teaching. Rooted in these traditions, her work integrates spiritual understanding with practical application in daily life. Through her teaching, she offers a practical framework for recognizing the signals of the body and responding with simple, embodied shifts that support balance, clarity, and a deeper connection to the body’s natural rhythm.She leads classes, workshops, and programs that support this process of reconnection.
Gāyatrī (Judith Listte): A Swami in the Saraswati tradition, Judith has been teaching Kriya Yoga throughout Italy since 2010. She holds certification in therapeutic yoga from SITY Milan and specializes in Women's Yoga and Vedic Astrology. As founder of the Triguṇa Cultural Association in Catania, she leads classes in Pilates, Yoga, and Meditation while organizing annual Kriyā Yoga seminars.
For any questions, email Mary at assisi.marymcfee@gmail.com
To reserve your seat, please fill out this form
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." Jesus
"To reestablish God in the temples of souls through revival of the original teachings of God-communion as propounded by Christ and Krishna is why I was sent to the West." Yogananda
"Babaji is ever in communion with Christ; together they send our vibrations of redemption and have planned the spiritual technique of salvation for this age." Yogananda
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.