Monastery struck by lightning in Butler Co.

A monastery in Butler County was struck by lightning Thursday afternoon.

It was reported around 4:45 p.m. as heavy storms and severe weather moved through the area.

Lightning struck the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery on Elias Road in Jefferson Township.

The monastery that houses 14 sisters is also attached to a church. All of the women were inside when the lightning hit.

"It was lightning everywhere, and it was a huge crack, huge," said Abbess Theophano. "The firefighter said there's fire damage, there's water damage."

All were able to make it out okay. Several firefighters were on scene putting out the fire.

The cost of damage is still unclear. The nuns told us they can't stay in the building as it is right now.

Stay with WPXI.com and Channel 11 for developments on this story.

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