During her life, our patron saint Elisabeth Romanov founded the Marfo-Mariinsky Convent and its lay sisterhood. Its sisters went to some of the poorest quarters of 19th century Moscow, where pain and anguish reigned and darkness and desperation prevailed. They reached out to the people who felt pre-destined living as outcasts and had lost faith in their ability to change it. Yet this did not discourage our patron saint or the sisters. They knew that the image of God that lives in every man is indestructible, and can be restored in its original beauty.
The good works of the sisters of the Marfo-Mariinsky Convent continue to inspire us today. They remind us that God loves every man and woman and never loses hope for our salvation. Tirelessly, we bring into the world the light of His love.
The sisters serve among the sick and the suffering, the needy, the elderly and the lonely. They go out into the streets of Minsk and stand at our monastic stalls. Troubled souls often come to share their sorrows and misgivings with our sisters, and the effect can be wondrous. As says sister Raisa Shulga, «When you look someone in the eye and speak in plain and simple words, your souls become connected in unseen ways. The warmth and intimacy of such moments is something that is lacking in human communication nowadays."
Our sisters are of different ages and from various backgrounds. They are teachers, architects, musicians and health workers. Coming to the sisterhood was a life-changing moment for all of them. Every sister has a story to tell. They tell us how we can make sense of our sorrows and learn to cope with them by being there for someone in need and easing their pain. They show us how being a servant of another strengthens our faith and trust in our Lord. We hope that their stories will give you inspiration and strength of the spirit.
On the 9th of September, we wish a happy name day to Nun Anfisa (Ostapchuk), a sister of our Convent. Mother Anfisa shares her experiences in the hospital ministry, religious life, faith in God, and the joy of serving others for 27 years.
After visiting the orphanage in Novinki, Nina immersed herself in a new world. She saw unconditional love and mercy in sick children and found God's love in the midst of their suffering. Her family had described her as having a heart of metal,…
Sister Galina spends most of her working day talking to people who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. She talks about her obedience, life-changing encounters and growth in the faith as a sister of Saint Elisabeth Convent.
