Russian Orthodox Convent in Germany Marks 20th Anniversary

Source: Diocese of Great Britain and W. Europe

BUCHENDORF — The Convent of Holy New Martyr and Grand Duchess Elisabeth in Buchendorf, Germany, celebrated its 20th anniversary with solemn divine services honoring the saint’s relics. Met. Mark of Berlin and Germany, Bsp. Irenei of London and Western Europe, and Bsp. Job of Stuttgart led the festivities, joined by Abp. Tikhon and clergy from nearby parishes, reports the Diocese of Great Britain and Western Europe.

The services, held Friday and Saturday, drew nuns, supporters, and abbesses from ROCOR’s monasteries in the Holy Land and Moldova, alongside many pilgrims. Bsp. Irenei’s sermon praised St. Elisabeth’s spiritual influence on the convent’s nuns and encouraged Abbess Maria and her sisters in their mission. Met. Mark presented certificates, honoring supporters like Dcn. Pavel Lisitsin. Bsp. Irenei gifted Abbess Maria two hand-painted icons.

Founded in 2005 in Bavaria, the convent focuses on divine worship and prayer, maintaining daily liturgical cycles. The sisters operate a prosphora bakery, sewing and embroidery workshops, a bookbindery, and a garden, while producing honey and medicinal ointments. The monastery hosts an annual Orthodox summer camp for girls, fostering faith and community among the diaspora.

A festal meal featured a reading of St. Elisabeth’s life, emphasizing the convent’s commitment to spiritual struggle.

Recently, the UOJ reported on a joint assembly held in Germany between the local bishops of both ROCOR and the Moscow Patriarchate.

Read also