St. Elisabeth Convent: Putin's Spies?

On January 18, 2026, The Telegraph published an explosive article titled “Pro-Putin spy nuns infiltrating Sweden.” The target of this report is St. Elisabeth Convent in Minsk, Belarus. The sisters of this community travel across Europe and North America selling handmade icons, prayer ropes, and other goods at churches and Christmas markets. However, the article claims they are linked to the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency. The Telegram accuses the sisters of St. Elisabeth of fueling propaganda for Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine and using proceeds from their Christmas fares to support the Russian war effort. The story explains how the nuns have “infiltrated” at least twenty Swedish churches, prompting a warning from the Church of Sweden.

This narrative paints the convent as a group of dangerous covert operatives. But is that really the case?

The Meaning of ‘Z’

One reason the Telegraph links St. Elisabeth to the Kremlin is because, on more than one occasion, its sisters have been photographed holding Z paraphernalia. For those who don’t know, the letter “Z” is commonly used in Eastern Europe to express support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Let’s be clear: while the UOJ opposes the use of the “Z” symbol across the board, we find its use in a religious context especially grievous. As Orthodox Christians, we oppose any effort to link our Church to Russia’s illegal and fratricidal war against Ukraine. 

Yet imagine an American nun posing with a “Support Our Troops” sign during the U.S. invasion of Iraq. It could be seen as a gesture of national solidarity, not necessarily a call to arms.

Of course, the comparison is far from perfect. For one, the convent is located in Belarus, which is not at war with Ukraine—though the two countries are so close that they united into a single political entity called the Union State. For another, the “Z” carries overt pro-war connotations that cannot be downplayed. It’s a symbol plastered on tanks and propaganda, evoking destruction and occupation.

The Telegraph article notes that the nuns have been spotted in these areas, working to boost the morale of Russian soldiers—delivering aid, prayers, and encouragement. Yet, this sentiment, in isolation, isn’t inherently controversial. Supporting troops’ wellbeing through spiritual guidance or humanitarian efforts echoes the role of a military chaplain. It’s a far cry from directly funding weapons or plotting intelligence operations. 

The nuns’ use of Z symbolism appears to be rooted in a misplaced sense of patriotism, not a public display of their subordination to the Kremlin.

Funding the War Machine?

The Church of Sweden’s warning is stark: the convent allegedly uses its income “to support Russian nationalism, support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and have close ties with GRU.” What is more, “the monastery claims that the proceeds [of handicrafts] go to charitable causes. This is not true.” 

If these allegations could be proven, then the Church of Sweden’s concerns would be more than justified. However, there is not a shred of hard evidence that the nuns are cutting checks to the Kremlin or arming soldiers. Accusations of ties to the GRU likewise remain totally unsubstantiated.

What is undeniable is the convent’s extensive charitable infrastructure. Founded in 1999, St. Elisabeth Convent operates a residential care facility in Minsk, supporting over 500 people with disabilities. This includes a boarding home for 200 children with special needs, where sisters provide love, attention, and daily care.

The convent owns several hundred acres of farmland in rural villages, which they have transformed into sort of “halfway houses.” Men and women in transition. Here, men and women in transitional phases of life (the homeless, recovering addicts, newly released inmates, etc.) engage in work therapy. They learn farming, crafting, and other marketable skills; the sisters provide food, toiletries, medication, and shelter. At any given time, upwards of 200 people are participating in this program.

It should also be noted that the sisters’ European fundraising trips predate Russia’s 2022 invasion by years. Indeed, these trips have allowed them to build up such a massive charitable infrastructure. One could speculate that their substantial funds are a kickback from the Russian or Belarusian government, but that flips the narrative: Is the convent funding the Kremlin, or is the Kremlin funding the convent? 

The simplest answer is the “official” one: the nuns are using the sales of their goods to fund their charities.

Michael Öjermo, a Church of Sweden pastor who once hosted the nuns, put it bluntly: “A small number of people showed up and bought some [trinkets]. That cannot fund a war. Absolutely not.” He’s right. In a country like Belarus, where economic challenges persist, a few thousand Euros make a big difference—enough to support thousands of disabled or marginalized citizens through meals, housing, and medical aid.

Conclusion

We can all agree that the use of Z symbol is deeply unfortunate. Hopefully, this little controversy will be a wake-up call to the sisters. If they want to continue selling their goods in the West, they should avoid any appearance of supporting Russia’s “special military operation.”

In the meantime, Westerners should not overlook the convent’s real mission. They provide Christians worldwide with high-quality icons, prayer ropes, and other religious goods, as well as handmade gifts like scarves and teacups. And they use the proceeds to serve thousands of Belarus’s most vulnerable—disabled children, the elderly, addicts, and the homeless.

There is every reason to believe the proceeds from their Christmas markets will be used to support the less fortunate; there is no reason to believe it will be smuggled to Russian Army HQ.

Now more than ever, we must do our best to tune out the gossip and recognize the true light of Christian love wherever we find it.

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