Metr. Nicholas Appeals for Funds to Restore Novo-Diveevo Guesthouse

NANUET, NY — Metr. Nicholas of Eastern America and New York has called on clergy and faithful to support the restoration of the pilgrim guesthouse at Holy Dormition Convent Novo-Diveevo, warning that the building is in critical condition and needs urgent repairs.

In an appeal to the clergy and laity of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), Metr. Nicholas described the convent as one of the major holy sites of the Russian Church Abroad and asked supporters to help ensure that it can continue welcoming pilgrims seeking worship, confession, spiritual guidance, and veneration of holy relics.

Founded in 1949 by Abp. Andrei (Rymarenko), a disciple of the Optina Elders, the convent preserves several important religious objects, including a portrait of St. Seraphim of Sarov painted during his lifetime, a cross from the Ipatiev House, and an ancient Vladimir Icon from Optina Hermitage. Its cemetery, described in the appeal as the largest Russian Orthodox necropolis in America, contains the graves of thousands of Russian émigrés.

Metr. Nicholas grounded the fundraising effort in the Christian duty of hospitality, citing Hebrews 13:2: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” He also recalled Abp. Andrei’s teaching that the Church is served through love and mercy toward fellow Christians.

Donations can be made through the convent’s official donation page. The convent is located at 100 Smith Road in Nanuet, NY. According to the appeal, benefactors are commemorated daily during the Proskomedia before the Divine Liturgy.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the St. Herman Conference would gather Orthodox youth in Montreal.