06/14/09
Sister Yuliaya gave a short talk and showed a DVD about the monastery she is associated with (St. Elizabeth Convent, Minsk, Belarus) and their charitable work in the hospitals and orphanages in Minsk as well as a small farm the monastery runs for recovering alcoholics and to grow food for themselves. There are around 90 sisters there (both monastic and lay sisters) who have dedicated their lives to serving God by helping their fellow man, in the tradition of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr's (their patron) "sisters of mercy" as established at the Sts. Martha & Mary convent in Moscow.
The sisters visit orphans and those confined to hospitals, offering them the consolation of Christ's love through their care, prayers, and participation in the Holy Mysteries. Their charitable work is supported by the sale of the Nun's handiwork, icons, etc., and through the donations of other pious Christians.
The monastery has a beautiful church dedicated to St. Elizabeth, attached parish dedicated to the "Reigning" icon of the Mother of God, a cemetary church dedicated to St. Lazarus of the four days, a church dedicated to the icon of the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Cup," as well as a chapel in the main hospital in Minsk dedicated to St. Xenia of Petersburg. Priests regularly bring the Holy Mysteries to those whom the sisters care for that are physically unable to come to church.
The monastery website, in English, may be visited at www.obitel-minsk.by for more information. More photos of Sister Yuliya's presentation may be seen on our Photos page.
