Russian Monastery Celebrates First Liturgy in Nearly a Century
Restored Theotokos Zhitenny Monastery marks revival on feast of Smolensk Icon.
OSTASHKOV — Nearly 100 years after it was closed and desecrated under Soviet rule, the Theotokos Zhitenny Monastery on Zhitenny Island has resumed its liturgical life. The first Divine Liturgy in the restored Smolensk Church was celebrated August 10, the feast of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God — considered the monastery’s founding day.
Metropolitan Ambrose of Tver led the All-Night Vigil with an Akathist on the eve of the feast, followed by the Liturgy the next morning with local and visiting clergy. In his remarks, he praised the great labors of Abbess Elisabeth, the sisters, and all who contributed to the monastery’s revival, calling the day “a historic event” for both the monastic community and the faithful.
A procession with the Smolensk Icon followed the service, along with a festive reception and concert organized by the monastery school. Founded in 1716 by decree of Peter I to house the miraculous Smolensk Icon, the monastery flourished until its closure in 1929. Reopened as a convent in 2002, it has since been extensively restored, with active liturgical, charitable, and agricultural life.
