The St. Elisabeth Convent, located on the outskirts of Minsk in the Novinki district, is an active women's Orthodox monastery of the Minsk Diocese of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. Founded in 1999, it is named after Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna Romanova, who was canonized in 1992. This monastery is the only active monastery in the capital of Belarus and plays an important role in the spiritual life of believers.
History and Spiritual Mission
The history of St. Elisabeth Convent is closely linked to the namesake Sisterhood, which is actively involved in charity and spiritual assistance. The sisters of the monastery provide support to patients in various hospitals in Minsk, including the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health. An important area of the monastery's activity is helping people with special psychophysical needs. They work in psychiatric institutions, homes for children with disabilities, as well as other medical facilities.
The sisters of the monastery are actively involved in charity and the rehabilitation of those who find themselves in difficult life situations. The monastery provides shelter to people in need of help and spiritual support, including former prisoners, the homeless, alcoholics, and drug addicts. In the vicinity of the monastery, in its farmsteads, men and women suffering from various addictions undergo rehabilitation. Under the guidance of the monastic community, they work on farms, in gardens, and in the monastery's workshops, producing souvenirs, clothing, and church items.
Workshops and Monastery Products
St. Elisabeth Convent is known for its workshops where both nuns and novices work. The icon-painting, mosaic, ceramic, and woodcarving workshops create religious items, icons, and interior decorations for churches. The monastery also has blacksmith and metal engraving workshops where metal products are made. In the sewing and embroidery workshops, vestments for clergy, Orthodox clothing for laypeople, and various souvenirs are produced.
The products made in the monastery are in demand not only among the residents of Minsk and numerous pilgrims but also at Orthodox fairs in Russia and abroad. Souvenirs, baked goods, tea, and other products from the monastery attract visitors with their uniqueness and quality, as they are all made from environmentally friendly products grown on the monastery's own farms.
In addition, the monastery is engaged in educational activities. It has a film studio known for its work, including a series of films called “Parables” and animated films for children. The monastery also produces a weekly children's program “Lighthouse’s Little Room,” which helps the younger generation better understand Orthodox traditions and values.
Churches and Relics
The architectural ensemble of the monastery includes eight churches, among which the main one is the St. Elisabeth Church, where relics of saints are kept. The first church built at the monastery was the St. Nicholas Church. An important element of the monastery is the church dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sovereign,” adorned with unique Byzantine mosaics. In its crypt is the church in honor of the Royal Martyrs, with a marble font for baptisms. This church, as well as other churches of the monastery, have become centers of attraction for believers.
The monastery grounds include a refectory, monastic shops, and residential buildings where the nuns live. In the shops, you can purchase souvenirs, icons, church vestments, as well as creams, tea, and monastery products. Many of the items are handmade by the nuns of the monastery and have a blessing for use by believers.
Social and Pilgrimage Activities
St. Elisabeth Convent actively supports social projects. The monastery has a pilgrimage service that organizes trips to holy places both in Belarus and abroad. Comfortable conditions have been created for visitors to the monastery. Anyone can join pilgrimage trips or stay at the monastery for spiritual rest and reflection. A special feature of the monastery is also its patronage service, which helps those in need of spiritual support and even offers assistance with burials.
The monastery also participates in international Orthodox fairs. One of these fairs, called “With Love from Belarus,” was held in 2016, where the monastery presented its products and souvenirs and also organized puppet shows for children. Such events help popularize Orthodox traditions and draw attention to spiritual values.
A Place of Tranquility and Spiritual Peace
St. Elisabeth Convent is not only a spiritual center but also a place where everyone can find peace and tranquility. The well-kept gardens and architectural beauty of the monastery create an atmosphere of grace and serenity, helping believers detach from the hustle and bustle of the world and find inner peace. For those seeking answers to life's questions or experiencing spiritual turmoil, a visit to the monastery can be a source of inspiration and support.
The monastery is open to all: both to those who firmly follow Orthodox traditions and to those who are just beginning to search for a spiritual path.