The Cherubic Hymn (fragment), performed by the choir of the monastic sisters and laity during the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God, January 9, 2026.

TOWARDS A LIVING CONFESSION Download this e‑book today with a donation: obitel-minsk.org/en/e-book-towa… Your support helps us educate readers and share more transformative resources like this one.

THE TRISAGION IN DIFFERENT CHANT TRADITIONS Listen as the same eternal words—“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us”—are lifted up in unique melodies, each expressing the same awe before the Divine mystery. 📷 Watch and listen here: youtube.com/watch?v=vjhjDy…

WHY TAKE YOUR CHILDREN TO CHURCH?

OUR JOURNEY TO PASCHA 2026 Our sisters believe in the power of prayer. If you or a loved one are in need of prayerful support, we invite you to submit your request using the link: obitel-minsk.org/prayer-request… The sisters will remember you in their prayers throughout the Lenten season.

Our monastic community will honour Blessed Xenia with special services on February 5-6. If you need her intercession—whether for health, family, housing, justice, or any other struggle—please feel free to submit your prayer requests here: obitel-minsk.org/prayer-request…

On February 5, 2006—twenty years ago today—the renowned elder Archimandrite John (Krestiankin) fell asleep in the Lord. As a spiritual father of the Pskov-Caves Monastery, he became one of the most beloved contemporary spiritual guides.

As the fasting period approaches, we invite you to bring families together with "Cooking Like a Nun-2" – our e-cookbook crafted with both kitchen novices and experienced cooks in mind. Download "Cooking Like a Nun-2" with a donation today: obitel-minsk.org/en/e-book-cook…

The Song of the Theotokos (fragment), performed by the Male Choir of St Elisabeth Convent during the evening service to Saint Maximus the Greek at St Elisabeth's Church on February 2, 2026.

PROCESSION OF THE CROSS The Procession of the Cross is a solemn church procession from one church to another or to a designated location, accompanied by icons, the Gospel, Khorugvs, other sacred items from the church, and a large altar Cross, which gives the procession its name.

Today marks the 70th birthday of a beloved and active member of our community, Lyubov Kovalenko. A sister of mercy since the 1990s, she has touched countless lives, helping others to discover God. Watch her story here: youtube.com/watch?v=C4Vko2…

On February 6, we celebrated the patronal feast day in the house church of a residential care home under the spiritual guidance of our monastery. Our sisters are regular visitors, offering companionship and spiritual support to the residents.

On February 6, our house church of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg—located within a care home for people with disabilities—celebrated its patronal feast. We joined the residents in prayer to Mother Xenia, followed by a procession with the cross and a festive tea gathering.

SEEKING SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM'S INTERCESSION As we prepare to celebrate his feast day on February 9, we warmly invite you to send your prayer requests for the festive services. Please share your prayer needs through this link: obitel-minsk.org/prayer-request…

SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON—FEBRUARY 8, 2026 Great Lent begins in just two weeks. Photo: "The Parable of the Prodigal Son," 2017, artist Elena Cherkasova

On February 9 (January 27), the Orthodox Church commemorates the translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom from Comana to Constantinople. Photo: a hand-painted icon of Saint John Chrysostom in oklad, created in the icon-painting studio of St Elisabeth Convent.

February 7 marks the 120th birthday of St Porphyrios Kavsokalivite, one of the most renowned Athonite elders of the twentieth century. A modern-day saint, he reposed in the Lord on December 2, 1991, and was glorified by the Church just over two decades later, on December 1, 2013.

On the first Saturday of February, schools across the country hold alumni reunions, and ours was no exception. Graduates of “Ichthys” now attending universities, returned to reconnect with former classmates and beloved teachers. Photos by Brother John.