The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

JERUSALEM: July 19, 2010
Gethsemane Convent Celebrates the Memory of SS Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Nun Varvara

On the evening of July 17, 2010, Archimandrite Isidor, Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem (Moscow Patriarchate), headed all-night vigil on the eve of the feast days of St Sergius of Radonezh and Holy Martyrs Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Nun Varvara at St Mary Magdalene Convent in Gethsemane. The relics of the two saints are preserved in this monastery.

On the feast day itself, July 18, Divine Liturgy was celebrated here: Fr Isidor was joined in service by clergymen of the Moscow Patriarchate and of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and also visiting priests from Russia. At the end of Liturgy, Fr Isidor greeted Abbess Elizabeth of Gethsemane Convent, who celebrated her namesday that day. Abbess Georgia of nearby Gorny Convent also came for the celebrations and to congratulate Mother Elizabeth, along with her nuns and numerous parishioners. A trapeza feast was then offered to all in the courtyard in front of the church.