A Monastic Revival: The Russian Orthodox Church
Stella Rock sees a renaissance of religious traditions at what was one of Russia’s most vibrant monasteries before the Soviet purge.
The Russian Orthodox Church has played a powerful role in post-Soviet society’s efforts to reassess and reclaim the pre-revolutionary past – it has canonised Tsar Nicholas II, rebuilt ruined monuments, researched and commemorated Christians persecuted by the Soviet regime. The revival of its monasteries is one of the most astonishing aspects of this process. While Western convents are closing and selling their property, the reverse is happening in Russia: monasteries and convents are reclaiming – or recreating – the physical and spiritual fabric of their pasts.
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