New monastic community founded in the Cherkasy Eparchy of UOC
The sisterhood in Melniki was visited by Archbishop Feodosiy of Cherkasy and Kanev. Photo: cherkasy.church.ua
In the village of Melniki of the Chihirin district, Cherkasy region, a new monastic monastery of the icon of the Mother of God "I am with you and no one is with you" was founded, reports the website of the Cherkasy Eparchy.
Several sisters in Christ, with the blessing of Archbishop Feodosiy of Cherkasy and Kanev, lead a solitary prayer life, equip a church, build cells, etc. A small subsidiary farm helps to provide food.
The sisterhood does not yet have the official status of the UOC monastery, but Archbishop Feodosiy will ask the Holy Synod about it if the community expands and strengthens spiritually, the eparchy noted.
The Bishop of Cherkasy visited the sisters in the village of Melniki and wished them “God's blessings in the creation of both internal, spiritual life, and in the arrangement of communal life”. Vladyka appointed a senior sister for the community – nun Hierothea (Stefura).
In addition to the sisterhood, there are now 8 monasteries in the Cherkasy Eparchy: 5 for women and 3 for men. There are 218 monks and nuns living in them, of whom 141 are tonsured.
As reported, the OCU said that they are experiencing a crisis of "monastic" vocation.
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