At the Holy Ascension Convent located in Dubovka, a crypt containing the relics of the first abbess, Vitalia, who managed the convent from 1876 to 1904, was discovered during excavation work. It is believed that the chapel above her grave was destroyed in the early years of persecution against the church, but the crypt remained untouched. Workers found the relics of the abbess with a paraman, part of monastic vestments, two wooden crosses, a coffin with remnants of upholstery, and a small bottle of oil. According to Sergey Ivanov, press secretary of the Volgograd Diocese, the buried woman was wearing leather slippers and knee pads. Abbess Vitalia came from a non-commissioned officer family, received a good education, and served at the Saratov Exaltation of the Holy Cross Monastery, from where she was sent to Dubovka. Under her leadership, the convent flourished: the number of monks increased, a majestic cathedral was built, and a water mill, brick factory, and charitable institutions were established. In 1888, she was awarded a gold pectoral cross by the Holy Synod, and in 1892 she received the rank of abbess.

On May 31, 1891, the Holy Synod decided to transform the Dubovka women's community into a dormitory monastery, preserving a charitable institution and a school for orphaned girls. A photograph of the abbess with two Kalmyk girls from the orphanage, who were left at the monastery by Kalmyks during hungry winters, has been preserved. In July 1904, due to illness, Abbess Vitalia requested to be relieved of her duties. She passed away on November 25, 1907, at the age of 77. A chapel with an eternal lamp before the icon was erected at her grave near the cathedral on the left side of the altar.