The Holy John Women's Monastery, located on the banks of the Karpovka River in the Petrograd district of St. Petersburg, is known for being founded by John of Kronstadt. He was the rector of the Andreevsky Cathedral in Kronstadt, a philanthropist, a staunch monarchist, and an opponent of revolutionaries, as well as a recognized miracle worker and saint, canonized in 1990. In the world, he was known as John Sergiev. The monastery is named after his spiritual patron, John of Rila, and the relics of the saint are kept in the church.

History of the Monastery

The John Women's Monastery was built in the Neo-Byzantine style, characteristic of its time. The project was developed by diocesan architect Nikolai Nikонов. In his native village of Sure in the Arkhangelsk province, John Sergiev founded the John the Theologian Women's Monastery, and in St. Petersburg, he decided to create its dependency. He received the land for the monastery as a gift from merchant Simeon Ramensky.

Construction of the monastery began in May 1900, and within three years, the dependency became a convent, receiving first-class status. The monastery's cathedral, with its multicolored tiles, bell tower, and stained glass, includes the lower church of John of Rila and the upper church of the Twelve Apostles. The church on the lower floor was consecrated on December 17, 1901, and by 1902, the construction of chapels and churches was completed. Thanks to donations, the main cathedral and its chapels were consecrated.

Father John had great love for the monastery, often living there and helping to solve household issues. In 1908, he was buried in the monastery at his own request. His tomb of white marble is located in the burial church, and the relics are considered miraculous.

By 1917, the monastery provided for itself with clothing and food. Its territory included an orphanage, a hospital, cells, sewing workshops, a garden, and a vegetable patch. 350 sisters actively engaged in charity, as the founder had bequeathed to them.

Priest from Kronstadt

John Sergiev was a unique personality, not fitting the stereotypes of saints. Born into a poor priest's family, he realized from childhood his calling to serve people. After studying at the Spiritual Academy in St. Petersburg, he chose Kronstadt for his service, where he married the daughter of a priest and served for 56 years.

He dreamed of helping the needy and actively engaged in charity, giving away everything he had. Father John not only heard confessions and administered communion but also provided material assistance. He created the 'House of Labor', where the poor could earn food and shelter.

His activities were supported by the state, and Kronstadt became a center of pilgrimage. John of Kronstadt embodied the idea of sharing with the poor, and many willingly participated in his charity.

A monarchist by conviction, he condemned radical actions and Jewish pogroms. His services attracted thousands of people, and he became a hero of the secular press. He used his fame for charity, donating significant sums for the construction of schools and churches.

The Monastery during the Soviets

After the revolution, the monastery was transformed into a labor commune and then liquidated. The churches were handed over to the 'renovationists', and the burial place of John of Kronstadt was sealed off. In the 1930s, the nuns were arrested and exiled.

The revival of the monastery began in 1989. It was returned to the Church, and the nuns of the Pyukhtitsky Monastery restored the lower church. In 1991, the upper church was consecrated, and the monastery became stavropegial.

All buildings of the monastery have been restored to their historical appearance. A museum has been opened in the burial place, and on the second floor of the church, the personal quarters of John of Kronstadt have been restored. The monastery venerates several relics, including the tomb of the first abbess and icons. On October 10, a pilgrimage cross was consecrated in memory of the new martyrs and confessors of the Russian Church.