Word at the Presentation of the Staff to the Abbess of the Monastery of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God and the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in the Village of Oktyabrskoye, Kostanay Region, Abbess Nika (Otroshchenko)

Your Reverence, Most Honorable Mother Nika!

The Almighty God, who declares the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done (Isaiah 46:10), has shown His mercy upon the land of Kostanay – from nothingness, a venerable monastery, dedicated to the Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, has been revived here. The heavenly patrons of the restored monastery of the “Good Gatekeeper” are the foremost Apostles Peter and Paul. You, Mother Nika, have been chosen by the Church authorities to be its first abbess. It is noteworthy that you are beginning your duties as abbess in this special year, marked by the 140th anniversary of the founding of the historic monastery.

The land of Kostanay is your homeland; it was here that, from the clergy who bore the trials of persecution as confessors of the faith, you received your first lessons in faith and piety. It was here that you labored in the ancient churches that miraculously survived the godless times. Now, you are called to labor with even greater zeal in your native land for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, revealing the talents and abilities granted to you by the Creator. Do not fear the mission entrusted to you, for its purpose is high and salvific – to bear witness to both near and far about the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Remember the wise words of St. John Chrysostom: “The one who teaches, teaches not only with words but also with deeds; this is the best teaching of a teacher.” If you work diligently, with reverence and purity of heart, for the Lord, then like the holy Apostle Paul, you will be able to say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). In the monastery under your leadership, everyone who comes seeking advice and support should be welcomed – both the churched and those just beginning their spiritual ascent, as well as those still outside the walls of the Holy Church.

Do not be puffed up by the position of the abbess, but rather, be simple and accessible to all – the sisters and pilgrims, the clergy and the laity. Accept the will of the Church authorities with humility and meekness. St. Ephraim the Syrian warns: “Pride is like a tall rotten tree, with brittle branches. And if anyone climbs upon it, he will immediately fall from its height.”

Living faith, based on the power of God, must be confirmed by a sincere desire to serve one’s neighbor, to help the suffering and the destitute, to comfort the weeping and the sorrowful. The monastic community must be a place of genuine love, for as the Apostle says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). Let the words of the Apostle Peter be a guide for you and the sisters of the monastery: “Be of one mind, compassionate, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous, humble-minded” (1 Peter 3:8).

“God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1), exclaims the psalmist David. These words should resonate especially deeply with you today. Do not forget them on all the other days of your life. Seek support for your human strength in the Divine grace, which is gained through fervent prayer, sincere repentance, and regular participation in the Holy Eucharist.

Receive, Mother Nika, this staff and remember that with it, you also accept great responsibility for the sisters of the Iveron-Petropavlovsk Monastery and for the revival of this ancient holy place.