The Address Upon the Presentation of the Staff to Hegumenia Olympia (Salopeko), Prioress of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in Karaganda

Your Reverence,

Most Honorable Mother Olympia!

By the ineffable providence of God, revealed through the will of the ecclesiastical authority, you have been chosen and appointed to the high calling of church service—to become the prioress of the monastic community in honor of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in the city of Karaganda.

For nearly a quarter of a century, you have labored in this holy place, founded by the “Servant of the Holy Trinity,” the last elder of Optina and the heavenly patron of Kazakhstan—Saint Sebastian the Confessor of Karaganda. Now, you are called to lead a monastery well-known in the Orthodox world and beloved by many faithful, a spiritual jewel of the Metropolitan District.

The Psalmist David turns to the Lord saying, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands” (Psalm 143:5).

Reflecting on both the bright and tragic pages of the history of Orthodoxy, on the spiritual feats of our pious fathers and mentors, studying the lives and spiritual legacy of the righteous and confessors of the faith, strengthens us on the path to salvation, helps us find answers in difficult situations, teaches us to acquire virtues and avoid evil. The examples of God’s saints are meant to inspire us and to inspire those around us.

Your monastic formation took place under the guidance of the ever-memorable Schema-Hegumenia Sebastiania (Zhukova)—the spiritual daughter of Saint Sebastian of Karaganda. From the holy elder, she received the traditions of monastic labor, deep prayer, and love for people.

Now, you are called not only to preserve the knowledge and practical skills bequeathed to you by your spiritual mother and mentor but also to pass them on to the sisters of the monastery, diligently instructing the pilgrims and faithful in the Christian faith, in all goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:9).

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16).

These words of the Savior, which He spoke to the apostles, are now addressed to you. May they always resonate in your heart as a call from Christ to diligent labor in the field of monastic endeavor. Human strength alone is insufficient to fulfill all that the Lord commands us, so always strive to remain in Christ, for without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Endeavor to remain in prayer, directing your thoughts at all times toward Him Who, as the Psalmist says, is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Saint Basil the Great teaches: “Let there be but one thing to avoid—sin, and one refuge in adversity—God.”

I call upon you to be a diligent and like-minded assistant to Archbishop Sebastian of Karaganda and Shakhtinsk, under whose guidance the church life in Karaganda is being built today.

Approach with discernment and spiritual wisdom the consideration of those who desire to take monastic vows in the community entrusted to your care.

Let your service as hegumenia fulfill the words of the Savior: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).