The Memory of Abbess Rafaela (Vasylenko) Prayerfully Commemorated in Astana

On February 4, 2026, two years passed since the repose in the Lord of Abbess Rafaela (Vasylenko), the Superior of the women’s monastery in the city of Astana dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking of the Lost”.

Following the Divine Liturgy at the Alexander Nevsky Church of the women’s monastery in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking of the Lost” in Astana, which was presided over by the Dean of the capital church district, Archimandrite Sergiy (Karamyshev), a memorial litany was served for the reposed Abbess.

Before the beginning of the memorial service, Archimandrite Sergiy spoke about the meaning and importance of the Church’s commemoration of the departed and called upon all those present to offer fervent prayer for the ever-memorable Abbess Rafaela.

Praying during the service were: the Superior of the monastery in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking of the Lost”, Abbess Sevastianna (Plotnikova), together with the sisters of the convent; clergy of the Astana deanery; staff of the diocesan administration; pilgrims; and parishioners of the church.

After the conclusion of the litany, the clergy, the Abbess with the sisters, and the faithful proceeded to the monastery necropolis at the city cemetery, where the ever-memorable Abbess Rafaela is buried.

Following a common prayer, the Dean of the Astana church district laid flowers at the memorial grave crosses, after which those gathered chanted “Memory Eternal” for Matushka Rafaela.