Organization of internal life and socio-economic development of the Sursky Convent in the early 20th century

Abstract

The article comprehensively studied the history of the convent founded by Father John of Kronstadt in his homeland in the village of Sura, Pinezhsky district, Arkhangelsk region. The unrelenting interest in Father John requires the study and history of the Sura St. John the Theologian Convent. Numerous studies dedicated to the saint practically do not affect the history of the Sura monastery. An analysis of the features of the formation and development of the Sura Monastery contributes to the study of female monasticism and monastic construction in the Russian North. The revival of the monastery today implies close attention to its history. The article, written with the involvement of a large array of unpublished materials, creates a general picture of monastic life. The circumstances and reasons for the founding are indicated, the architectural ensemble of the Sura Monastery is presented. An assessment of the economic activity of the monastery is given. The circumstances of the emergence of farmsteads in Arkhangelsk and St. Petersburg and the monastery skete in Letovskaya Grove are briefly outlined. The often hidden and least explored inner life of the monastery is touched upon. Relations with the world are presented with an emphasis on the social service of the monastery.