Holy Zechariah and Elisabeth Skete.

Skete of Holy and Righteous Zechariah and Elisabeth.

The essence of monastic life completely reflects the old Russian word - a monk, which means "different" (not like everyone else.) The monks tried to leave this mortal coil, find solitude for praying to the Lord and attain the heavenly world.
Those were the people, whom the Lord refers to in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew. 5 :13-16

The modern world with all its temptations distracts people from the main thing - the service of God. But in spite of all the obstacles and temptations, even today there are people are willing to devote their lives to God, and here at the St. Zechariah and Elisabeth Skete they can realize their desire. Thanks to years of efforts of Bishop Alexey, fraternity, monastery laborers and inhabitants, the Skeet is strengthened and grows, having continuous support of trustees and benefactors.

It is enough to look at this map and compare it with what has already been done in the hardest conditions of the global economic crisis - it is clear even for all the doubters that this good beginning cannot be done without the help of God:

• the Church of the Holy and Righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth is built up to the roof
• completing works are being made in fraternal body, it will be possible to populate cells soon
• the Chapel of All Saints and "House of schemamonk" were completed, the well in the name of St. Seraphim Sarovsky is covered with a dome room and the Sanctification of water can already be served in there.
• a coenobitic building of the "House of Diligence" and workshops of icons, woodwork, clothing, furniture shop and blacksmith shop were completed
• a production building of the "House of Diligence" is actively settling down and expanding
• a room of Bakery in the name of the Holy Prochor Lebednik was completed
• a poultry house was built, storage facilities were equipped.

And this is not a completed list of buildings constituting the monastery complex of St. John monastery.
There are all conditions for the realization of the social rehabilitation project "House of Diligence."

All of this would be impossible without the help of hundreds of people willing to participate in a God-pleasing affair of building the temple: donators, trustees and benefactors.
Thus, a lot of people, who want to follow the path of salvation - to serve God and neighbor, are being united around the monastery.

We invite everyone to visit the monastery of St. John and make their own contribution for this good beginning that will be completed for the Glory of God.