The Experience of Deaconesses in Europe as a Basis for Organising a Marfo-Mariinsky Convent of Mercy

Abstract

The article explores the attempt to revive the order of deaconesses, which existed since antiquity, by Grand Duchess Elisabeth Feodorovna in the Marfo-Mariinsky Convent founded by her in Moscow, in Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century. Raised in the European tradition of charity and benevolence, the Grand Duchess Elisabeth transferred her experience of charitable ministry to the Russian land. The article demonstrates that the idea of reviving the order of deaconesses was met with a mixed public reaction. “A Great Undertaking in Moscow” was the title of the article on the founding of the Marfo-Mariinsky Convent by the famous philosopher Vasily Rozanov. At the same time Bishop Hermogenes (Dolganov) of Saratov was categorically against the institution of deaconesses, mentioning in the heat of the debate that the idea of reviving the order was “muddled with Protestant yeast”. The article outlines the complex process of discussing the question of deaconesses. The Synod considered it in two sessions, in March and November–December 1911. Since the Synod failed to arrive at a unified position, it was decided to postpone consideration of the issue to the Local Council. However, the 1917–1918 Council never had time to reach a decision on the diaconesses, as its sessions were discontinued under pressure from the Soviet authorities. The question of re-establishing the order of deaconesses on a full scale is not on the current agenda. Nevertheless, the experience of early twentieth-century Russia is quite relevant and needed today.