“You appeared as adornments of the Russian lands, the head nuns of the Diveyevo monastery, our venerable mothers Alexandra, Martha, and Elena, who kept on their promise to the Queen of Heaven and won boldness before the Lord, pray before the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity for the salvation of our souls.” With the words from troparion, we glorify the venerable saints of Diveyevo on this day.

The day of uncovering of the relics of Venerable Alexandra, Martha, and Elena of Diveyevo at the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery is celebrated as their remembrance day combined as well as the patronal feast of one of the side chapels of Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral.

Venerable Alexandra, Martha, and Elena, the head nuns of Diveyevo, are three wondrous pillars that reinforced the founding of the Diveyevo monastery.

The ardent faith and unceasing deeds of asceticism marked the lives of the Diveyevo founders. To this day, they serve as fine examples of monastic life. The intercession of venerable women of Diveyevo bolsters up the restored Diveyevo monastery.

Venerable Seraphim of Sarov prophesied that all three of the ascetics, Alexandra, Martha, and Elena, will be glorified as saints and their relics will find rest in the monastery.

The great elder’s prophecy was fulfilled in 2000 when the God-pleasing saints Schema nun Alexandra (Melgunova), Schema nun Martha (Melyukova), and nun Elena (Manturova) were consecrated local saints of the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese.

The uncovering of their relics took place on September 26, 2000, on the feast of Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.

A. Smirnov, Senior fellow of Archeology Institute of Russia’s Academy of Science directed the excavation work. During the archeological excavations, the clergy took turns serving the panikhida services and funeral chants alternated with paschal hymns. Once the holy relics were uncovered, they were laid in simple wooden coffins and, with the singing of “Holy God,” were carried to the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, just as Father Seraphim had prophesied.

On this memorable day, the Vigil, paraklesis with water blessing and Divine Liturgy were served at the side chapel of Venerable saints Alexandra, Martha, and Elena of Diveyevo. A prayer service was held before their relics at the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God.