On June 10, the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery solemnly celebrates the memory of Venerable Elena of Diveyevo. Her relics rest at the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God next to the venerable saints Alexandra and Martha.

On this day, Vigil service, the Divine Liturgy and a prayer service with akathist were served at Venerable Elena’s relics.

The life of the Diveyevo’s ascetic was characterized by fervent faith and unabated spiritual zeal. She was born to the noble family of the Manturovs on a family estate not far from Diveyevo in the village of Noucha and named Elena in holy baptism.

Her life resembles the lives of Christian ascetics who engaged themselves in the battle against spiritual wickedness in high places. She had a vision of a huge fiery dragon. Dumbfounded by this vision, Elena Vasilyevna pleaded the Mother of God to help her and took an oath to never get married and enter the monastery.

Nun Elena spent her life in constant prayer, contemplation, and silence in complete obedience to Venerable Seraphim. Inherently unusually kind, Elena Vasilyevna did secret acts of mercy ceaselessly and abundantly.

The last days of her life and death were truly remarkable. Father Seraphim summoned Elena Vasilyevna and blessed her to accept death in place of her brother, Mikhail Vasilyevich, the benefactor and builder of the Diveyevo monastery. He fell grievously ill and was on his deathbed but still desperately needed for the monastery. Matushka Elena meekly and humbly accepted father’s words and peacefully passed away unto the Lord a few days later. During her last days, the Lord bestowed her with amazing visions.

Nun Elena was told about the day of her death and she saw the vision of the saints in heavenly places. She also met the Lord in the form of unspeakable fire, whereas the Queen of Heaven and the angels appeared to visit her. Nun Elena died in 1832 at the age of twenty-seven having spent only seven years at the Diveyevo monastery.

Venerable Seraphim used to tell that her soul, like a dove, ascended to the Holy Trinity and that, when the time comes, her relics would stay at the monastery.