At the Orthodox Monastery of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin in Klausen, solemn services and festive events took place on the occasion of the patronal feast. During these festive days, more than three hundred faithful visited the monastery. Many pilgrims from Luxembourg, Bavaria, Belgium and Paris gathered in the holy abode. The residents of Klausen themselves, as well as guests of honour, came to share in the joy of the celebration. The feast became a shining witness to Christian unity, communion in prayer and good neighbourliness, uniting spiritual tradition and modernity.
The Divine Liturgy on the eve of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin was presided over by our dean, Archpriest Mikhail Buk, assisted by the parish rector, Archpriest Timophey Kitnis, and Priest Arseny Savchuk. On the day of the patronal feast itself, the service was presided over by the rector, concelebrating with Archpriest Ioann, rector of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Luxembourg.
After the divine service, the rector of the monastery, Priest Timophey Kitnis, addressed the faithful and guests with a word of welcome. He warmly greeted all those present, stressing that the monastery’s doors are always open to anyone seeking spiritual support, the protection of prayer and the peace of Christ’s consolation.
The particular attention of those taking part in the festivities was drawn by the addresses and the presence of the guests of honour. The mayor of the town of Klausen, Mr Jürgen Waide, stressed the important role of the monastery in the cultural and spiritual life of the municipality, describing as a symbol of new beginnings the “open doors” of the holy abode, which go beyond borders and unite people of different cultures. The rector of the Catholic Church of the Visitation of the Holy Virgin, Father Albert, expressed his gratitude for the spiritual inspiration that the presence of the Orthodox community brings to the region.
After the common Sunday prayer, the festive programme continued with a concert organised by one of the singers of the monastery choir, Arthur Rasin, a musician and violinist well known in Trier.
A charity fair, organised with care and love by the community of the monastery’s sisters, was also held. The sisters prepared homemade pies and cakes, as well as grilled dishes. All the funds raised from the sale of these dishes at the market will be used for the future embellishment of the monastery’s churches.
The central event of the cultural programme of the feast was the presentation of the concept of the future museum complex: “The Heritage of Klausen: the Apparition of the Holy Virgin, the Faith and the Destinies of the von Spee and von Galen Families”. The presentation was led by the curator of the museum project, Elizaveta Kitnis.
Among the guests of honour present at the presentation of the museum project was a renowned historian, Dr Marco Brösch, director of the library of the Gutenberg Museum.
The museum project on the monastery grounds provides for the creation of a unique interactive and inclusive space, where the historical heritage of the 17th to the 20th century — including the history of the former Dominican monastery — will be harmoniously combined with modern museum technologies. The museum complex will include a historic guesthouse, the outdoor trail “The Way of the Holy Virgin”, an interactive “Well of Time” and a tea room equipped with a monastic oven.
The organisers and the project team intend to carry out this major initiative over the next two to three years. The future museum promises to become a major new point of attraction for pilgrims, tourists and all those interested in the rich history and spiritual heritage of Klausen.
Archpriest Timophey Kitnis