Zloti Monastery in Moldova
Monasteries of Moldova
- Capriana
- Butuceni
- Tiganesti
- Cosauti
- Harbovat
- Harjauca
- Dobrusa
- Curchi
Zloti Monastery is situated in the South side of Basarabia, 15 km away from Cainari town.
The monastery’s name comes from a village nearby, if translated from Slavonic, it means “golden coins.”
This monastery is situated on the place where a former building was standing, the foundation of which was destroyed. The old Zloti Monastery was funded in 1941 by hegumen Serafim Dabija, who came here from the Suruceni Monastery, and hieromonk Grigore from Noul Neamt Monastery. The hermitage belonged to the Tighina Bishopric, but after some time it was declared independent.
The monastery was closed in 1949 and father Serafim deported to Siberia. The entire monastery’s fortune was taken to Suruceni Monastery. The agricultural household from the locality turned the monastery’s church into a stable, and the cells – in storehouses. In 1970 the monastic complex was completely destroyed.
A legend says that some time in the 19th century a shepherd had a vision of Holy Virgin saying that after 100 years a monastery will be erected on this place.
In March, 1995, the former Zloti monastic settlement was re-established as a hermitage of the Noul Neamt Monastery.
The new church’s project was drawn up by architects from Tighina. The church’s foundation with the celebration of Saint George festival, was hallowed in August, 1995 by archimandrite Dorimedont, the abbot of Noul Neamt Monastery.
During 1995-1996 a body of houses, the priory, which included the kitchen and the refectories, were built. The Holy Virgin’s chapel, which is situated nearby the main church, was hallowed as well in that period. It is a chapel of small dimensions, of rectangular shape, with a vestibule above which a belfry raises up. The interior is simply designed; the walls are adorned with icons painted by monk Iov, as layman named Mihail Boboc.
Beginning with 1998, all the church services are solemnized in Russian in this chapel due to the fact that Russians and Orthodox Turks were living in the villages nearby.
Translated from Romanian by Leca Olga, Moldova.ORG