The largest Russian convent hosts pilgrims to celebrate Christmas

Hundreds of pilgrims are gathering to celebrate Christmas, celebrated on the 7th on January in Russia, in the village of Diveyevo in the Nizhny Novgorod region. They will celebrate the holiday in the historic convent there.

The village of Diveevo is more than 400 kilometers to the East of Moscow. That Russia’s largest convent has been attracting pilgrims and worshippers for centuries. The legend has it that the Mother of God herself indicated this place for a great convent to be built. So, venerated it is among the country’s believers, many change their lives to come here.

The convent began its history in the 18th century. It went through tough times during the Soviet era: the churches were used as warehouses. The Soviet-era heritage is still there. However, the convent began its rebirth after the fall of the USSR. This land is crisscrossed by pilgrims – 200,000 of them from around the world come here every year.

The convent is said to be a place of miracles and prophecies. Diveevo is also known for its holy springs.
Sergey Polyansky coaches a region’s basketball team. Coming here before a game is a tradition.

“This is a holy land. We often come here with families. It’s our history; it’s a place where good things happen. I’ve come here with a cold and I know that on the way back I’ll be fine. All the coughs and colds are cured here. This water cures,” he says.

However, those who don’t want to brave the icy water can still take some home.

Summers are busier, but for Christmas so many pilgrims arrive, the hotels in the village are full. And at night time when the lit up churches seem to float in the crisp air it feels like the peaceful spirit is truly there.