In late July and early August 2026, the Seraphim-Diveyevo Convent launched a About the Project to recreate lost historical lamps (lampadas). Among the items being restored are lamps presented by Emperor Nicholas II and members of the Imperial House in 1903 for the celebrations of the glorification of Saint Seraphim of Sarov. These lamps were lost during the Soviet period.[1][2]

Progress of the work

The project is being carried out by the jewelry workshop "Ioann Master." The restoration draws on archival materials: the "Diveyevo Album," the album "Views of the Sarov Hermitage," and photographic records of the 1903 celebrations. The jewelers are striving to preserve the historical appearance of the items while ensuring the reliability and functionality of the structures through the use of modern materials. The work is being carried out with the participation of the monastery's council of sisters and architects.[1]

In late July 2026, the first recreated lamp was handed over to the monastery. It was lit before the icon of the Mother of God "Tenderness" (Umileniye) — the icon before which, according to the testament of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, a paraclesis to the Mother of God is performed every Sunday.[1][2]

Originator of the idea

The project's leader is Timur Georgiyevich Nosov, an Orthodox jeweler known by the name Ioann Master. The idea took shape under the impression of trips to Mount Athos, where his attention was drawn to a lamp bearing donor inscriptions — a memorial gift from people whose names were preserved at the shrine after their deaths. One of the workshop's earlier initiatives was the project "Light a Personalized Lamp on Athos."[1]

Documentary film and screening

As part of the project, a documentary film about the recreation of the historical lamps is planned — in both a television and an extended version. The television channels "Spas" and "Soyuz" are being considered as possible venues for the screening. The premiere is scheduled for December 2026.[1]

Seraphim of Sarov

Saint Seraphim of Sarov is the heavenly patron of the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery and the central figure whose veneration is inseparably linked with the history of the convent. His feast day — August 1 — is observed at the monastery as the main patronal feast. In 2026 the celebrations in honor of the saint were marked with particular grandeur: the liturgy was led by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, and about 7,500 believers from across the country gathered on the monastery square.

Sources

  1. Vremya N — Project to restore lost historical lamps launched at the Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery
  2. diveevo-monastyr.ru — The tsar's lamp recreated for the Diveyevo Monastery