Guatemala, March 27, 2015
The Russian Federation’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov had a meeting in Guatemala with Abbess of the Orthodox Convent of the Holy and Life-Giving Trinity (Lavra of Mambre) near the city of Guatemala, Mother Ines (Ayau Garcia), reports RIA-Novosti. This convent belongs to the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch.
Mr. Lavrov donated to Mother Ines an Icon of Holy Greatmartyr George the Victory-Bearer, one of the most venerated saints in Guatemala, for their church.
The Holy Trinity Convent
At the age of 36, Mother Ines radically changed her life when she left a Catholic monastic order and became an Orthodox nun. This was a long path.
“When I became a Catholic nun aged 20, I was given a book on St. Seraphim of Sarov and his conversation with N. A. Motovilov in Spanish to read. Then I was given two more books: one from Russia – the Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus, and another one in Greek – on the Divine Liturgy by St. Gregory Palamas. This opened my eyes and heart and inspired me to continue seeking. And 16 years later I discovered Orthodoxy,” she related.
The Holy Trinity Convent was founded by Mother Ines and Sister Maria (Amistoso) in April 1986.
The convent’s church is built in the traditional Russian style.
