Archaeologists have uncovered a well-preserved Byzantine-era monastery in the Negev, a desert region of southern Israel, near the Biblical town of Beersheba.
Archaeobotanical examination and pollen analysis of samples collected during excavations beneath the ancient basilica's floor revealed evidence of olive trees and grapevines.
Floodwaters infiltrated not only the church itself but also the living quarters on the ground floor. The roof was damaged, the interior furnishings was rendered unusable, and both the plasterwork and paintings were in a dire state, leaving the church unusable for services.
Hieromonk Vyacheslav (Shaporov)
Our task is not only to sober people up, but also to convert them to God and help them integrate into Church life.
She spent 67 years laboring in asceticism, including 10 as abbess.