The history, spiritual strength, and natural beauty of Moldova
In the village of Kuşelăuca in the Şoldăneşti district, stands the Assumption Monastery , founded in 1786 on a picturesque slope near the Ciorna River . The monastery's founder was Maria Tocanos from the village of Cotiujeni, who took monastic vows under the name Mitrodora .
The monastery is open on the eastern side, while the other three sides are protected by dense forests, creating an atmosphere of seclusion and tranquility. Two churches are located on the monastery grounds : the Church of the Assumption and the Church of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena .
History and architecture
The Church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in 1841. Its founders were Archimandrite Nikandr , spiritual director of the Bishop's Residence in Chisinau, and his sister, Skimonic Nun Irina , who was the monastery's abbess that year. The church's architecture reflects the influence of Russian neoclassicism , typical of 19th-century Orthodox churches.
During the interwar period, the monastery flourished, becoming the center of spiritual life in the region. However, in 1960, the church was closed : the nuns remained to work on a collective farm established on the monastery grounds, and the monastery buildings were used as a hospital for pulmonary patients, a club, and a warehouse. From 1968 to 1970, the winter church of Saints Constantine and Helena housed a poultry farm.
After a long period of neglect, the monastery was restored in 1988 , and the Dormition Church was reconsecrated in 1989. In 1992, the winter church in honor of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena was consecrated .
Spiritual shrines
The Kusheleuk Monastery houses the holy relics of the nun Agafia Maranchuk , who passed away in 1873. Despite her paralysis, she healed many people during her life. Pilgrims come to the grave of Mother Agafia to pray for health and to collect healing water from her well .
A special place is occupied by the icon “Our Lady of Moldova” , painted in 1895 in the Athos monastery of St. Panteleimon .
The Assumption Church of the Kusheleuk Monastery has been designated a national monument , highlighting its historical and cultural value.
What to see and do
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The Dormition Church is the main church of the monastery and a monument of national significance.
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The Church of Saints Constantine and Helena is a winter church with a history of more than a century.
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The relics of the nun Agafia Maranchuk are a place of pilgrimage and prayer for health.
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The Agafya Maranchuk well is a source of healing water.
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The natural landscape includes forests, the Chorna River, and picturesque walking paths.
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Historical architecture – elements of Russian neoclassicism and authentic details of the 19th century.
The Kusheleuka Monastery is ideal for pilgrimage, spiritual relaxation and cultural tourism , combining history, faith and natural beauty.
Practical information
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Location: Cusheleuca village, Soldenesti district
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Opening hours: daily, from morning to evening
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Excursions and pilgrimages: by arrangement with the abbess
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Tips for tourists: comfortable shoes, a camera, and water for walking around the area
Why you should visit
The Kushelauka Assumption Monastery combines spiritual strength, historical heritage, and Moldova's natural beauty . Every visitor can experience Orthodox tradition, pray for health, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
The Church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built at the Kusheleuk Monastery in 1841. Its founders were Archimandrite Nicander, spiritual director of the Bishop's Residence in Chisinau, and his sister, Skimonic Nun Irina, who served as the monastery's abbess in 1841. The influence of Russian neoclassicism is evident in the church's architecture.
During the interwar period, the church experienced a period of prosperity. In 1960, the church was closed. Many nuns remained to work on the collective farm established on the monastery grounds. A hospital for pulmonary patients was opened in the abbess's quarters and the monastery's orphanage. The summer church was converted into a club, then a coal storage facility, and from 1968 to 1970, the winter church of Saints Constantine and Helena housed a poultry farm for the local collective farm. The ruined monastery was restored in 1988, and in 1989, the Church of the Dormition was consecrated. In 1992, the winter church, dedicated to the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena, was also reconsecrated.
The monastery houses the holy relics of the nun Agafia Maranchuk, who departed to the world of the righteous in 1873. Although she was paralyzed, she healed many people during her life. Christians come to the grave of Mother Agafia to pray for health and to draw healing water from the well of the suffering nun. A beautiful icon called "Our Lady of Moldova," painted in 1895 at the Monastery of St. Panteleimon on Mount Athos, is also housed here.
The Assumption Church of the Kusheleuk Monastery is a monument of national significance.
Contacts:
Monastery of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kusheleuka
The village of Cusaleuca, Soldanesti district.
