The Holy Ascension Monastery of Japca, Floresti raion

Monastery of nuns

Patron Feast: The Ascension of the Lord

Mother Superior: Taisia (Străinu)

phone 0250-66-259

Location:  la 160 km North off Chişinău.

The Japca Monastery is located on one bank of the Nistru River, 10 km from Camenca. It is the only monastery from Bessarabia which was never closed by the Soviet authorities. The monastery has an exceptionally beautiful location. The rocks above the monastery, the meandering Nistru River, which can be seen in the distance, and the gardens that surround it, create a special beauty.

The Japca locality dates back to the 17th century. According to most records, the estate and the hermitage are named Japca, but sometimes Jabca or even Sabca. The first mention of the hermitage dates to May 1693; but not being registered in other historical records, this date remains a disputable one. Most historians accept 1770 as the foundation year of the church. At that time the monks left their cells, which were built in stone above the church, and settled where the monastery now stands.

During World War I many nuns from Russia and Poland took refuge in Japca Monestary after being told in April 1916 by Archbishop Atanasie of Bessarabia to move from the Lesna Monastery, where they had been sent by Holy Sinod from St. Petersburg, to Japca Monestary. The monks living there were transferred to the Harjauca Monastery.

In 1940, the nuns were forced to leave the monastery. The authorities from the Japca locality, with the Soviets’ permission, confiscated all the property of the sacred place. In 1941, after the arrival of the Romanian army, the nuns returned to the monastery and had their property returned to them.

Japca Monastery follows Russian rules and traditions. No one eats meat. The Psalm book is read. They live a very minimalist life with no electricity. The most important church of the convent was frequently rebuilt, so now it has three altars: Resurrection, Transfiguration, and Crucifixion.

source: Moldovaholiday.travel