Wednesday January 27th, 2021

An Official Statement from the Russian Orthodox Convent Novo-Diveevo Concerning the Recent Announcement to Close the Old Peoples Home

In December 2019, the ROCOR Synod of Bishops released a directive recommending closure of the Old Peoples Home (OPH) of the Novo-Diveevo Convent for reasons discussed below. This directive was presented to the Convent’s Board of Trustees in February 2020, and the Trustees accepted the recommendation without opposition. The Convent administration was then tasked to prepare a closure plan in accordance with NY State Department of Health (DOH) requirements.

The closure plan was submitted to the DOH in February 2020, but the plan’s approval was significantly delayed, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DOH regulations require that the decision to close a facility must remain strictly confidential until the plan is approved by the DOH in writing. When the DOH approves the plan, it must remain confidential until the facility’s residents and their families, staff and employees are notified. That notification occurred on Wednesday, January 20. The DOH mandated final closure of the home on or before March 31, 2021. Fr. Serge Arlievsky was tasked by Bishop Nicholas and the Convent’s Abbess with directing the closure process.

This posting is to share with all interested parties the factors that led to this difficult decision.

1. OPH has operated at a significant financial deficit for many years

2. Less than 25% of the OPH rooms have been occupied in recent years – significantly below what is required for the OPH to financially break even

3. The OPH has continued to function at the expense of the other aspects of the Convent

4. The infrastructure of the convent is in dire need of renovation

5. The OPH building is in dire need of renovation and upgrading

6. Monastic life is the primary focus of the convent. Attention has inadvertently been diverted from monastic needs because of the OPH’s operating difficulties.

One of the major concerns with this closure has been the Convent’s tradition of caring for needy elderly, a vested interest of Archbishop Andrei. After closure of the OPH, the monastics of the Convent intend to continue the mission of caring for the needy and elderly, but this mission will have to take on a different form.

Some may know that although the OPH has encountered financial difficulties, the Cathedral of St. Seraphim is undergoing extensive renovations. In addition, there are plans to renovate the main Convent building, including the small church which is home to the portrait-icon of St. Seraphim. Funds for these renovations have been given by donors specifically for these purposes. As such, these restricted funds cannot legally be used to cover OPH expenses.

Additional information will be posted to the OPH website in the coming days. novo-diveevo.org/adult-home

The Administration asks for your kind understanding and prayers in making this happen.

If you have any questions regarding this matter please email us at oph@novo-diveevo.org ... See MoreSee Less