The Little Convent | An Orthodox Christian Documentary

In December 2022, a film crew from Saint Photios Orthodox Theological Seminary was sent to the cold and snowy land of Western Canada to film a documentary about the Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary Convent. After much anticipation, the full-length documentary has finally been released!
This documentary follows the everyday life of the nuns living at the Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary Convent, discusses the history and founding of the community by the ever-memorable Archbishop Ioasaph of Buenos Aires (1888-1955), and explores how the nuns have impacted the people around them.
In 1993, the current Superior, the Very Reverend Abbess Mother Amvrosia Hagiaskepitissa, came to what was left of a small monastic property in the hamlet of Bluffton, Alberta. Alone with her mother, who was also a nun, Mother Amvrosia struggled to rebuild the property, which was in incredibly poor condition. However, over time, new novices came to the Convent and made it what it is today-a gem in the North.
Words cannot express how grateful we are for all those who came together to help make this documentary a reality. All the challenges that came about during the making of the film could not have been overcome without their help!
We also want to thank all the supporters of the Seminary who make it possible for us to bring you Orthodox Christian content just like this! Your support is so greatly appreciated.
Without further ado, please enjoy watching the story of The Little Convent.
Directed by Timothy Schenone.
DONATE: spots.edu/teatime
SAINT PHOTIOS ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY WEBSITE: www.spots.edu
CHURCH OF THE GENUINE ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS OF AMERICA (GOC) WEBSITE:
www.hotca.org
#orthodox #orthodoxchristianity #nuns #convent #monastic #christianfilm #christianity #documentary #canada #alberta #snow #christianmovie #movie #fulldocumentary #film #novice #canadian #russia #orthodoxchristian #christianart

[@deborahdetering167]

Watching this is the best Christmas present I could have received. The Convent, with Abbess Amvrosia and the Sisters (one of whom is our biological daughter) has been such a blessing for us. Our daughter is like the swallow who has found her nest by the Altar of the Lord. We thank God for the welcome we received at the Convent, and for the times of rest and worship we have shared there.

[@pegsvintagethings6222]

Bless your daughter. My youngest daughter is being called to serve a monastic religious life.

[@heidikrol5594]

Thank you for giving your daughter to God. God bless you.

[@bezagebremedhine5102]

You are blessed beyond measure 🙏✝️🥹

[@amalhawischannel8236]

God bless you and your daughter 🙏 ☦️

[@michellemaddon7952]

What an honor to have a daughter serving the Lord this way!❤😊

[@speaklifenow971]

Two of my sons are monks. My third son wants to be a monastic, as well. My three daughters are faithful orthodox. They are married. I wish to become a nun. I am still married so I practice complete obedience and simplicity. I wish to join your monastery. Please pray for me. Elizabeth

[@sonjajolovic718]

❤

[@warrenermish1454]

I am rolling Catholic, but very much drawn to the orthodox tradition and loyalty. God bless this community.

[@lynkokemor2548]

What a wonderful documentary! This little convent was an important parr of my family's life as we were part of the nearby Russian community and congregation. My father, one of many, helped build the original church and I remember my brothers serving as alter boys and ringing the bells. Many fond memories of being there as a little kid!

[@jasonbryan3135]

Lord, have mercy on us and bless these sisters; all Holy Trinity be merciful to Canada and kindle faith and love for our neighbors. Canada is on a dark path and needs the light of men, which is Christ.

[@024Nimma]

Unfortunately, the whole Western world is heading towards a dark, atheistic path. In the meantime there are more and more muslim immigrants and births while Christianity is declining. It's sad to see as a convert (24M) to Christianity that I literally have no Christian family or friends. Praying things will change for the better, God only knows...

[@TheGreekOrthodox]

A truly awesome movie about Genuine Orthodox monastic life in Canada. ❤

[@davehansen6112]

I absolutely dreaded this Christmas as we are alone. After seeing this glorious film, I feel it is the very best gift we could have received. Thank you and bless you.

[@024Nimma]

May God release you from your loneliness. Never forget you are never alone when you have Christ in your life. God bless you ☦✝

[@aliciagonzalez4470]

Wow I m Roman Catholic and I perceive the holiness of the sisters and their kindness ❤ God bless you!!

[@g.spyracheak3943]

Thank you. This was lovely (from an Orthodox convert in Iowa (USA)). Many years to all who poured their hearts and talents Info this documentary to share it with everyone here on KZbin!☦️☦️☦️

[@sonjajolovic718]

❤

[@mrsnkg7904]

Thank you for your prayers dear sisters. We lived in Ontario 1987-1995. A very formative time in our unexpected, convoluted journey to Holy Orthodoxy. I've always felt there must be many hidden prayers behind this life path. I'm sure this beautiful prayer community contributed to our conversion. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner. 💖🙏🇦🇺🎄

[@sonjajolovic718]

❤

[@philosopheroftheeast6187]

My favorite place of pilgrimage. Thanks to Mother Amvrosia and Father Dionise as well as nuns: mother Raphaela, mother Paisia, mother Nektaria and Gabriela, mother Vasilisa and Mary . With love in Christ, Dubravka (and Dushanka and Mihailo)

[@sonjajolovic718]

☦️☦️☦️

[@shaunmulligan8717]

What a wonderful documentary on the lives of the sisters. May their names be written in heaven. With every blessing, Shaun.

[@oleggritsenko9094]

Glory to God for everything.

[@danalaw4466]

This documentary warmed my heart. It was well done. The sisters are truly inspiring. They live in harsh conditions but they have joy in the midst of everything. Thank you so much for bringing this to us. Lord have mercy on this sweet Convent.

[@spots8810]

I have been blessed to spend time with Mother Amvrosia and the Sisters. Words cannot describe the love one feels in their presence. May God grant them many many years as caretakers of this Holy place. “If you have obedience without love it’s slavery” Mother Amvrosia. 🙏☦️❤️

[@noelleangelus]

What a wonderful gift this film is to those who long for the peace of a monastery .

[@zosima_the_sinner]

Christ is Born! Glorify Him! This is an amazing gift for Nativity! Such a blessing to see these beloved mother, who are examples of not only our Christ but His Holy Mother the Theotokos!

[@DaisyAnnabelle65]

Amen!☦️

[@sonjajolovic718]

​@@DaisyAnnabelle65☦️

[@mrsmarple2655]

Господи помилуй и Сохрани! Спаси Господи за прекрасный фильм 🙏🌹🕊️

[@lizcollis1684]

Thank you from the UK, a practicing catholic family, may God bless you all 🙏🙏🙏

[@caivail4614]

This was so beautiful, thank you to the filmmakers and the sisters of the convent. Praying for this place of peace and religious fortitude to endure any storm or tribulation, and that more monastic communities may take root and blossom here in North America.

[@Chelsierosner]

Have had the absolute honour of visiting here with the children of our parish! Such lovely and Godly women ❤️ An amazing place of peace and beauty.

[@mseraphima-pokrov]

Thank you for taking us to this holy place and for shedding light on the feat of the nuns!

[@AlexP-it1hn]

I miss you, Matushka. God bless and protect the heavenly Convent, it was more than an honour to be with you for a short time. In Christ, Alexandros

[@susanwilson2297]

Beautiful, beautiful indeed. I would love to come and visit for a day. Bless you sisters; bless you in Christ Jesus. 😊🙏🔥🔥🔥

[@user-wh5pd4fs3c]

I love how Mother Amvrosia exemplifies such loving and caring leadership! Glory be to God! “We can’t have true obedience without love”🙏☦️

[@user-en2xg8qg4v]

i was blessed by the words of wisdom from mother Amvrosia, you can not be truely obedient without truely loving, otherwise you are just a slave

[@nnamdichrisume9384]

Glory to God for all things. I wish the Lord to populate our lands with manastic communities and churches and transform us all into His likeness

[@georginamahoney649]

The peace and grace of God radiates through this beautiful video 🙏❤️

[@gwentong9715]

God bless this community 🙏🙏😌🕯💐🌏 Saying Gwen Tong ❤🙏 The Angel of the Lord will camp around him 🙏her😊That love Him 😊❤

[@conniejensen2870]

This little convent is part of my family history. The white bearded man in the very early photo is my great grandfather Feodor Polushin who arrived with his family as refugees in 1924. He purchased the land and gave half for the building of the church. I grew up coming here for special services and with m mother as she gave English lessons to the first nuns who served here. I still enjoy visits here.

[@user-et1hi8es5s]

Χριστός Ετεχθη . Χρόνια πολλά και ευλογημένα

[@elijahmountainfire888]

Blessed be The Lord who takes care of us all over the world. The Good Shepherd is around us wherever we are. Tending to His sheep. Thank You Lord for we lack nothing because You provide for us.. AMEN.

[@ede-jomadden8182]

Beautifully filmed and carefully edited. A monastic story that inspires and delights! Thank you for this opportunity to step out of the world for 44 minutes and contemplate a holy way of life!

[@johnshome8443]

Blessed be God, blessed be His Holy Name... many prayers and graces for all of you - john+

[@thestudiooftamraglaser5390]

As an Orthodox Christian, these documentaries are so inspiring and uplifting. May the Lord continue to bless and grow this sacred monastic community.❤☦️

[@amalhawischannel8236]

God bless all those who helped make this video see the light! God bless the nuns and the Archbishop and all those who contributed to building the convents and have kept maintaining it. Pray for me and my family so that the Lord safeguards our new path of hope in Canada. Amal H. and her family. from Lebanon. Antiochian Orthodox church

[@sonjajolovic718]

☦️🍀

[@waldwassermann]

Winter Poem: In days of yore, the world did softly speak, A hush hung over meadows, calm and meek. Snowflakes, like whispers, gently did descend, Softening the edges, time did suspend. In quiet wonder, through the woods we'd roam, No need for words, in nature's silent home. The only echo, our hearts beating true, A peaceful solace, in the wintry view. Winter's embrace, a tranquil, frosty rhyme, A season's serenade, frozen in time. The world whispered secrets, in the cold air, And in that hush, a timeless peace we'd share. Wishing everybody a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas Season, Wald Wassermann PS: It is my dream to visit as many holy places, convents, monasteries, temples as possible when I retire.

[@heidikrol5594]

Wonderful, praise God for these sisters. Thank for sharing this with all of us.🙏🐏🐑✨

[@sebastianmoran.]

May God Bless all at the Convent. Love to you and Happy Christmas.

[@kathleenmillington4860]

💙⚓️🙏🏼I send love and blessings from Huntington Beach California 😘🏄‍♀️🌊Love you guys - Hope to meet you all someday when I can get up there to work for a few months. Love Kathleen Millington❤

[@robinbyrd4430]

Beautiful gift of this video. Thank you☺️🕊️🙏🏽☦️

[@user-xc2ng1nx7f]

Русское православие одно из самых сильных и глубоких течений христианства. Да Благославит Господь всех православных братьев и сестер.

[@user-xu7wb7gd3r]

Amen amen amen ❤

[@asyat.4023]

Wonderful documentary about amazing people. God bless and protect them and all of us from the evil one🙏☦️

[@TByronK]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful place! ☦

[@mariaphillips4538]

Many thanks to these beautiful nuns so faithful to God with peace and joy. They bring endless graces down from heaven to the whole world. I pray them all infinite blessings.

[@kathrinlarsson5804]

Very nice ❤I thank God for all devoted sisters and brothers .

[@oleksandrkorostelov7150]

What a beautiful music was picked up! Especially, at 15th minute - "Blizzard" by Sviridov. It turns the reality into a Nativity fairy tale.

[@21cranberries21]

Do you know the first piece that was played in the video? I'd love to know....Merry Christmas btw...im Catholic, not sure if you are, I know Orthodox Christmas is on Jan7...

[@shaunmulligan8717]

@@21cranberries21The opening music to the documentary is Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 (0:27, III. Adagio, first five bars). You can hear an amazing performance of Rach’s number two by googling “Rachmaninoff Pappano Dresden”. As you have shown interest in the music of Russia, can I direct you to compilations of Russian Orthodox liturgical music by accessing KZbin search box: Sacred Treasures I, II, III.

[@miketackabery7521]

​@@21cranberries21Rachmaninov. Adagio from the 2d or 3d symphony (not sure which).

[@mrsmarple2655]

Метелица, Спиридонов 🙏🌹🕊️

[@briandunleamusic]

Thank God for all our monastics all over the world. Lord have mercy!

[@user-vw6jr7rx7o]

God bless, thank you for Georgian subtitles.

[@MyTableofThree]

Thank you for sharing a look into the beautiful convent. Prayers for all!

[@robbalink]

Thank you so very much for sharing this video with me. God bless you

[@olgalichikova9833]

So pure!

[@OrthodoxInsights]

Thank you. This documentary was a blessing.

[@christopherbright1048]

Truly beautiful God Bless you all and thank you for your prayers and sacarfice

[@plainandsimple2576]

Beautiful! I went to High-school in Fort Jones California, next to Etna. I knew there was a monastery, I wish I had visited! I’m in Missouri now, and in Ava, there is a Monastery and they are building a Convent. I definitely will visit. Thank you for sharing!

[@M.KOCTPOMA]

Thank You for a wonderful documentary film! May Lord Christ bless and keep all nuns and brothers and sisters of the True Orthodox Church! With Love in Christ from Serbia ❤️☦️❤️

[@godsaveus4380]

Very entertaining! Professionally done. Whoever put it together was the main reason why this video got so many views!

[@marshaowens1866]

This is so soul stirring and heart warming. I have had the convent in my prayers for some time, but knew nothing about it. Getting a glimpse of this beautiful and blessed convent is a gift. It fills my heart with such gratitude that God has placed me among such God loving and pious people, lights in this darkened world. Glory to God!

[@suelee637]

How lovely this is. Thank you!

[@brixiex2580]

Brava! Definitly one of my favorite docimentries i've seen. What a blessing.

[@debramichigan1356]

many parts brought me to tears-beautiful indeed.

[@bingo67lum]

Beautiful! May our Lord preserve this holy habitation.

[@reinadegrillos]

Es hermoso ver que quedan personas dedicadas al amor, la oración y la piedad; en cualquier religión es admirable.

[@Chickboom34]

Very nicely done! Thank you.

[@deborahcox-mp5ul]

Bless, Mother.

[@carmennavarro3535]

Lovely

[@biddiemutter3481]

Beautiful and I love the singing.

[@emelinaapuyan6571]

God in His mysterious ways continue to show His presence through these nuns.

[@KR-ms6km]

Thank you so much for sharing! Stay blessed! Greetings from Germany

[@cwpv2477]

we need much more content like this. I pray for the convent.

[@omonty2]

Thank you so very much for this beautiful video! Very well done and an accurate portrayal! I spent a couple weeks there last summer with my family. It was truly life-changing!

[@broadcastamericafirst]

God bless your “Inn” at the Chapel

[@marinahellermann]

such a beautiful presentation -with love and respect to the wonderful convent's community, converted such remote location into a blossoming garden and to producers of this documentary

[@Brot_und_Spiele]

This is an awesome video. These nuns are great. Happy new year, and stay safe.

[@lindachampigny7436]

I work there,,,,, !!, Love love the Mother’s and Sisters !!,,!, such a ,,,,,,, calming place to be !,!,!,!,

[@laceygreenwood]

This was beautiful to watch and learn about. I didn't know of The Little Convent and all its history, but now I will pray for you. Thank you for your prayers for us. ☦God bless you, dear Sisters.

[@anemarie2984]

A marvellous Documentery

[@elenarogers5311]

Thank you for this beautiful journey into this peaceful convent with the Holy Mother and nuns. The peace and holiness of this place has been perfectly captured in this video. Blessings and prayers from near Asissi, the home town of St Francis.❤🙏🙏

[@clusterguard]

[@pakmana.k.6662]

God bless you 🙏🙏🙏

[@jacquelinenguyen759]

Best docu to my delight!

[@worldview730]

I love this music so much, it's very inspiring. 😍

[@cristiancardozo3041]

Hermoso vídeo, gracias por compartir señor Jesús te piedad de mi

[@DanArmeneau]

I visited there approximately 12 years ago. I can assure you it is a very special place! I will visit again some day.

[@marylu8573]

Απολυτίκιο Αγίου Φωτιου: Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον. Τῆς σοφίας ἐκφάντωρ λαμπρὸς γενόμενος, Ὀρθοδοξίας ἐδείχθης θεοπαγῆς προμαχών, τῶν Πατέρων καλλονὴ Φώτιε μέγιστε, οὐ γὰρ αἱρέσεων δεινῶν, στηλιτεύεις τὴν ὀφρύν, Ἐώας τὸ θεῖον σέλας, τῆς Ἐκκλησίας λαμπρότης, ἣν διατηρεῖ Πάτερ ἄσειστον.

[@GardenerTobak]

I love 25:37 - 26:44 so well said. Lord, help us to work out our salvation, and to follow you. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen. The classical music in this video is wonderful. Very fitting. Well done. An excellent video.

[@pamelamann9293]

Beautiful and inspiring video. Thank you.

[@karenevans6194]

Thank you for this wonderful film.

[@the.one.777]

How can one become part of this convent ? I life in the state I’m a virgin and would love to give the rest of my life to my Father Jesus Christ.

[@peggylindenthaler6169]

What could I do to help these sisters?

[@kikikaakau-delizo8152]

When I was four I said I'd be a nun, not knowing anything about Orthodoxy. Even though I married, I still have the desire and goal of being a semi-eremetic nun, God willing. Until then I live a married, ascetic life, emulating our holy Fathers and Holy Mother Miriam in clothing and seeking holiness and humility of heart❤ God bless all mothers, sisters, priests, and servants of this holy monastery.

[@associatosecolare]

encantado con esta vida

[@dimitriosvlissides5781]

Ο Θεός να σας εχει καλα

[@micahjobbins7041]

This is beautiful.

[@geryblade4790]

beautiful

[@ChaerelC]

Hartelijke dank. Wij hebben hier ook een kleine klooster in Pervijze. Moeder Gods troosteres der bedroefden. Vader Johan archimandriet van het klooster doet er ook alles aan om het klooster in ere te houden. Groetjes parochiaan Elisabeth.

[@mariaivankova2558]

КАКОЙ ИНТЕРЕСНЫЙ ФИЛЬМ !!! СПАСИ ХРИСТОС ! 🙏 🌹 НО... НИЧЕГО НЕ ПОЙМУ... БЫЛ БЫ ПО-РУССКИ !!! 🙏

[@spotsedu]

Здравствуйте! Субтитры к этому документальному фильму теперь доступны на многих языках, включая русский!

[@mariaivankova2558]

@@spotsedu Ух-ты ! ☺ Слава Богу ! Ура ! Спаси-иБо ! 🙏 ☕🥧

[@user-hk2hg5cm7q]

Через Яндекс браузер доступен относительно неплохой перевод нейросетью.

[@user-pn5jl9ky8x]

Почти как в России это здорово 😅😅😅

[@anastasiathiraiouyerostath5664]

May the Lord Jesus Christ , be with all of you, dear sisters.Please pray for us sinners.

[@donexcelcisimo]

How do they earn money to buy food and pay the bills?