Dawn breaks and the monks of the M\u00e4nnerkloster des Heiligen Hiob von Pocaev begin their day. Here in Munich, behind trees near Blutenburg Castle, lies a hidden gem. It is the Monastery of Saint Job of Pochaev of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
This M\u00e4nnerkloster des Heiligen Hiob von Pocaev started in 1945. Monks fleeing Russia after the October Revolution originally founded it in 1926 in the Ostslowakei. As World War II ended more than 40 monks sought refuge from the Red Army. They re-established their monastery in Munich.
Imagine these monks arriving. They transformed a former Hitler Youth home into their sanctuary. The old gymnasium became a church. It honors Saint Job of Pochaev. Pater Kiprian in Geneva created the icons for the iconostasis. Monks themselves painted frescoes.
Life at the M\u00e4nnerkloster des Heiligen Hiob von Pocaev is steeped in tradition. Over ten residents live here. Their day begins at 4 a.m. with a service in the dark. Orthodox services involve standing. There are no instruments. The monks chant ancient liturgical texts that date back millennia. Services including the Divine Liturgy last until about 8 a.m. Afterwards the monks share their main meal which is breakfast. Then they work until noon. A midday rest lasts from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Work continues until the evening. Evening services start at 6 p.m. Around 7 p.m. the monks have supper together. At approximately 7:45 p.m. a late-evening service takes place. Monks bow before icons. They kiss the icons of saints and Jesus Christ. They ask each other for forgiveness and receive a blessing from the abbot. Each monk prays with a prayer rope. They perform prostrations and practice the “Jesus Prayer”.
Metropolit Mark is the abbot of the M\u00e4nnerkloster des Heiligen Hiob von Pocaev. He was born Michael Arndt in Chemnitz in 1941. His family fled East Germany in 1953. He studied Slavic languages and converted to Orthodoxy. He became a priestmonk in 1975. He became a bishop in 1980.
The M\u00e4nnerkloster des Heiligen Hiob von Pocaev has a vital role. It trains candidates for the priesthood. These candidates often study remotely at the Moscow Sretensky Monastery. Pilgrims from across Europe visit. They participate in the monastery’s liturgical life. The monastery becomes a source of light and joy.
This monastery supports itself. A candle factory provides candles for other churches. The monks also produce incense. The monastery modernized its printing press in the 1980s. They publish Orthodox literature in German and Russian. They publish liturgical texts and prayer books. The M\u00e4nnerkloster des Heiligen Hiob von Pocaev also publishes “The Messenger”. It is a bimonthly diocesan journal.
However, time takes its toll. By 2024 the buildings were deteriorating. Space became limited. The candle and incense factory operated in temporary facilities. A circus wagon even served as emergency housing. The surrounding development created noise. Vandalism and arson occurred.
The M\u00e4nnerkloster des Heiligen Hiob von Pocaev decided to relocate. In September 2024, they purchased Seyfriedsberg Castle in Ziemetshausen. After renovations, the monastery plans to move.
Despite its challenges, the M\u00e4nnerkloster des Heiligen Hiob von Pocaev remains a beacon. It spreads Orthodox teachings. Its simple life offers joy. Remember this place. It is a testament to faith. It embodies resilience. It represents community.