On November 9, 2026, the documentary film "Angelic Rank" was released, dedicated to the life of the Novodevichy Stavropol Convent in Moscow. The film directed by Yulia Bobkova is dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the monastery's foundation and is already available for viewing in a number of Russian online cinemas.
The film reveals to the audience the side of monastic life that usually remains behind closed doors. The camera accompanies the nuns of the monastery during prayer, daily obediences and work in restoration workshops, where ancient frescoes are being restored.
However, the main thing in the picture is not so much the monastic life as the fate of the women who chose the path of service to God. In open conversations, the nuns talk about their coming to faith, their decision to leave the mundane life, their spiritual quest, and the meaning of their monastic vocation.
Filming lasted over a year. During this time, about one hundred hours of material were recorded, from which a one-and-a-half-hour film was created. Gradually, the film crew managed to earn the sisters' trust and hear stories that they rarely share with outsiders.
"The guys managed to communicate with us in such a way that each nun opened her heart to them. Therefore, I hope that the audience will enjoy the film and they will find answers to many questions," said Abbess Margarita (Feoktistova), abbess of the Novodevichy Monastery.
Even before its wide release, the film was recognized at several international film festivals. In September, the film won the Audience Award at the Docker Documentary Film Festival and won the Russian Cathedral award at the Salt of the Earth Film Festival. In October, "Angelic Rank" was recognized as the best documentary film of the Eurasian Bridge Festival.
On November 6, it became known about a new award: the film won in the nomination "Best Documentary" at the XXIII International Charity Film Festival "Radiant Angel".
The international premiere of the film, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, is scheduled for March 10-11, 2027 at the Russian Spiritual and Cultural Center in Paris.
The Angelic Order is an opportunity not only to get acquainted with the life of one of the oldest Moscow monasteries, but also to reflect on faith, vocation and spiritual choice of a person. Through the personal stories of the nuns, the film helps to understand how modern monasticism lives and why women of the 21st century choose the path of prayer and service to God.