The Iwanow Abbey in Moscow is within a stone's throw of the Kreml. For many decades the Abbey was used by the KGB as prison. Moscow's New Nuns is the story of five remarkable Russian women from three generations, who gave up their secular life in the aftermath of Cold War to commit themselves as nuns and the revival of the Iwanow Abbey. Former archaeologist Nikolaya (62), architect Elisaweta(66), philosopher Galina (37), jurist Olga (26) and Julia (38), who used to work in the management department for Philips, all dream of a better Russia, one that returns to its cultural heritage and religious roots after times of chaos and depression. The very uncommon lives of our five protagonists are drawing a different picture of Russia that breaks the clichés and provides a deep insight in the society and culture of this fascinating country.
—Beate F. Neumann