On December 11, 2025, on the basis of the Regional Hospital of War Veterans in Vologda, the Central Clinical Hospital of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow, opened a training class for professional training of nurses in caring for the seriously ill and wounded. The initiative was implemented with the support of the Vologda Diocese, the Ministry of Health of the Vologda Region and the Administration of the Governor of the Vologda Region. This is already the 9th grade, which opened the St. Alexy's Hospital Training Center in 2025 in different regions of Russia and in Kokshetau, Republic of Kazakhstan.
"A modern ward has been recreated in the classroom, equipped with everything necessary for professional training. Medical care is a professional activity, so training is important for volunteers. After practice and certification, they will be able to help both in medical institutions and at home. This is a significant step in the development of volunteer care in Vologda," said Alexey Zarov, Chief Physician of St. Alexy's Hospital.
The classroom, equipped with the support of the Christian Charity Foundation, is equipped with 4 functional medical beds, bedside tables, 6 different mannequins for practicing manipulations and other items necessary for practicing skills. A projector and a screen are installed in the classroom to demonstrate the theoretical material.
"After training the volunteers, we plan to create a sisterhood of mercy of the Vologda Diocese. It is important that future sisters have professional nursing skills and serve in a spirit of charity. They are already waiting at the veterans hospital in the departments where the wounded are being rehabilitated or where elderly residents of Vologda need care. They will also help in other hospitals in the city. In addition, we receive requests from families, including those raising children with disabilities. Thus, the works of mercy will find a new continuation," said Archpriest Alexy Rozhnov, head of the Vologda Diocese's social department.
The first stream of training in the new classroom was completed by 17 Vologda women who studied in 2 groups. They studied theory on the online platform of the Training Center, and then learned practical nursing techniques in face-to-face classes under the guidance of teachers. After the upcoming internship and certification, the St. Alexy's Hospital Training Center will issue graduates with certificates of profession assignment "Junior Nursing." Earlier this summer, the Training Center conducted training at the Vologda Regional Hospital.