Pochayiv Lavra is one of the most important shrines in the Orthodox Church.It is situated in western Ukraine, annually receives many pilgrims, believers.This ancient monastery, along with two, considered the most beautiful in Eastern Europe.It is famous for his piety and miraculous icon of the Virgin.
History of the Pochayiv Lavra Monastery
located in western Ukraine, near the town of Pochaev, Ternopil.With its emergence is connected a lot of legends and retellings, there is also no reliable data on the early history.However, local monks have the belief that there Assumption Pochaev Lavra, thanks to monks from Kiev.They came here in search of refuge after the destruction and the destruction of the city, as well as the monastery in 1240, Batu.
It is here, in the Volyn region, it was a vision of the Virgin.It was a fiery flame, holding a scepter and on her head was a crown.This vision left a mark on a rock (right foot Mother of God), which later became a source of healing for all suffering.Stories about this phenomenon began to scatter farther and farther, many come here to pray, some monks were living here.As a result, after some time on the site began to lay the Holy Dormition Skete as a memory of the Kiev Lavra, which was destroyed.
new page in the history of
believed that up to the XV century Pochayiv Lavra was desolate, so about her virtually nothing is known.A new milestone in the development and the glorification of the monastery occurred in 1597, when they moved to the land rich landowner Anna gentile.Obviously, she was God-fearing, as donated a significant amount of money on the development of the laurels.They were completed Pochaevskaya church and cells for monks.
Besides money, Anna gentile donated plots of land, estate.All this is officially confirmed the status of the monastery.A significant gift to the Pochaev Lavra has become an icon of the Virgin, which was kept at the landowner about thirty years and has been miraculous.Near it happened healed brother of Anna, Philip Kosinski.He was blind from birth, and after fervent prayer beside the image miraculously restored.This was the beginning of what St. Pochaev Lavra became one of the major centers of Orthodox in western Ukraine.This was especially evident when, after the approval of the union in 1596 began the persecution and the imposition of another religion.All of this helped to strengthen the spirit and the Orthodox faith.At that time, many found refuge here, fleeing persecution and Uniate Catholics.
By the end of the XVII century the monastery became very famous.At this time, it was the job of pochayiv abbot.With his wise leadership Pochayiv Lavra had a heyday.There were schools, a large printing house, the church of the Holy Trinity, which became the arch of the foot to the Mother of God.It has also been paid attention to other buildings, for example, built defensive wall, various churches, farm buildings.
job of pochayiv lived until 1651, and in 1659 it was found incorrupt relics.The abbot was elevated to the congregation of saints.In 1721, the monastery became the seat of the Greek-Catholics, and almost a century has turned into their abode.And only in 1831 the temple complex came back to Orthodoxy.And in 1883, the Holy Synod awarded him the status of Lavra.From that moment began a new round.We spent a lot of work on the arrangement that led Laura to note that we know.
Later she suffered atheism of the Soviet Union.Pochayiv Lavra monks made a real feat, supporting endless faith.It was a time of persecution, executions, prisons.Members of the religious community were put in psychiatric hospitals.As a result, this significantly reduced number of monks living here.The collapse of the Soviet Union gave rise to the emergence of new powers, the new state, which in another way became part of the church.Thus it was opened the next chapter in the history of the monastery.In 1997, the monastery gained the status stavropegic that is directly subordinate to the metropolitan.
Architecture
Pochayiv Lavra, where photos do not convey all its greatness, is very interesting from the perspective of architecture.This is due to the fact that for some time the monastery was under the direction of another denomination.Laurel is very high on the mountain, at the foot of which stands the town of Pochaev.The monastery complex, in addition to buildings, also includes fortifications, which were built in the XVII century.In general, it looks very majestic and picturesque.
main decoration is a temple of the Assumption of the Mother of God.It was built during the reign of Uniate with donations Nicholas Potocki.That was in 1780.Construction was completed in late Baroque style in the place where there was a wooden church.Immediately placed and the miraculous icon of the Virgin.Under this temple is one in which the relics of St. Job - the first abbot of the monastery.
can visit and see firsthand all the beauty that abounds in Pochaev Lavra.Photography can convey only a general mood, and to feel the spirit of the times and goodness, should be visited here.
below the hill built another church, which is suitable for prayer feat.This is the church of St. Anthony and Theodosius.In addition, the temple complex is a masterpiece, as the Holy Gate.Also on the territory of the monastery is the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which was built by the famous architect, while A. Shchusev.
should be noted that in the monastery survived the icon in 1646.Though periodically all restored, but the spirit of antiquity, the ancient saints preserved until now.
Legends monastery
Pochayiv Lavra is replete with various legends about healing from disease, getting rid of the invaders through fervent prayer Virgin.Many of them are fixed, but more miracles happened after staying alone with Mary.There were also a vision, signs of Mother of God, this place is it nurtured.For example, before the construction of the monastery on the mountain there were many signs that this place is special.Here is one of them.
In November 1197 hunters stay overnight, first heard the thunder, then we saw a deer.They tried to kill him, but could not.When the hunters began to approach the deer, he ran away, and after he has left a fiery trail that led into the sky.After a while, the hunters spent the night there again.Among them was John Turkul, a local landowner.His dream came Mother of God, who said that she liked this place in the future it will be prayer.
Such signs were sufficient quantity.Many people even specially come here to see something unusual.
Shrine monastery
Can be nepochitaemoy Pochayiv Lavra, where many shrines?Of course not.One of the main objects of veneration of Our Lady is a stop that was praying on the mountain ascetics.After her disappearance left a trace on the stone of the right foot of the Virgin, which gradually filled with water.Since then, this print is constantly filled with the healing liquid, followed by visitors from different parts of the world.
also revered as relics of the two shrines of the elders: the Rev. Amfilohije Pochaev and St. Job of Pochaev.Both performed miracles both in life and after death.For example, over the tomb of Job, and have seen this day glow that happened over his body immediately after death.
miraculous icon
We should also talk about the icon of Our Lady, which was donated by landowner Anna Laura gentile.She also presented her for the hospitality Metropolitan Neophytou.
first miracle that happened because the icon was the epiphany of Anna's brother, who was blind from birth.After that, the image of the Virgin and the landowner gave the Pochayiv Lavra.
second recorded case of a miracle icon was punished.In 1623, it had stolen from the monastery Andrew Firlej.He and his wife mocked shrine.But then his wife Firleya overcome the demons, and she was obsessed with them as long as the icon has not been returned to the monastery.
than once Pochayiv Lavra deposited invaders.In 1675 Sultan Mohammed wanted to capture it.However, all the monks began a prayer, which lasted all night.And the miracle happened.The holy place defended herself Mother of God, which appeared in a gorgeous robe with angels defenders before a horde of invaders.All the arrows that flew in the direction of the monastery, come back.All the army of the enemy fled in terror.
At the same time another miracle happened to the boy, who was captured by the Turks.Sincere prayer Virgin saved him - he was transferred to the monastery.There are still preserved chain.In the future also continued miracles happen.Count Potocki was unable to kill the driver, who turned to the monastery.Three times he fired, all the times gave the gun misfired.It was a miracle that made a lasting impression.Clearly, therefore, the graph after allocates significant sums to the monastery.If we talk about healing, it is very pleased with the Pochaevskaya shrine worshipers who have difficulty seeing or even blind.
for writing icons used oil paints, its basis - a lime board.On the image of Our Lady was written, which keeps the baby in his right hand.In his left hand - boards.In the minds of both - the crown.Also on the icon depicts Saints (there are seven).
Famous songs
no less famous choir and Pochaev Lavra, which is truly a model of church hymns.Special sound gives them more and acoustics of the temple, in which the execution.You can hear singing, came to the monastery.It will be really memorable, especially for the true believers.Also, in this age of technology chants Pochayiv Lavra is available in the record.It is perfect for those who have no opportunity to go and listen to all live.
holy elder
Pochayiv Lavra is famous for its elders.The most famous, of course, the two of them.It Amfilohije, and Job, who were raised to the rank of saints.We will tell more about them.
Venerable Job Pochaev
There is an old man from a noble family, but since childhood he wanted to become a monk.At the age of 12 Job became a monk.Throughout his life, he zealously served the Lord God.For a long time was abbot Pochaev Lavra, he made a lot of great things for the glory of it.If his life were opened a printing house and a school.It was a difficult time for the Orthodox Church, but Job stood firm, condemned the adoption of the Union.Also, he was a revelation of his death.The elder prayed to God and peacefully went into another world.Once opened his relics was performed many miracles and healings.
Rev. Amfilohije Pochaev
This old man is almost our contemporary.He was born in 1894 in a family of peasants.His father was a great chiropractor, so the son took over his ability.In 1925 Pochayiv Lavra took another novice, and in 1932 a monk.The monastery Amfilohije became famous as a healer and chiropractor.Always take the suffering not only physically, but also spiritually.Thanks to the service of God, he received the gift of clairvoyance and healing.
Since the 50s, during the persecution of the church, the monk lived in his native village.Every day, he served prayers, continued to help people.At night he stood in prayer.About this period preserved many memories of those who came to him for help.
Elder Amfilohije also foresaw his demise.He was poisoned by one of the novices, who was a KGB agent.He died a monk in 1971, urging the faithful to come to their needs to his grave.He said that after his death will not forget about them.The first healing occurred immediately after the funeral.In 2002, the elder was attached to the rank of saints.Chin occurred in Pochaev Lavra, during which time it could be seen over the two crosses.Many of those present said that this two monks - Job and Amfilohije.
Other elders
were other elders Pochayiv Lavra, who became famous for his works in the field of service to the Lord.
Elder Demetrius
It is also our contemporary.Born in 1926 in Chernivtsi region.With 13 years he was a novice at St. John the Theologian monastery Khreschatytska immediately and became a monk.In 1959 he was transferred to the Pochaev Lavra.
Elder Demetrius had different talents and was known not only in Ukraine, but also outside it.Special successes he has achieved in church singing.It is believed that under his leadership the choir has improved his skills.It is also famous for preaching elder.He is buried in the cemetery Laura.
elder Theodosius Pochaev
His ministry the Lord took place in difficult times for Orthodoxy.On the life of an old man before coming to the Church little known, it is not much talk about it.I took vows at age 55, in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where he remained.After it was closed off to the Caucasus and lived there for some time.After the Soviet authorities banned accommodation in the Caucasus, Theodosius went to Pochaev Lavra, where he lived until his death.
It was an amazing man.Do not say too much, but if it was necessary to tell some instructive history.Received for his zeal in the ascetic life, the gift of clairvoyance, could conduct a successful review.
Curative Lake St. Anne
This reservoir is a place of constant pilgrimage, like Pochayiv Lavra.Lake St. Anna is located in the village of Onishkovtsy near him and the monastery.The water temperature is always the same - 5-8 degrees.Nevertheless, many pilgrims rush to plunge into the sacred and healing waters in the hope to gain health.Many say that healing is due to high content of silica in the water, as well as a large number of silver ions.
However, there is a tradition according to which the earlier site has been a source of the Orthodox Church.When was the invasion of the Tatars, she miraculously fell into the ground and so be saved from ruin.After a while there was even a sign - the appearance of the icon of St. Anna.She tried many times to move, but she kept coming back.In the end, we decided to build a chapel here.After some time on the site appeared the healing spring.In Soviet times, many times tried to destroy it, but nothing worked.
So, in the area famous not only for Pochayiv Lavra, where the foot of the Virgin of healthy water, and the water of Lake St. Anne.They come here very often women, as Vodicka especially useful for those who are trying to become pregnant.Despite the icy water, after leaving the pool people say the heat and the heat in the body, yet there were no cases of colds from swimming in the lake.It is believed that such immersion helps harden the body and increase vitality.Some even believe in the effect of rejuvenation.
For those who come to experience the healing power of the source, there are some rules:
- desirable for women to wear long shirts, cover the head;
- all - underwear must be new;
- before diving should read the prayer "Our Father", to cross and then turn to Saint Anne;
- can plunge after, it should be done three times in the head.
Many people know what is really sincere prayer works miracles.
Excursions
very famous among the pilgrims Pochayiv Lavra.Excursions are organized in this place in large numbers.Coming here, you can visit near the healing spring and dial out some water holy, to kneel before the icon of the Virgin and raise her prayer, stand near the relics of saints and Job Amfilohije.Surely such a tour will not leave anyone indifferent, and everyone wants to come here again.
Many who had the opportunity to visit a place like Pochayiv Lavra, left enthusiastic reviews.Everything here is permeated with goodness many monks and elders.And not for nothing Pochayiv Lavra is truly one of the holy places of Orthodox.
