spiritual and moral quest make people go on pilgrimages, in which they discover not only new pages of history, but also get closer to the faith and to God.
Ugresha Monastery: History foundation
Russian land is rich in spiritual monuments - monasteries, churches and cathedrals, bell towers and the whole temple complex.And sometimes to choose which of them can be very difficult.But those who spared no time and effort, it is necessary to visit Ugresha Monastery (Dzerzhinsk).This monastery was built at the behest of Dmitry Donskoy in 1380.According to legend, on the future site of the monastery the prince was the image of St. Nicholas.While Dmitry Donskoy was preparing to do battle with an army of Mamaia and was with his colleagues near Moscow, only 15 km away.PRAYING Prince holy icon was revealed heaven.After the famous historical battle of Kulikovo, ended with the victory of the Russian troops, Dmitri returned to the holy place, once granted him an icon of St. Nicholas, and he called his Ugresha.Then the prince commanded to found a church in honor of St. Nicholas, which to this day receives hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world.
is believed that the original church was built of wood.It was burned to the Crimean Khan in 1521.Stone buildings appeared much later, during the reign of Basil the Great.
Travel sacred image
Nicholas Ugreshsky monastery since the first days of the establishment was on special rights.For example, Ivan the Terrible completely freed him from all kinds of taxes on essential goods across Russia.
That is why the monastery servants often turned to the generous king for help.One day they asked Ivan the Terrible to restore the most sacred image of St. Nicholas, which was given to Dmitry Donskoi before the battle.At the behest of the king of the icon he was sent to Moscow.The image was of Vyatka, Kama and Moscow.Restoration involved the saint Macarius.Upon completion of work the icon was sent back to the monastery, and its exact copy was kept in the capital.
Ugresha in troubled times
Smoot for Russia was the time of decadence, confusion, uncertainty about the future.At that time, it becomes a haven lzhetsarey Ugresha and their entourage - Falsdmitry 1, hiding from the wrath of Boris Godunov;Tushino thief and Marina Mniszek, who announced her husband's sole heir Russian.
During the Polish intervention Nicholas Ugreshsky stauropegic monastery is a place of gathering militia led by Minin and Pozharsky.
Thus, the Time of Troubles was a period of testing for the Ugreshsky monastery, which often suffered looting themselves even from Russian militias.
Romanov dynasty and Ugresha
The first king of the Romanov dynasty, Mikhail, elected to the throne in 1613, the monastery experienced a flowering stage.Throughout its reign of the emperor visited the abode of 9 times, mainly on the feast day of St. Nicholas.The monastery became the spiritual refuge of the king received from him various privileges: exemption from customs levies trade, ownership of fishing in Nizhny Novgorod.During his reign, Michael gave the monastery a lot of gifts, strongly contributed to its prosperity.His son, Alex Quietest also continued the tradition of his father, going hiking in Ugresha spring and otherwise taking care of the monastery.
Hard times
period of decline of the monastery is at the end 17 - the beginning of the 18th century.It is a time marked by the reign of Peter I. It has long forgotten the traditions of their ancestors, he makes abode in the place of criminals and their punishment.The appearance of the Synod of negative impact on the state of monasteries, including the Ugreshsky monastery.Left without the king's care, it is lacking significantly - reduced the number of monks, novices and newcomers often commit indiscretions.By the mid-18th century were placed Ugresha insane and people with physical disabilities and injuries.The temple complex of the monastery fell into disrepair, and the funds allocated to the restoration of the minimum.Particularly difficult for the monastery was during the reign of Empress Catherine I, which has reformed the secularization of monastic lands.General spiritual atmosphere in Ugresha worse, aided by the frequent change of abbots, some of which have earned notoriety during his governorship.It seemed that nothing could help revive the holy cloister, formerly based at the request of Nicholas ...
Like a phoenix
the revival of St. Nicholas Ugreshsky Stauropegial monastery began in the 30s of the 19th century, after the appointment of the rector of IgnatiusBrianchaninov later canonized.Despite the fact that he actually did not have time to start the leadership Ugresha, Ignatius was able to seriously affect her further material and spiritual recovery.On his recommendation, the abbot of the monastery becomes Hilary.Thanks to his active work began to revive the spiritual life.Hilary was careful adherence to the Charter and the ascetic monks increased the number to 20 people.During his governorship the monastery gained a few benefactors, for cash which was expanded Assumption Church, completed some housing.
The period of Hilary was really rewarding.After his death took place Abbot Pimen, who continued the work of the late governor.Rev. Pimen was able to open a convent school for peasant children.During the war, the abbot organized on the territory of Ugresha almshouse, which took the wounded from the battlefield.Until the beginning of the Revolution of 1918 the monastery ran a quiet and measured life.
test changes
Just like many Russian Orthodox complexes, Ugresha Monastery in Dzerzhinsk was closed even after numerous attempts to Abbot Macarius and save brethren abode.In its place it was founded a shelter for the homeless.During the war it was necessary to demolish the bell tower of Nicholas, which could be a good reference point for Nazi planes.In 80 years on the territory of Ugresha opened Venereal Diseases Clinic, which was liquidated in 1990.A few months later, in December, it has been made over the first years of service on the feast day of St. Nicholas.From that moment begins a rebirth of the Orthodox complex.
tour of the monastery
know the rich history of the monastery, the true gems and spiritual bulwark of the people viewing it doubly interesting sights.
on the territory of the monastery there are 13 temples and more than 20 other buildings - towers, chapels, buildings and so on. D. Start the tour can be a central structure - the Transfiguration Cathedral.Beautiful church with five domes is an example of 19th century architecture.It was specially built for the 500th anniversary of the monastery.That it keeps Ugresha Monastery relics of St. Pimen and the holy image of St. Nicholas.In addition, there is a replica of the icon of Our Lady of Fedorov, which resorted to the help of his mother and the women preparing for childbirth.
Nicholas Cathedral - the most ancient part of the whole Orthodox complex belonging to the 14th century.It is believed that its place was a wooden church built in honor of St. Nicholas Prince Dmitry Donskoy.The appearance of the stone buildings linked to the fire, which burned the original cathedral.Now this church is part of the tree of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.You can also pray before the icon of St. Nicholas the list, make a lot of miracles.
Assumption Cathedral, distinguished by its grandeur, many holy relics stores.In this temple, you can attach to the incorrupt remains of the great martyr Panteleimon, the ability to heal physical and spiritual disease through the prayers of the people;Sergius of Radonezh, helping to work and study, and all good endeavors;Matrona blessed Mother, continues to help the people of the earth, and after his death, Simeon Verkhoturye and many others.
While in the monastery, be sure to visit the Cathedral "All the Afflicted".You can find it by 5 domes, located on the roof of the tent.Previously, it kept the ancient icon of the Saviour and the Blessed Virgin, who, unfortunately, did not survive to the present day, as in the 20 years the temple looted and closed.
Coming from this cathedral along the economic yard, you will find yourself near the church built in honor of Our Lady of Kazan.A small complex with 5 domes ending openwork crosses was erected in the late 19th century on the money donors.Just like other churches, it was destroyed and then rebuilt only in the early 2000s.
addition to large complexes, Ugreshsky monastery keeps within its walls and small buildings such as the chapel in honor of St. Nicholas and Our Lady.A pond near the monastery and the cathedral, which was built in honor of St. Pimen, is the Chapel of the Lord's Passion.This building was erected in the early 2000s on the idea of one of the inhabitants of the monastery.The chapel was built in the old Russian style.It is located on a small hill that symbolizes Golgotha - the place of Jesus' suffering.The chapel is located inside the white stone cross, reminiscent of the great sacrifice of the Savior.
Cathedral of St. Pimen, located near the pond, very similar to the famous temple of the Intercession on the Nerl - golden dome rises above the white stone walls, beautiful in its austerity.
also located on the territory of the monastery Peter and Paul Church, the Palestinian wall and other facilities.
How to get to the monastery
If you are interested in history Ugresha and you want to feel the life of the monastery, had a severe test of time, it is necessary to come here.Ugreshskaya monastery is located in the town of Dzerzhinsk of Moscow Region.To get to the Orthodox complex can be the following way: from m. Kuzminki bus you can reach the city in just 20 minutes, and you'll Ugresha Monastery.Getting There, now you know.In addition, you can visit on a Sunday or holiday services, such as the feast day of St. Nicholas.
Ugreshsky monastery role in the life of modern Russia
Many tests have failed to break the spiritual resistance Ugreshsky monastery.Periods of decline and unprecedented prosperity, full of destruction and a further revival of fate spun Ugresha.In the new millennium Ugresha Monastery continues to play a major role in the Orthodox life of our country.Patriarch Kirill himself unspeakably rejoice deep faith of people, thanks to which the ruins of the monastery turned into a beautiful temple complex in Dzerzhinsk.Ugresha Monastery was a real spiritual and educational center in the Moscow region.This is evidenced in the territory of the temple museum.For example, those interested in Orthodox culture or history of the Russian Orthodox Church, can visit the museum of the sacristy, which kept many church utensils and antiques.Here you can see the old icons in gilded frames, the Gospel in a silver cover, and even coin the time of Ancient Rus.The exhibits were collected through zhertovatelyam.For example, Ugreshsky monastery was able to find a unique collection dedicated to the family of Nicholas II, the canonized.The collected particles literally - books and photos, sets and icons - it miraculously came to the monastery.This museum opened to the pilgrims.
important holidays of the monastery
Like any Orthodox complex Nikolo - Ugreshsky Monastery in Dzerzhinsk honors the memory of many of the saints in the daily services and the Sunday liturgy.But the most significant among them are the following days:
- Memory Nicholas.
- Icons "Perishing," "All the Afflicted", "Omen", "Blachernae."
- memory of Basil the Confessor, Healer Panteleimon, St. Sergius of Radonezh, St. Mary of Egypt and others.
- Transfiguration, Ascension, and other twelve great feasts.
Orthodox, glubokoveruyuschim people should visit Ugresha Monastery.Photos that you can do while on his walls, remembering the true beauty of the majestic complex.Ugresha need to see firsthand, touching stories Drain mysterious Russia, feel the atmosphere of the divine, to pray before the miraculous icon and venerate the relics of saints.Monastery - the spiritual medical reference, so it is always going to people visiting the only benefit.And let the monastery of St. Nicholas will be your refuge and spiritual salvation, a place where you can forget about the worldly worries and difficulties.
