One of the largest functioning monasteries in Russia, has more than five centuries of history, is one of the most revered monasteries in the country - it is the Pskov-Caves Monastery, founded in 1473.It is located almost on the border with Estonia.
From the history of the monastery
Pskov-Pechersky Monastery appeared in a cave near a stream Kamenetz.The first of them is mentioned in chronicles in 1392.According to legend, they lived monks who fled from the south, fleeing the persecution of the Crimean Tatars.In 1470, on this earth monk Jonah, born in St. George's (now Tartu), he built a church, which was consecrated in 1473.It was formed around her and Pechersk monastery.In the Pskov-Caves Monastery in the XVI century a city of Pechora.
In the old days it was a desolate place, covered with impenetrable forests.Hunters come in here have seen an old man praying on a stone, I heard singing hermits.About them there is no information, there is still the name of their spiritual mentor - Mark.John, his wife Maria (she took the monastic name Vassa) and Mark were the first inhabitants of this place.
in sandy hill dug John Church of the Blessed Virgin.After a while, Vassa died (she was seriously ill before the arrival in the Pskov region).The coffin of the deceased, he is buried in a cave.But to his great surprise, the next day the coffin proved to be extracted from the earth.Jonah took this as a sign from above.He suggested that during the funeral there was something wrong.Therefore Vassa otpeli again and again betrayed her land.But the next morning the same thing happened.Jonah decided to leave the coffin to the surface.
Since ancient times, does not stop the action of grace in the caves of the monastery.For several centuries, the coffins with the deceased monks, who died on the battlefield soldiers and residents of the tenements are not committed to the earth.The monastery has a cave necropolis tombs, which are filled with blackened and dilapidated coffins up to the vaults.At the same time there have been no signs of rotting bodies.
Devotees Jonah
After the untimely death of Vassa Jonah began to come to ascetics.His close friend and receiver Mishael monk on the mountain itself built a wooden church of Theodosius and Anthony.Beside her were cut down for the first inhabitants of the cell.
Unfortunately, soon Old monastery on the mountain burned people from the Livonian Order.At the beginning of the XVI century, when the abbot was Dorofei, the temple was decided to move to the foot of the mountain.At the same time we expanded the Church of the Assumption, built cave temple Anthony and Theodosius.Around the same time the church was built Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, began the construction of the belfry of the monastery.Invaluable assistance in the construction of assisted Misyura Munekhin - a man highly educated, pious, who was able to understand and appreciate the strategic importance Pecher.
Educational activities
Munekhin abbot and patron Cornelius.When it Pskov-Pechersky Holy Assumption Monastery flourished.Significantly increased the number of monks were carpentry, ceramics, icon painting workshops.Pskov-Pechora monastery already in those days could be proud of the magnificent library.There were Pskov third chronicle.From the Caves collections to have survived the correspondence of John IV with Prince Andrew Kurbsky.
Abbot Cornelius engaged in spiritual enlightenment - he created a temple in southern Estonia, dispatched priests.However, educational activities were suspended due to the military success of the Germans.
By decree of Ivan the Terrible, Pskov-Pechora monastery was surrounded by a stone wall strong.The monastery was built Church of the Annunciation, made of stone.For the musketeers of the garrison, who was carrying a permanent service, we built the Gate Church of St. Nicholas, which is directly connected with fighting towers.During the Livonian War, the monastery is often exposed to attacks from the west.
Pskov-Pechersky Holy Assumption Monastery today
On the slope of a deep ravine, some skirting the ravine through which flows a stream of Kamenetz, stretching the walls of Pechersk fortress.Their total length is 726 meters, the thickness reaches two meters.Today feudal structure consists of 9 towers.During its centuries-old history of the Pskov-Pechersky Dormition Monastery repeatedly withstood the attacks of the Livonian army, led by Stefan Batory (Livonian War), the Swedish rulers - Charles XII and Karl-Gustav, Hetman Chodkiewicz (Poland).The history of military involvement of the monastery, famed exploits her brave defenders - monks and archers, completed during the Northern War.At this time, the western frontiers of Russia moved to the Baltic Sea.
Great pilgrims
Since ancient times, the existence of the monastery knew all of Great Russia and, of course, Moscow.Pskov-Pechora monastery became a place of pilgrimage crowned persons of different times.Frequent guest here was Ivan the Terrible, who repented of his ruined heart of Abbot Cornelius.At one time it fell suspicion mistrust ruler.Four times visited the Pskov Monastery of the Caves by Peter I. luxurious coach, which is still kept in the monastery, remained in the memory of the visit to the monastery of the Empress Anna Ivanovna.In 1822, you've been here, and Alexander I. He spoke in the monastery with the seer Lazarus.On a pilgrimage in 1903 was attended by Nicholas II.Here at the beginning of 1911 there prayed Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna.
Shrine monastery
ancient monastery cherishes within its walls the most valuable icons.Pskov-Pechora monastery, photos of which you can see in this article, has three shrines.The first is an icon of the Mother of God, which is considered miraculous.Her feast day each year to take out a procession.In addition, it is the icon of emotion and Odigitrii Pskov-Pechora.Preserved evidence in the chronicles of miraculous healings that have been made possible thanks to these shrines.Icons are stored in the Assumption Cathedral and St. Michael's Cathedral.
Elders monastery
Today the monastery, which is run by Reverend Eusebius very carefully keeps the traditions of the monastery, in compliance with the laws and regulations of the monastery.It is home to wonderful people.The elders of the Pskov-Caves Monastery - an example of true piety and great faith.It archimandrites Adrian (Kirsanov) and John (Krestiankin) - Legend of the Orthodox Church and shining examples monastic life.
Saints Pskov-Caves Monastery is a role model not only of the monks living in the monastery today, but for all Orthodox Christians.It Reverend Mark, Reverend Vassa, Reverend Jonah, Rev. Dorofei, Reverend Lazarus, St. Simeon.
Monastery today
Today, thousands of tourists come to this place to witness the great shrine.Historical and architectural monuments of great interest to scientists all over the world - it is the Pskov-Caves Monastery.Excursions organized here many travel agencies from different cities of our country.Attractions monastery is truly unique.
As already mentioned, the current monastery.It hosts the service.To touch the shrines, many come to the Pskov-Caves Monastery.Is required here, too, can be ordered.Perhaps not everyone knows what it is.It required - a sacred rite, the priest who makes the request for the believer himself or people close to him.It requested person to the Lord, with which it is treated with the clergy.
Today we can lodge rites in Pechersky Monastery on the Internet.To do this, enter the site of the monastery, which is described in detail how to do it.Administrators daily review all submitted "memos" and transfer them to the abbot of the monastery Archimandrite Tikhon.
Caves Monastery
As already mentioned, the cave and the temple created Pskov former priest John Shestnik.
Caves Pskov-Caves Monastery - is, in fact, the monastery cemetery.The exact number of graves is still uncertain.Supposedly buried here more than 14 000 people.There is still no scientific justification phenomenon, which is observed in the caves for centuries: it is always very fresh and the air temperature is always constant.Additionally, it disappears instantly decaying smell body.
Scientists have tried to explain this phenomenon unusual properties of sandstone, which is able to absorb odors, monks sincerely believe that this is due to the holiness of the place.
Tours of the monastery caves left a very strong impression on all who dare to visit them.Candles illuminate the path just around the ringing silence ... And if also a monk who leads the tour, says "scary" voice of human sins and paid for them, it is not alone.
almost at the entrance to the cave relics Reverend Mark, Jonah, Lazarus, and Vassa.
diverge from the entrance, seven underground galleries.They are called streets, which over the years expanded and extended.Fraternal called fifth and sixth streets.Here are buried the monks of the monastery.The pilgrims were buried in other galleries.
At the end of the central streets of the cave is a special candle.It is decorated as a small table and called Eve.Next to him are the dirge (memorial services).Just behind Eve has a large wooden cross, which was buried on the right of Metropolitan Veniamin Mabuza.
Caves monastery - a unique place rapture of the saints, the prayers of devotees soaked.This is a unique artistic and historical monument.
Assumption cave temple
to him is a wide staircase.Above the entrance is placed the image of the Mother of God Cathedral.On the roof, facing the monastery, there are five chapters, crowning crosses.Neck decorated with the heads of sacred images.
No less original and interior of the church.It has three long pass and five - in width.They are separated by excavation machines, lined with bricks.This creates a special comfort.The room is quite spacious, there is always a quiet corner where the light of the lamps can pray.
In the depths of the cathedral, on the south side, in a specially equipped niche relics Reverend Cornelius.
Large belfry
far from the Church of the Assumption is a major belfry or bell tower, as it is often called.Stone structure, consisting of several pillars set out in a number of east-west.
This is one of the largest architectural structures of this type.The belfry has a main span of six and one, which was built much later.Thanks to him, forms the second tier.
Bells Pskov Monastery - this is one of the most important collections not only in Pskov region, but also in Western Russia.
Candlemas Church
It was built in 1670 on the site of a pre-existing Annunciation Church.Sretensky Cathedral - a two-storey building made of brick, made in the pseudo-Russian style.The church is located on the second floor.The altar has a central niche of the altar and a few small niches for dyakonnika.The narthex is separated by a massive wall.It has three openings.All the windows are in the form of arches.The ground floor of the temple processed smooth rustication.
On the western and eastern walls of Sretensky church preserved paintings, which have repeatedly been restored.Southern and northern walls are decorated with pilasters.The walls are made of bricks and then plastered and painted.
attempts to close
Throughout its long history of the Pskov-Caves Monastery has never been closed, for more than five hundred years.
In Soviet times, has repeatedly attempted to close the Monastery of the Caves.Eyewitnesses recall that one day another commission came to him with the decision to close.The abbot got acquainted with the decision and threw him into a burning fireplace.Discouraged officials also undocumented, hastily retreated.
Abbot Alipio, met representatives of the next government, said that the monastery houses a large number of weapons, and many of the brethren are front-line soldiers.They will protect the monastery until his last breath.He warned that the monastery can get only with the help of aviation, which is immediately informed by the radio station "Voice of America".The statement made in the Commission impression.Oddly enough, but the threat worked.For some time the monastery was left alone.
situations where the monastery would close or bankrupt, it was a lot, but every time in some incomprehensible way, he remained untouched.
