Pilgrimage to the Bishop's Compound "Ferapontov Monastery"

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Russia Vologda Region village of Ferapontovo Bishop's Compound "Ferapontov Monastery" Map is loading...

59.954286; 38.570317

Russia, Vologda region, Kirillovsky district, Ferapontovo village

Ferapontovo village, Vologda region

Russia

Telephone

: +7 (921) 237-25-59

Telephone:

+7 (817-57) 49-281 or +7 (921) 535-56-92

Ferapontov Monastery on July 8, 2014.

in the village Ferapontovo, Kirillovsky district, Vologda region, on the site of the former Ferapontov Belozeyersky Mother of God Monastery, where the museum is also located.

For 400 years, the monastery was one of the most important cultural and religious educational centers in the Belozersky region. A unique ensemble of architecture and murals from pre-Petrine times has been preserved here, unique in its purity and preservation. The UNESCO session included the monastery on the World Heritage List in 2000.

The Museum of Frescoes of Dionysius is a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Kirillo-Belozersky Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve” (KBIAKHMZ), on the basis of a Presidential Decree in 1997 included in the State Code of Especially Valuable Objects of Cultural Heritage of the Peoples of the Russian Federation.

History[edit]

The historical significance of the Ferapontov Monastery, founded during the period of expansion of the political influence of the Moscow Grand Duchy, is determined by its participation in the key moments of the formation of the Russian centralized state and is closely connected with the main historical events that took place in Moscow in the 15th-17th centuries. Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the tented church. View from the east.

The monastery was founded in 1398 by Saint Ferapont. Coming from the boyar family of the Poskochins, Ferapont became a monk in the Moscow Simonov Monastery, came to the North with his friend and associate Saint Cyril of Belozersky, but did not stay with him on Lake Siverskoye, having founded his monastery 15 km from the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Just like Kirill, Ferapont did not remain alone for long. The number of monks grew, they built cells for themselves, in 1409 they erected a wooden Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, and a little later - a refectory. Thanks to the activities of Kirill Belozersky’s student, Rev. Martinian of Belozersky, who at the request of the brethren became abbot of the monastery, Ferapontov Monastery became widely known. Along with the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, it became a traditional place of worship and contributions of many representatives of the Russian feudal nobility (Andrei and Mikhail Mozhaisky, Vasily III, Ivan IV and others), from its walls at the turn of the 15th-16th centuries. Prominent hierarchs of the Russian Church emerged who actively participated in the internal life of the country - Archbishop of Rostov and Yaroslavl Joasaph (Obolensky), Bishop of Perm and Vologda Philotheus, Bishop of Suzdal Ferapont.

At the same time, major church figures who fought for the priority of church power in the state (Metropolitan Spiridon-Sava, Patriarch Nikon) were exiled here. Book writers Martinian, Spiridon, Philotheus, Paisius, Matthew, Efrosyn, and icon painter Dionysius worked here. The monastery's tonsure was the Monk Cassian the Greek, who arrived in Russia as part of the retinue of Sofia Paleologus.

The entire 16th century was the heyday of the monastery. This is evidenced by the surviving deposits and letters of grant from the secular and spiritual authorities, primarily Ivan IV. Vasily III and Elena Glinskaya, Ivan IV come to the monastery on pilgrimage. The deposit book of the monastery, begun in 1534, names among the contributors “princes Staritsky, Kubensky, Lykov, Belsky, Shuisky, Vorotynsky... Godunov, Sheremetev” and others. The bishops of Siberia, Rostov, Vologda, Belozersk, and Novgorod are also mentioned here.

With the discovery of the relics of St. Martinian and his subsequent canonization, attention to the monastery increases, contributing to the growth of deposits and income.

Ferapontov Monastery was the richest patrimonial land in Belozerye. To him at the beginning of the 17th century. belonged to several villages, about 60 villages, 100 wastelands, more than 300 peasants.

In 1490, with the construction of the first stone church of Belozerye, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, by Rostov craftsmen, the formation of the stone ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery of the 15th-17th centuries began.

In the 16th century In the monastery, the monumental Church of the Annunciation with a refectory, a state chamber, service buildings - a stone drying room, a guest chamber, a cook's chamber - are being built. However, the Ferapontov Monastery never became such a powerful fortress as Kirillovsky. Even its fence remained wooden until the 19th century. It was precisely because of the complete absence of any fortifications that the monastery was devastated by Polish-Lithuanian robber detachments in 1614. Knowing in advance about the invasion, the monks managed to hide the most valuable things. As a result of the Polish-Lithuanian devastation, cells and gates were burned, surrounding villages were devastated and local residents were killed. The extremely difficult economic situation of Belozero in the first half of the 17th century. was also reflected in the Ferapontov Monastery. Only 25 years after the invasion, stone construction was resumed. Having recovered from the Lithuanian devastation, in the middle of the 17th century. the monastery erects gate churches on the Holy Gates, the Martinian Church, and a bell tower.

But this new upsurge in the life of the monastery did not last long; in the second half of the 17th century the situation worsened again. This was partly due to the exile of former Patriarch Nikon here from 1666 to 1676. Nikon's ten-year stay in Ferapontovo was the last striking event in the history of the monastery. Gradually he became poorer and fell into disrepair. In 1798, the Ferapontov Monastery was abolished by decree of the Synod, and the churches became parish ones. In the 19th century, during the parish period, the narrowed monastic territory was surrounded by a stone fence.

In 1904, the monastery was reopened as a convent and closed again in 1924.

Since 1975, the formation of a modern museum began, which has turned into a research and educational center, disseminating knowledge about the unique monuments of the Ferapontov Monastery ensemble through various forms of museum work.

Ferapont - founder of the monastery

A nobleman by birth, Fyodor Poskochin was born in 1337 in the city of Volokolamsk. At the age of 40, he became a monk under the name Ferapont in the Moscow Simonov Monastery, where he became friends with the monk Kirill.

With the blessing of Sergei of Radonezh, fellow monks set off to conquer the Russian North and bring Christianity there. The mission turned out to be difficult: the Finnish-speaking tribes inhabiting the Russian north met them with hostility.

Arriving in Belozerye, the northern region, the friends set up a monastic cell in a cave they dug with their own hands. Quiet and gentle in character, Ferapont a year later moved away from the stern and demanding Cyril. He decided to build his own monastery.

In 1398, on a hill between two lakes, near the channel connecting them, Ferapont founded a monastery. The monk spent 10 years here, equipping the monastery. The founder set an example for the brethren, spending his life in work and prayer. He did all the “dirty” work - chopping wood and carrying water for all the monks.

The monastery gradually grew: lovers of peace and quiet, prayers in silence and solitude flocked here. Modest and taciturn, who did not like to command, Ferapont refused to take the position of abbot in the monastery he founded.

Prince Andrei of Mozhaisk, son of Dmitry Donskoy, invited the monk to his place to found a monastery near Mozhaisk. After much persuasion, Ferapont agreed and lived there for the rest of his life.

Current state[edit]

Projects for the resumption of monastic residence on the historical territory of the monastery have existed for many years. However, art historians do not support such initiatives, believing that this will negatively affect the preservation of the frescoes.

Currently, services are held in the gate churches of the Ferapontov Monastery, but the Russian Orthodox Church is considering the issue of services in the central cathedral of the monastery, painted by Dionysius.

Bishop Ignatius of Vologda and Veliky Ustyug issued a determination to form the Orthodox religious organization Ferapontov Monastery on July 8, 2014. Ferapontovo, Kirillovsky district, Vologda region, Vologda diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate).

Description[edit]

The ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery is unique in its beauty, authenticity, consistency of architectural details from different centuries, uniting it into a single whole. The idea of the ensemble is to reveal the theme of the Incarnation in architectural and pictorial images.

The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is of particular significance for Russian and world culture. According to the text of the chronicle on the slope of the northern door, it was painted by Dionysius and his sons from August 6 to September 8, 1502. This is the only surviving painting by an outstanding representative of the Moscow icon painting school, the main artist of the turn of the 15th-16th centuries.

Temple frescoes

The area of the cathedral murals is 600 m². It is the only documented painting by the master. The individuality of Dionysius's wall paintings lies in the unique tonal richness of soft colors, the rhythmic harmony of numerous subjects in combination with the architectural divisions of the cathedral. Features of the relationship between the story cycles (Akathist to the Theotokos, Ecumenical Councils, the Last Judgment and others) and individual compositions both inside and outside the cathedral, color diversity and philosophical depth determine the meaning of the murals of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin. Among the monuments of the Orthodox circle, the cathedral's murals are distinguished by the complete preservation of the author's painting, which has never been renewed.

The Ferapontov Monastery with the painting of Dionysius is a rare example of the preservation and stylistic unity of the Russian northern monastic ensemble of the 15th-17th centuries, revealing the typical features of the architecture of the time of the formation of the Russian centralized state. The ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery is a vivid example of harmonious unity with the natural surrounding landscape, practically unchanged since the 17th century, emphasizing the special spiritual structure of northern monasticism, while at the same time revealing the peculiarities of the economic structure of the northern peasantry.

The buildings of the monastery, the only ones in the Russian North, have preserved all the characteristic features of decor and interiors. The monastery ensemble is the only example of the interaction of architecture and fresco created in Russia from the beginning of the 16th century, created by the most outstanding master of the era.

Structure of the architectural ensemble

Ferapontov Monastery is an architectural ensemble.
The architecture of the monastery is unique in its antiquity. Perhaps this is the only complex of ancient buildings from the pre-Nikon era in the country. Scheme of the Ferapontov Monastery
(1) Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (1490) (2) Church of the Annunciation with the Refectory Chamber (1534) (3) Treasury Chamber (XVII century) (4) Bell Tower (XVI-XVII centuries) (5) Church - tomb of St. Martinian (1640) (6) Holy Gates with the churches of the Epiphany and Ferapont (1649)

The monastery which consists of 4 churches (6 altars), a bell tower (XVI-XVII centuries), the Treasury Chamber (XVII century) and the Refectory Chamber. Previously, on the territory of the Ferapontov Monastery there were monastic two-story wooden cells (from the men's and women's monasteries) and other buildings, but, unfortunately, they have not survived to this day. A small part of the monastery territory is surrounded by a low stone fence with two corner turrets and three gates, one of which is the Holy Gate with the churches of the Epiphany and Ferapont (1649).

The main attraction of the Ferapontov Monastery is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (1490), as it preserves unique frescoes of 1502 created by the famous ancient Russian icon painter Dionysius. In the 1930s Icons, also painted by Dionysius, were removed from the cathedral “due to their low artistic value.” Currently, these icons are in the Kirillo-Belozersky Museum-Reserve, the Tretyakov Gallery and the Russian Museum.

In addition to the main altar, the cathedral had a southern aisle, above which a small dome rose. The chapel was consecrated in the name of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra. A small belfry was added to the north side, the remains of which became part of the porch.

On the territory of the monastery, near the southern wall of the Cathedral, there is the Church of St. Martinian of the Ferapont Monastery (1640), which is the tomb of the second founder of the Ferapont monastery.

Saints[edit]

Venerable Ferapont of Beloezersky, Mozhaisk, Luzhetsky, archimandrite - founder and 1st abbot of the monastery

Venerable Martinian Beloezersky, abbot - builder, 2nd abbot of the monastery

Blessed Galaktion of Belozersky, Fool for Christ's sake - locally revered saint

Shrines[edit]

The relics of St. Martinian Beloezersky. They rest hidden in the church of the same name;

The relics of St. Galaktion Beloezersky. They rest in secret under the bell tower to the right of the entrance;

Relics of Archbishop Joasaph. They rest at the feet of their teacher, St. Martiniana. The tombstone is on the left on the sole in the Martinian Church;

Revered icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”. Written on Mount Athos at the beginning of the last century for the renewed monastery. Located in the Gate Church on the left side, to the left of the Royal Doors;

The sacristan of the Monk Martian. Located in the museum;

Felony, where St. served. right John of Kronstadt in the Ferapont Monastery.

Shrines and patronal feasts

Despite the lack of monastic residence, shrines have been preserved in the temples, which can be venerated during a pilgrimage to these places. Among the shrines, the following stand out:

phelonion of St. John of Kronstadt;
9 ancient antimensions from the 15th-17th centuries, which were transferred here from the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary;
the relics of Archbishop Joasaph and Galaktion of Belozersky;
shrine with the relics of St. Martinian from 1646 and his robe.

Iconostasis in the Church of Martinian of Belozersky

In addition, you can examine the preserved property of Patriarch Nikon, who was here in exile. His chair and desk have been preserved. There are also two unique icons kept in the temple:

icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”, by monks from Athos;
icon of the monks Ferapont and Martinian, which was painted by the local monk Theodosius.

In the surrounding area you can visit the restored island on Lake Borodaevskoye, which Patriarch Nikon himself once built during his exile here. A Worship Cross was also installed here.

The monastery annually celebrates patronal feasts:

Epiphany of the Lord - January 19;
Nativity of the Virgin Mary - September 21.

The patron saints of the churches here are considered to be Ferapont of Belozersky, who was the founder and first abbot here, and Martinian of Belozersky, who served as the second abbot and blessed Galaktion.

How to get there[edit]

The monastery, located 20 km northeast of Kirillov and 120 km northwest of Vologda, is built on a hill between two lakes - Borodaevskoye and Paskoy, which are connected by the small river Paska. The village of Ferapontovo itself is located mainly on the opposite bank of the river from the monastery. The monastery dominates the surrounding area, but due to its intimate size and elegant style, it does not overwhelm with grandeur, like its closest neighbor, the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery.

Address:

Russian Federation, Vologda region, Kirillovsky district, village. Ferapontovo, st. Kargopolskaya, 8

Telephone

: +7 (921) 237-25-59

Directions

Revival of the monastery

The resumption of monastic life within the walls of the Ferapontov Monastery is associated with the name of Abbess Taisia, the spiritual daughter of Fr. John of Kronstadt. Her desire found support and in December 1903 the Holy Synod issued a corresponding decree.

The first nuns of the monastery had a very hard time. After Taisia, the abbess of the monastery was Abbess Seraphima, under whom the Ferapont monastery not only gained some wealth, but also began to do good to the surrounding residents. In 1918, Abbess Seraphim was shot by the Bolsheviks.

By 1924, the Bolsheviks completed the destruction of the monastic community, expelling all the sisters from the monastery. Soon a museum opened here, but until the mid-1970s, virtually no restoration work was carried out there.

Now the monastery is still a museum, which is a branch of the Kirillo-Belozersky Museum-Reserve. This is one of the oldest monasteries in the Vologda region.

Pilgrim[edit]

Divine services[edit]

Divine services are held in the gate church of the monastery.

Schedule of services:

Saturday: 10:00 - prayer service, memorial service. 17:00 — All-night vigil.

Sunday: 9:00 - Liturgy.

Where to stay[edit]

You can stay at a hotel in the center of the village of Ferapontovo.

Rooms with a total capacity of up to 45 people. Each room is equipped with modern furniture, satellite TV, DVD. The price includes free secure parking and a la carte breakfast. On the ground floor of the hotel building there is a restaurant with 44 seats.

Address:

With. Ferapontovo, st. Slobodskaya, 4

Telephone:

+7 (817-57) 49-281 or +7 (921) 535-56-92

Website:

: https://www.ferapontovo.ru/

https://www.ferapontovo.info/

Where to stay in Ferapontovo

"The House with the Unicorn"

Address: st. Slobodskaya, 1

The most successful accommodation location in Ferapontovo is “House with a Unicorn”. Located between the lake and the monastery. The window offers a magnificent view, at any time of the year. The house has all the amenities: two bedrooms, equipped kitchen, shower, toilet. But the main highlight is the Russian stove, lined with tiles.

From 3000 rub. on Booking.com

Complex "Tsipina Gora"

Address: st. Volshebnaya, 1

The Tsipina Gora ski complex is located 3.5 km from Ferapontovo. In the town of Odenievo . Near the hotel there is a ski slope (Vologda ski resort), a ski pass sales point, a restaurant, a bar. There is equipment rental, including bicycles in the summer. The rooms are modern and have everything you need.

From 3330 rub. on Booking.com