Stone miraculous icon in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra

Time of destruction and restoration

The restored temple at the beginning of the 20th century was decorated with a new bell tower, which was blown up during the period of fierce struggle against religion in 1939, against the will of the townspeople.
In 1920, the revolutionary authorities closed the Trinity Cathedral in Sergiev Posad, so His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon, who arrived to celebrate the day of honoring St. Sergius, held an All-Night Vigil and Liturgy in the Peter and Paul Church. Bishops Nikon and Vasily took part in the priestly and diaconal ordination of the monks of the Gethsemane monastery.

On September 19, 1928, the Church of Peter and Paul in Sergiev Posad became the site of the funeral service for Elder Alexy, who during his lifetime was known as the recluse of Zosimova Hermitage. Not only priests, but also many lay people came to say goodbye to the elder and perform a spiritual feat. During the funeral service in the central Church of the Resurrection of the Church, several bishops, archimandrites, and priests of Moscow were among the funeral service.

Interior of the Peter and Paul Church in Sergiev Posad

In 1930, the temple was closed, many priests were repressed, the brickwork was dismantled into bricks, and many parts were sold on the building materials market.

In 1935, the temple was captured by renovationists; the last priest, Father Dimitri, held services at the Kokuevskoye cemetery while living in Zagorsk. After his arrest in 1937, all information about him was lost, and only 60 years later were documents found about the execution of the priest at the end of that year.

During the warming period, the authorities returned the Peter and Paul Church, or rather what was left of it, to the parishioners in a terrible state, all the domes and crosses were removed, church utensils were stolen. Unfortunately, the iconostasis disappeared without a trace.

Shrines and patronal feasts

The most revered relic in the Holy Trinity Lavra is the relics of its founder, St. Sergius of Radonezh. Also here are the icons of the Mother of God - Tikhvin and Chernigov. Believers can venerate the relics of Saints Maxim the Greek and Anthony of Radonezh.

The revered icon of St. Nicholas, located in the Church of St. Sergius, is of value.

Important! The Day of the Holy Trinity and the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary are celebrated with special reverence at the Lavra. All Orthodox believers who visit the glorious city of Sergiev Posad are recommended to visit this holy place

Despite the crowds, there is peace and tranquility here, allowing you to concentrate and think about such important things as the soul and our purpose in this life

All Orthodox believers who visit the glorious city of Sergiev Posad are recommended to visit this holy place. Despite the crowds, there is peace and tranquility here, allowing you to concentrate and think about such important things as the soul and our purpose in this life.

Icon of Sergius of Radonezh: what does it help with?

In any church you can always find the image of the Venerable Elder Sergius. His icon conveys to us a deep look, full of humility and wisdom. On May 3/May 16, 2014, a great date was celebrated - the 700th anniversary of the birth of St. Sergius of Radonezh, whom everyone considered a saint during his lifetime. He was respected by various rulers, princes, boyars and ordinary people.

It is not for nothing that many are interested in the question: “What does the icon of Sergius of Radonezh help with?” People turn to the face of the saint with sincere prayer to receive protection and help in unpleasant life circumstances. And parents ask him for their children, so that they study well, are well-mannered and kind, and never fall under someone’s bad influence.

Refectory Church

Recommend a place

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The refectory church is located in the place where Tsarina’s mansions were previously located. The church building was built in 1686. It consists of brick and white stone. The building of the Refectory Church has an original roof, which is reliably supported by metal rods. It amazes with its decorative decoration.

Along the perimeter of the facade of the Refectory Church there are semi-columns with “curly” capitals. Above them is a multi-profile cornice. The windows are framed by twisted white stone columns. There are huge sculptural sinks on the walls. The building has two wide staircases. On the eastern side, the St. Sergius Church adjoins the Refectory building.

The hall of the Refectory Church, which is 70 meters long and fifteen meters wide, was intended for holding ceremonial receptions. It is decorated with stucco and paintings made by eighteenth-century craftsmen. The monks dined in another hall - the small refectory. By the way, the building was restored in the 1940s.

Shrines of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra

A simple listing of all the shrines of the monastery takes more than one page. Every day in the Lavra is sanctified with prayers before the relics of the saints. Cases of miracles at the relics have been recorded throughout the existence of the monastery.

Cancer with the relics of St. Sergius

The relics of the abbot of the Russian land rest in the Trinity Cathedral. The silver shrine for them was made in the 16th century by Kremlin craftsmen. The silver canopy was made in the 18th century.

The incorrupt relics were found during the construction of the foundation of the church, 30 years after his death. They were placed here after the construction of the white stone cathedral.

Relics of saints

• St. Dionysius of Radonezh, St. Serapion of Novgorod, Joasaph of Moscow, right hand of the first martyr Stephen - in the western vestibule of the Nikon Church.
• St. Maximus the Greek and St. Anthony (Medvedev) in the crayfish of the Spiritual Church.
• St. Innocent of Moscow - in the Assumption Cathedral.
• St. Nikon of Radonezh - in the temple consecrated in his honor.
• St. Micah of Radonezh - in the Micah Church.

Shrines of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra

1. Relics of St. Sergius An amazing story is connected with the discovery of the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh. The coffin with the body of the Saint was raised from the ground where there was water. This happened in 1422, 30 years after the death of Sergius of Radonezh. When they opened the lid, they couldn’t believe their eyes. Not only His body remained incorruptible, even His clothes were completely preserved. 2. Icon of the Holy Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica is the heavenly patron of the Moscow prince Demetrius of Donskoy (1389, commemorated on May 19), and his icon ended up in the monastery where the prince took his blessing for the battle with Mamai in the 14th century. 3. Ancient southern gates of the Trinity Cathedral In front of the tomb of St. Sergius there are the ancient southern gates of the Trinity Cathedral, which retain the mark of the Time of Troubles - a hole made by the cannonball of those who besieged the Lavra and did not break the spirit of its defenders. 4. Tomb of the Godunovs The tomb of the Godunovs is located on the western side of the Assumption Cathedral, to the left of its front porch. The tomb in the form of a small tent was erected in 1782 over the tombs of Tsar Boris Godunov, his wife, Queen Maria, and his son, Tsarevich Theodore, whose bodies were transferred from Moscow to the Trinity Monastery in 1606, as well as his daughter, Princess Ksenia, in monasticism of Olga, who died in 1622. 5. Icon of the Trinity by Andrei Rublev This is the famous miraculous icon of the Most Holy Trinity of the Venerable Andrei Rublev, which is rightly considered the wonderful fruit of the spiritual influence of the All-Russian abbot. This icon is currently recognized not only as the pinnacle of our fine art, but also as a symbol of all Russian culture.

The relics of saints were especially revered in the monastery. In the Trinity Cathedral there were the relics of Sergius of Radonezh in a silver shrine donated by Empress Anna Ivanovna. Also in the Trinity Cathedral, in the Nikon chapel, the relics of Nikon of Radonezh were kept; in the Micah Church - the relics of Micah of Radonezh (cell attendant of Sergius of Radonezh); in the Serapion Tent - the relics of Saint Serapion, Archbishop of Novgorod. The monastery also contained the burial places of Archimandrite Dionysius, Moscow Metropolitan Joasaph, Maxim the Greek. The most revered shrine of the Lavra is the Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev, painted for the iconostasis of the Trinity Cathedral, in a precious robe donated by Tsar Boris Godunov in 1600. The sacristy of the Lavra contained objects associated with the name of Sergius of Radonezh - wooden liturgical vessels, his icons, chasubles, sandals. Here were also precious royal donations from the 15th to 18th centuries, representing examples of Russian arts and crafts. The Lavra's library collected manuscripts and early printed liturgical books. As of 1908, the library contained 823 manuscripts and 10 thousand printed books. The monastery had an extensive archive, which contained originals and copies of documents from the 16th to 20th centuries, including letters of grant from Russian sovereigns, as well as a set of documents on the management of the Lavra’s economy. Currently, most of the Lavra archive is stored in the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts, some of the documents are in the collections of the Manuscripts Department of the Russian State Library and in the collections of the State Historical Museum.

Many famous people were buried in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra: Princess Marfa Vladimirovna (daughter of Staritsky Prince Vladimir Andreevich and wife of the Danish Prince Magnus), the family of Boris Godunov, figures of the Time of Troubles, Prince D.T. Trubetskoy and Prokopiy Lyapunov, as well as representatives of noble Russian families - the Belskys, Pronskys, Vorotynskys, Nagikhs, Odoevskys, Obolenskys, Glinskys. Moscow bishops are buried in the Lavra churches: Plato (Levshin), Augustine (Vinogradsky), Filaret (Drozdov), Makariy (Bulgakov), Leonty (Lebedinsky), Sergius (Lyapidevsky), Makariy (Nevsky). Patriarchs Alexy I and Pimen were buried under the Assumption Cathedral in the Church of All Saints in the Land of Russia.

History of creation

This amazing monastery dates back to the thirty-seventh year of the fourteenth century, when Sergius of Radonezh began to live on Makovets Hill. For several years this man lived alone, but then new inhabitants came and populated the desert. This is how the monastery appeared. This association played a very important role in the life of Russia. The monastery influenced political life; people always knew that they could turn for help here. The monastery servants took active steps to change the political situation in the country, for example, against the Tatar-Mongol yoke. Later, the monastery supported Peter I in his struggle with Princess Sophia. In many ways, it was able to play such a significant role due to its location - on the way from the heart of the country to the North. Therefore, it was deservedly included in the capital’s defense system.

Trinity-Sergius Lavra

Sergiev Posad itself would not exist without the monastery - it grew up around the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, so their paths are inextricably linked. As it develops, the monastery acquires more and more land. Thanks to its active growth and influence, it received the title of Lavra in the mid-eighteenth century. Three decades later, the settlement that formed around it is called a city called Sergiev Posad.

The monastery, which is impressive even now, has grown and multiplied over the course of centuries. The Lavra itself has received and is receiving the support of very significant individuals. Now there are about fifty buildings on the territory of the monastery.

The first of them was the Trinity Cathedral. Below it is the coffin of the founder of this great monastery, Sergius of Radonezh. The cathedral was erected in the early twenties of the fifteenth century. Previously, a wooden church was erected on the land where the temple is now located. In order to build the Trinity Cathedral, famous architects were attracted. The latter did an excellent job; the temple was fully consistent with the architectural trends of those times. The temple has a cross-dome shape and is made of blocks of white stone. The cathedral is modest in size and has very little decoration.

Trinity Cathedral

The interior of this building was painted by now famous icon painters: Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny. They were the leaders of the artel of icon painters. The famous icon “Holy Trinity” was painted by Andrei Rublev right here, for this cathedral. It was kept by the Trinity-Sergius Lavra until the thirties of the twentieth century, when it was transferred to the Tretyakov Gallery. Unfortunately, all the paintings of the cathedral have not survived to this day, largely due to the severe destruction to which they were subjected.

Assumption Cathedral

The second major building that became part of the architectural ensemble of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in the city of Sergiev Posad was the Assumption Cathedral.

History of the relics

I would like to supplement the topic “Sergius of Radonezh: relics” with one amazing story from the grandson of the priest Pavel Florensky. On Lazarus Saturday before Easter 1919, the opening of the relics of the saint by the Soviet authorities was supposed to take place. The safe preservation of the relics was called into question. Father Pavel found out about this and arranged a secret meeting with the governor of the monastery, Father Kronid, Count Yu. A. Olsufiev (member of the commission for the protection of monuments), S. P. Mansurov and M. V. Shik, who then became priests. They secretly came to the Trinity Cathedral, read a prayer in front of the shrine containing the relics of the saint, then, using a spear, separated the head of the saint and replaced it with the head of Prince Trubetskoy, who had once been buried in the Lavra. The head of Saint Sergius was temporarily left to be kept in the sacristy. Count Olsufiev then placed the head of the saint in an oak ark and began to keep it at home (Sergiev Posad, Valovaya Street). In 1928, fearing arrest, he buried the ark in his garden.

Where to stay

Voznesenskaya Hotel

Cost of living: for the bottom bunk - 500 rubles, for the top bunk - 450 rubles.

Note:

next to the Lavra (approx. 200 m) and near the refectory. Facilities on the floor. Reservations must be made a month and a half before your planned arrival (phone numbers: +7-916-641-69-09).

Old hotel

Address: Sergiev Posad, Red Army Avenue, 133

You need to determine the cost of living yourself. Phone numbers for inquiries: +7(496)549-90-00,.

Note:

comfortable single, double and multi-bed rooms with all amenities. Each room has an icon and Holy Scripture. It is possible to arrange additional space. Children under 7 years old stay free.

Smoking and drinking alcohol in rooms are not allowed in hotels.

Iconostasis of the Trinity Cathedral

The Trinity Cathedral iconostasis is a unique item of church historical heritage. Multi-tiered (five-tiered) iconostasis of exceptional historical value. The most valuable works placed in the iconostasis were created by masters under the leadership of Andrei Rublev and Danila Cherny.

The most important, famous and key work of Andrei Rublev, which is also indicated in chronicle sources, is the world famous icon “Trinity”. On it, the legendary icon painter stunningly embodies the image of the triune god

A number of researchers believe that Andrei’s authorship belongs to 2 to 5 works moved to the iconostasis.

These include displays:

• apostles Paul and Peter;
• Archangel Gabriel;
• Demetrius of Thessalonica from the Deisis series;
• as well as the “Baptism” icon.

It is believed that the icons of the apostles are closest to the “Trinity” in artistic style, therefore they are recognized as the main candidates for recognition of Rublev’s authorship. In total, the iconostasis of the Lavra contains seventy-four icons.

Since three icons of the Zvenigorod rank, attributed to Rublev, and Rublev’s works of the iconostasis of the Vladimir Assumption Cathedral are placed in the Tretyakov Gallery, the Holy Trinity Cathedral remains the only temple that preserves icons, if not of St. Andrew himself, then at least of his close circle, directly in the very temple.

Monastery-fortress

The monastery performed its protective function perfectly. Polish-Lithuanian troops besieged the monastery for sixteen months during the Time of Troubles. The enemy significantly outnumbered the defenders of the monastery-fortress. Continuous shelling from 63 enemy guns, depriving the fortress of water, sending in spies, “ramming tricks” (for example, towers on wheels - “turuses”), numerous assaults did not shake the courage of the defenders of the Orthodox shrine. From “The Tale of the Siege of the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius” by the monk Abraham Palitsyn, we know about the feat of peasants and monks who, at the cost of their lives, blew up the underground mine of the Poles under the towers of the monastery, about the heroic detachment of the peasant Vanity, who put the enemy to flight. By the way, it was here, under the walls of the fortress, just a few years later, in 1612, that the people’s militia of Minin and Pozharsky was preparing for a decisive offensive.

After the siege, the wall with towers (11 in total) was rebuilt in the monastery, and new temples and chambers were erected. The length of the fortress walls today is 1125 meters, and their height ranges from 7 to 15 meters. For its time, the monastery of St. Sergius became one of the largest fortifications.

From Moscow, the entrance to the monastery town is opened by the Holy Gates with the gate church; they were opened only for the patriarch and the tsar. The Assumption Gate nearby was intended for “people and animals”, for wandering pilgrims, “passengers”; on the side of the Uglich road, the northern Kalich Gate served (the height of the Kalich Tower is 40 meters).

On a dark night in August 1689, the young Tsar Peter rides alone to the Trinity Monastery to escape the Streltsy riot. Having won the deadly struggle for power with his sister Princess Sophia, Peter does not forget the monastery with his gratitude. At the end of the 17th century, the monastery square was decorated with the huge stone building of the Refectory, one of the brightest and most elegant buildings of the monastery with recognizable luxurious decoration in the “Moscow Baroque” style. The Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist, erected at the expense of Peter I's associate Grigory Stroganov in 1693-1699 in another exquisite Baroque style, "Stroganov", adorns the Holy Gates of the Lavra.

The last important step in the formation of the architectural ensemble of the monastery was the construction of a new bell tower. The high-rise dominant of the Lavra was erected under three Russian empresses: Anna Ioannovna, Elizaveta Petrovna and Catherine the Great. The 88-meter five-tier bell tower was built at a distance from other buildings in the central square. This arrangement made the amazingly beautiful building the result of the entire ensemble and enhanced the artistic image of the complex of buildings from different eras.

Smolensk Church of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra

The church in honor of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria” is located behind the Lavra bell tower opposite the church of St. Zosima and Savvaty Solovetsky and closes the northwestern corner of the cathedral square.

In the place where the church now stands, at the beginning of the 18th century. there was a stone building of a fraternal cookhouse. On the outer wall of the cookhouse there was a miraculous stone carved icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria” of Smolensk. This is where the name of the church comes from. Currently, this icon is in the Sergiev Posad Historical and Art Museum, and a revered copy is installed on the outer eastern wall of the church.

In 1730, the miraculous stone icon of Hodegetria of Smolensk appeared in a dream vision to a monastery psalm-reader, whose hands were bent to his back and withered. After this vision he received healing. The healed man, “due to the importance of the event, was presented to Empress Anna Ioannovna at the Izmailovsky Palace and examined by doctors,” notes historian A.V. Gorsky.

The miraculous image of “Hodegetria” of Smolensk. XV century SPMZ

For the icon, famous for its miracle-working, the building of the cookhouse in 1735, by personal decree of the Emperor. Anna Ioannovna was converted to the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. But the building turned out to be dilapidated, and with money donated by Count A.G. Razumovsky, in the amount of 4,654 rubles. 38 kopecks, a new church was erected, which exists to this day. The temple was built from 1745 to 1748. under the abbot of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Archimandrite. Lavrentiya (Khotsyatovsky) designed by the architect D.V. Ukhtomsky. The solemn consecration of the church took place on June 6, 1753 in the presence of the Emperor. Elizabeth Petrovna and high-ranking courtiers.

The Smolensk Church is the only temple in the monastery that has a circular plan “with four deep curved niches the entire height of the walls.” The undulating rhythm of the wall is emphasized by curved pediments, flat double pilasters and complicated by a double strip of windows in sculptural platbands, completed with a harmoniously shaped dome and a lantern with a miniature figured dome and a cross - a wonderful example of Elizabethan Baroque architecture, inscribed with amazing artistic tact into the ancient ensemble of the monastery.

Smolensk Church. Photo beginning XX century

In the middle of the 18th century. The Smolensk Church had three entrances. In 1784, two of them were founded. In 1854, a porch was added to the church from the west, which was dismantled during the restoration. In 1958, three porches with double-entry staircases of complex curvilinear shape were again installed. In 1977, a fourth porch was added. During the restoration of 2007, all four porches were dismantled and only two were made: from the west - the entrance and from the east, leading to the icon of the Smolensk Mother of God (a copy of the main shrine of the church - the miraculous monastery image of “Hodegetria”), located in a niche on the eastern wall churches.

Interior decoration of the Smolensk Church. Modern look

The plastic appearance of the church was continued in the interior, flooded with light from the lucarne and drum windows (stained glass windows were installed here in 2003). Inside, the Smolensk Church has no pillars, and its entire internal space is open up to the dome.

Fresco painting appeared only in 1854 and has been updated several times since then.

Prof. E. E. Golubinsky reports important details: “The iconostasis in the church, gilded with red gold, was built by the same Count Razumovsky, who built the church itself. In 1756, Count P.B. Sheremetev arranged for the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God a silver robe and frame, decorated with pearls around it, and a diamond crown with various stones. In 1781, the church was painted blue with decent decorations. In 1854, the iconostasis of the church was made to look like marble and its walls were painted again.”

The Smolensk Church's own iconostasis was lost in 1920-1930. Instead, in 1956, an iconostasis close to it in time of creation and style was installed from the Moscow Church of the Great Martyr, dismantled in 1932. Paraskeva Fridays.

Metropolitan's tomb Nicholas (Yarushevich) in the crypt of the Smolensk Church

In the crypt of the Smolensk Church there is the tomb of the outstanding hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan. Krutitsky and Kolomensky Nikolai (Yarushevich, † 1961).

Divine services in the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God are held on her patronal feast day (August 10) and on the holidays of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

August 10, 2020

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History of creation

In search of prayer and solitude, the boyar's son Bartholomew went into the deep forests after the death of his parents. Here he began to live following the example of the ancient ascetics. A few years later, people began to flock to him, who had taken monastic vows under the name Sergius. The first cells grew around the hermitage of Sergius. Over time, the saint's disciples founded many new monasteries, which served to strengthen Christianity and spread enlightenment, as well as protect the borders of the Moscow state.

Saint Sergius, for the first time in Rus', introduced into the life of the monastic brethren a communal rule, according to which the monks lived in separate cells, but the household and property were common. This structure of the monastery determined its future architectural features. 13 separate huts, a church, and several separate outbuildings were surrounded by a wooden fence. It turned out to be a small wooden town among a dense forest. Gradually the monastery grew, and among the new monks, who took the ascetic life of Sergius as a model, there were people from different strata of the population, including scions from rich and noble families. Ordinary laymen also settled next to the monks. The glory of the holy elder brought the Great Moscow Prince Dmitry to the remote forest places. The Monk Sergius became his spiritual teacher. It was to him that the prince came for a blessing before the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380.

In 1422, Nikon, the successor and disciple of St. Sergius, began construction of the first white-stone church of the monastery on the site of the wooden Trinity Cathedral. To our greatest regret, the fresco paintings of the 15th century made by the famous icon painter Andrei Rublev have not reached us, but 40 icons, including the famous “Trinity,” have survived. Today, the Trinity Cathedral is one of the few existing examples of white stone architecture of the Moscow principality. Its iconostasis is unique: it is the only complex of icons from the early 15th century preserved in the temple for which it was originally intended.

The traditions of northern Pskov masters can be traced in the architecture of the Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, built in 1476. This four-pillar, single-domed temple is unique in that there is a belfry under its drum. Once upon a time, a chapel was added to the church over the tomb of St. Maximus the Greek. A brilliantly educated monk of the Vatopedi monastery arrived in Moscow to translate spiritual books. Not everything he saw in Russia corresponded to his ideas about a Christian state. He also did not approve of Vasily III’s divorce from his first wife Solomonia Saburova. Maxim was accused of heresy and imprisoned for a long time; he was not even allowed to read or write. He lived for another twenty years under supervision in Tver. And he spent only the last years of his life in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

Under Ivan the Terrible, the Trinity Monastery turns into an impregnable fortress to protect the approaches to Moscow. The wooden cells are moved into powerful stone walls, the height of which reaches six meters, and on the freed area a five-domed cathedral rises, consecrated in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This was a kind of gift from the king to the monastery. The shape of the huge temple echoes the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. The new church was tactfully positioned so that the ancient Trinity Cathedral remained the main building of the monastery. Ivan the Terrible freed the builders from state taxes and duties and periodically visited to see how the construction was progressing.

Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius

The famous Orthodox monastery, founded by St. Sergius of Radonezh in 1337. Located in the city of Sergiev Posad, Moscow region. The Moscow Theological Academy operates here. The relics of Sergius of Radonezh are kept in the Holy Trinity Cathedral. In 1993, the monastery ensemble was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Monastery under Sergius of Radonezh

In 1337, the monk Bartholomew and his brother Stefan settled on Makovets Hill, located not far from Radonezh. Here they built a log cell and Trinity Church. Soon Stefan, unable to withstand the harsh life in the forest, went to the Epiphany Monastery in Moscow. For some time Bartholomew lived alone, but gradually rumors about the young hermit began to spread among the monastic community. Monks began to come to him, wanting to share his spiritual feat. The desert was growing. Bartholomew, tonsured a monk by Abbot Mitrofan and given the name Sergius, became abbot of the new monastery in 1354. At the same time he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Athanasius of Volyn. Soon a communal charter was introduced at the Trinity Monastery. This was an innovation, since almost all Russian monasteries of that time adhered to a special charter, under which the monks lived separately and settled according to their personal means. The communal monastery (Cenovia) was structured differently. This provided for property equality for the monks, who renounced personal property. Everything was managed by the monastic community headed by the abbot. The inhabitants lived the same, ate and dressed the same. The difference was only in the degree of asceticism of each of them. Sergius and his closest disciples founded dozens of new monasteries-cinenovia.

Gradually, the Trinity Monastery became the center of the spiritual life of the country. It was here that Prince Dmitry Donskoy came in 1380 to give his blessing for the Battle of Kulikovo. The monks of the monastery Oslyabya and Peresvet, who joined the prince’s campaign, became famous for their bravery. In 1392, the Monk Sergius reposed and was buried in the Trinity Church of the 15th-17th centuries. Sergius' disciple Nikon of Radonezh became the new abbot. In 1408, the monastery suffered from a raid by the Tatars of Khan Edigei, who set out on a campaign against Moscow. After this, the monastery was restored.

In 1422-1423, a new white-stone Trinity Cathedral was built on the site of the old wooden one. During its construction, the relics of St. Sergius. The temple was painted by the famous icon painters Daniil Cherny and Andrei Rublev, who created the legendary “Trinity” especially for the new cathedral. In 1469 a stone refectory was built. In 1476, to the east of the Trinity Cathedral, Pskov craftsmen erected a brick church-belfry in the name of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. One of the most dramatic events of internecine wars in Moscow Rus' is associated with the Trinity Monastery. In 1442, in the monastery at the tomb of Sergius, a reconciliation took place between Vasily II and his cousin Dmitry Shemyaka, which ended many years of civil strife. However, two years later, Dmitry broke this oath; Shemyaki's people seized Vasily, who was praying at the tomb of Sergius, and sent him under escort to Moscow, where two days later Vasily was blinded and exiled to Uglich. The clergy of the Trinity Monastery condemned the actions of Dmitry Shemyaka (the first in the church condemnation of Shemyaka is the signature of the Trinity abbot Martinian), and Vasily II, released from prison in 1450-1462, gave the monastery a number of letters of grant.

The monastery was revered by Moscow princes. Here they performed prayer services on the occasion of important events, here the heirs to the throne were baptized (for example, in 1530, the future Tsar Ivan the Terrible was baptized in the monastery). In the 1540-1550s, the monastery was surrounded by fortress walls with 12 towers with a total length of 1370 m. They acquired their modern appearance in the 17th century. In 1559-1585 the Assumption Cathedral was created. In 1684, frescoes appeared in it, and in 1780, on the site of the western porch of the cathedral, the tomb of the Godunovs was built.

By the end of the 16th century, the Trinity Monastery was the largest in the country.

In 1608-1610, during the Time of Troubles, the monastery survived the siege of Polish-Lithuanian troops. This event is narrated in “The Legend of Abraham Palitsyn,” who was a monastery cellarer. The monastery made a great contribution to the activities of the Second Militia of Minin and Pozharsky. After the Time of Troubles, the monastery was restored. In 1635-1638, opposite the Assumption Cathedral, a complex of the treasury building and hospital wards with a tented church of St. Zosima and Savvaty Solovetsky appeared. In 1682-1692, a refectory with a temple to St. Sergius of Radonezh In 1692-1699, a five-domed gate church was built in honor of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Also at the end of the 17th century, the Royal Palaces and the Nadkladeznaya Chapel were created.

Since 1688 the monastery has been stauropegial. On July 8, 1742, by decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, the monastery was given the status and name of a lavra; On June 22, 1744, the Holy Synod issued a decree to Archimandrite Arseny to name the Trinity-Sergius Monastery a Lavra. It was closed on April 20, 1920 by the decree of the Council of People's Commissars “On applying to the museum of historical and artistic values ​​of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra”; resumed in the spring of 1946. In 1689, Tsar Peter I took refuge in it from Princess Sophia. From here he left as a full-fledged ruler, and Sophia’s supporters were tortured here.

XVIII-XIX centuries

In 1738, management of the monastery was transferred to the Spiritual Council. In 1742, a theological seminary was opened here. In 1744, the monastery received the honorary status of a Lavra, and its head was now the Metropolitan of Moscow. In 1734, over the tomb of St. Micah of Radonezh church was erected. In 1746-1748, the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God appeared, made in the Elizabethan Baroque style. The best monuments of Russian architecture of the 18th century include the five-tier bell tower (1741-1770), which occupied one of the central places in the architectural ensemble of the Lavra. In the 18th-19th centuries, the monastery became one of the richest in Russia, which was facilitated by abundant donations and trade conducted by the monks. The lavra was also an educational and cultural center. In 1814, the Moscow Theological Academy was transferred here. In 1895, a hospital and almshouse building with a church for St. Petersburg was built in the monastery. John Climacus. Currently, the Moscow Theological Seminary is located here.

XX-XXI centuries

Since 1905, the Lavra had its own printing house, shops and workshops. In Sergiev Posad itself she owned two hotels. Small monasteries and monasteries were assigned to the monastery. In 1918, with the Bolsheviks coming to power, the monastery became a labor artel. The following year, its monks were relocated to the Chernigov monastery, and the Moscow Theological Academy was dissolved. In 1920, the monastery turned into a historical and architectural museum. Also on the territory of the monastery until 1953, the Zagorsk Teachers' Institute was located. Back in 1918, a commission was created for the protection of monuments of art and antiquity of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. At the same time, the first restoration attempts were made, resumed in the 1920-1930s. In 1940, the monuments of the Lavra were included in the Zagorsk State Historical and Art Museum-Reserve. Restoration work continued until the 1970s. They were also carried out in the 1990-2000s. In 1993, the ensemble of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spiritual life in the monastery resumed in 1946, Patriarch Alexy I became the new rector (until 1983 the monastery was the main residence of the patriarchs). At the same time, the relics of Sergius of Radonezh were transferred to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which have been a museum exhibit since 1919. In 1949, the Moscow Theological Academy re-opened within the walls of the Lavra. In 1959, a new charter of the monastery was adopted. The Lavra hosted Local Church Councils in 1971, 1988, and 1990. From 1988 to the present, Archbishop Theognost (Guzikov) has been the vicar of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. The rector is Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'. Now there are about 200 monks working in the monastery. It operates an Orthodox publishing house (Patriarchal Publishing and Printing Center of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra) and a pilgrimage center.

Educational and publishing activities

The Moscow Theological Academy, a higher educational institution of the Russian Orthodox Church, is inextricably linked with the Lavra. The successor to the famous Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy, founded in 1685, the first higher school in Russia.

Today it is a modern educational institution that prepares the clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church and teachers, theologians, bachelor's, master's, postgraduate, doctoral programs, professional regents and icon painters. Conducts active scientific activities.

In addition to diverse scientific and missionary activities, it publishes Orthodox periodicals, an information website and an authoritative theological portal.

The monastery is traditionally the largest publishing center. Today, editions of Orthodox literature from calendars to liturgical books are printed here. The Lavra produces and sells a wide range of utensils, vestments, icons, other church items and information materials (audio, video, etc.).

Iconostases of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra

They were created during the period of formation of the tradition of constructing an iconostasis, symbolizing the Kingdom of Heaven. The special cultural value of the iconostases of two ancient cathedrals is noted.

Iconostasis of the Trinity Cathedral

Dates from the 15th century. The images were created by icon painters under the supervision of Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny. Rublev’s “Trinity”, known throughout the world, was created specifically for this temple. During the reign of Ivan the Terrible, the lower row (local icons) was supplemented by the Trinity and the hagiographic icon of St. Sergius.

Rublev's artel is credited with the images of the three middle rows of the five-tiered carved iconostasis. The icons “Archangel Gabriel”, “Apostle Paul”, “Apostle Peter” are called the closest to Rublev. There are 15 images in the prayer row, among which are Saints George and Demetrius, who were warriors. The images speak of ancient prayerful commemoration of soldiers who died in battles with the Horde hordes.

There are 19 icons in the festive row. The main emphasis is on the image of the Communion of the Apostles, attributed to the work of a mature master of the old school of the 14th century. They point to a large number of icon painters who worked on this series, in the execution of which Rublev took almost no part.

The second row from the top consists of 7 icons: surrounded by half-length images of the prophets. The first row from the top is 21 images of the forefather, above each cherub. The icons are decorated with silver, painted with the aspirations of Tsar Boris Godunov.

Tsar Mikhail Romanov decorated the cathedral with the royal doors of the altar, decorated with silver. The images painted by the 17th century Kremlin master Simon Ushakov are placed in the local row. The original wall paintings were knocked down and rewritten, subsequently regularly updated.

Iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral

Dated to the end of the 17th - beginning of the 18th century. 76 icons are traditionally divided into 5 tiers. The crucifix and the upcoming Virgin and Apostle are framed by carved sunflowers, roses and grapes. The Savior is crowned with a carved crown.

Behind the iconostasis there is a three-tier gallery. The frame of the iconostasis is carved, the frames are elegantly decorated with floral patterns, symbolically leading to the biblical Eden. They assume the execution technique of Kremlin masters.

The local row contains images from the 16th century. The subsequent rows mostly date back to the 17th century. The iconostasis was restored and updated many times; in Soviet times, vestments made of precious metals were removed.

Keepers of memory. Exposition of the Sacristy of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. Part 3

We continue the story from the permanent exhibition of the Sacristy of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. And let’s turn to ancient iconographic monuments, among which there are truly unique ones. The head of the department “Artistic culture of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery of the XIV-XVII centuries” tells the story. Sergiev Posad Museum-Reserve Galina Pavlovna Cherkashina. – Christ is risen, dear TV viewers!
In this episode of the program “Keepers of Memory” we will continue our acquaintance with the permanent exhibition “Sacristy of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra” and turn to ancient iconographic monuments. Galina Pavlovna Cherkashina, head of the department “Artistic culture of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery of the XIV-XVII centuries.” Sergiev Posad Museum-Reserve:

– We have a fairly large collection of icons. Mostly, naturally, they come from the Trinity-Sergius Monastery, but there are also later arrivals: after all, the Sergiev Posad Museum-Reserve has been operating for 100 years. There are more than a thousand icons in total.

In the future, we plan to create a so-called “Open Funds” exhibition, where we will demonstrate our collection of icon paintings. We hope this project will be completed in a year or two.

There are few icons at this exhibition, since we did not seek to create an exhibition of icons, but tried to select and exhibit the best examples - icons that have some additional qualities that set them apart from their peers.

The first hall displays icons that are quite ancient, from the 14th–15th centuries. The Russian icons presented in this room are Moscow icons, most of which are the oldest copies of miraculous Russian and Byzantine icons.

Our Mother of God of Vladimir is presented in a very rare unusual frame with embossed embossed images of saints. In fact, this salary does not have any exact analogues - it is from the same time. There is a list of Our Lady of the Don from the end of the 14th century, close in time to the icon itself, which was also created at the end of the 14th century. And a small icon with the image of Our Lady of Bogolyubsk. According to recent research, it is an early copy of an icon painted in the 12th century for Andrei Bogolyubsky. It is in Moscow that these lists of icons originating from different lands appear, that is, Moscow begins to collect, unite shrines and distribute them through these lists.

Both in ancient Russian art and in icon painting as such, copying is impossible, which is why we never say “copying.” The list is a creative rendering of an ancient – ​​usually miraculous – image. Of course, they repeat the most significant icons that became famous for their miracles.

In addition to Russian icons, Byzantine icons are also presented here. We have only three of them, however, as I always say, not every museum can boast that it has Byzantine icons in its collection. We have an absolutely stunning icon of the Constantinople script, Our Lady Peribleptos, quite large in size. She has a salary, but we are still working on it - the restorers are working on it. Since monuments of this type do not appear from anywhere, there is an assumption that Yuri Zvenigorodsky placed this icon here. Although, again, this is a version, we know little about Ancient Rus'.

The icon of the Athonite script has not been on display for the last few decades, but has been in the collections. Why? The painting itself is recorded, and what we see is 16th century painting. Little has been preserved under it, and, unfortunately, even if we raise the question of uncovering this icon, we are unlikely to get anything. She has a wonderful 15th-century frame. Previously, it was considered Georgian, but according to the latest attribution, it is an Athonite salary.

And an absolutely stunning, in my opinion, icon depicting Anna with the baby Mary. Researchers have been studying it for decades, but they can’t find anything, because there is no exact analogue. A rare subject is depicted: we usually depict the Virgin Mary with the Infant Christ, but here the holy righteous Anna is presented with the infant Mary. There are similar subjects in the monumental paintings of Serbia (primarily) and Macedonia, which is why this icon is associated with Serbia and Macedonia, although there is an icon from Constantinople with the same subject, close in time, and Bulgarian analogues can be found in terms of writing technique and style. But the exact same icon is nowhere to be found.

There are versions that the icon is personal and that it was invested in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery by Voeiko Voitegovich, a Serb. He served in Bulgaria, and then went into the service of the Moscow prince and became the founder of a famous family, whose representatives still live today. Presumably this unusual icon is one of the contributions of his family.

We also have two large-sized temple icons presented here. One of them is the Trinity (“Hospitality of Abraham”), which dates back to the end of the 14th - beginning of the 15th century, before 1408. It is believed that this is the oldest temple image that has been preserved from the church premises of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery.

There is an assumption that this image served as a prototype for the “Holy Trinity” icon written by Andrei Rublev, who created his image specifically for the Trinity Cathedral of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery. In 1422–1427, his artel worked in this monastery. In 1929, Rublev’s icon was transferred to an exhibition at the State Tretyakov Gallery, and since then it has been there.

The remaining icons, which were created by the masters Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny, are in their original place. This is a unique case when the original complex has been preserved in a 15th-century temple. The 20th century was a time of fascination with icons, and they tried to transfer them to the museum space. Of course, there is a rational grain in this, since it was difficult to ensure the safety of 15th-century icons in church spaces that were not used in the 20th century or were used for a different purpose.

Here, in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery, there was an interesting story. When the question arose about creating a museum based on the monastery collection, a commission was created, which was ordered to evaluate all objects from the point of view of historical artistic significance, that is, the necessity for the museum, because there were a lot of things. This commission included very competent people, knowledgeable in art and history, and deeply religious. We are talking primarily about Father Pavel Florensky and Yuri Aleksandrovich Olsufiev - they were the ones who determined the policy of this commission. Being people of authority, they, in fact, managed to defend the entire Old Russian collection: with the exception of a small number of things, it did not leave the monastery.

Their idea was utopian, but absolutely consistent with the revolutionary times of the 20s of the twentieth century. They believed that the monastery should become a large museum: everything should remain as it is, except for the conduct of divine services. That is, we are removing the religious component from here, but leaving the spiritual and cultural. It was a completely utopian idea, but it was precisely thanks to this attitude towards the monastery and the monastery collection that they were able to convince everyone that all the icons of the 15th century should remain in their places.

Temples were treated as museums. Florensky's idea is the idea of ​​a living museum. It lies in the fact that a thing only works in its place. Thus, icons cannot be taken into museum spaces, where they exist already separated from their natural environment.

This caused many problems because the temples were not heated. There are documents indicating that there were enormous problems with the safety of exhibits due to inter-seasonal changes. The same “Trinity” was periodically taken to the museum premises when mold appeared in the temple due to high humidity. As a result, the complex was preserved unchanged with the exception of two icons: the “Trinity” written by Andrei Rublev, which ended up in the Tretyakov Gallery, where it was sent for an exhibition, and the icon of the Royal Doors, which is in our museum.

Why did the “Royal Doors” end up in the museum? Initially, they were located in the center of the lower tier of the iconostasis of the Trinity Cathedral, and next to them, to the right, hung the “Trinity” letter from Andrei Rublev. But in 1646, Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich donated new royal doors here. Naturally, they are placed in the place for which they were created, and the old royal doors are moved to other rooms. Thus, since they were removed from the complex back in the 17th century and were not really needed in other temples and did not correspond to their style, they ended up in the museum. The Royal Doors are made in the style of the early 15th century and represent one of the best examples of Moscow icon painting of the era of Andrei Rublev. The Royal Doors have been studied for several centuries, and there is an assumption that one door was painted by Andrei Rublev, and the second by Daniil Cherny.

However, even in the “Holy Trinity” icon, which is very poorly preserved, it is very difficult to determine the hand of Andrei Rublev or Daniil Cherny. There are no signed monuments, it is not written that this icon was painted by Andrei Rublev, this by Daniil Cherny, and these icons were painted by some other masters. They try to understand who the author of the icon is based on analyzes of pigments and painting style. The issue is controversial and debatable. Maybe it will be answered when there are some new objective methods for studying icon painting and other material objects.

Dear TV viewers! We will continue the story about the unique exhibits of the “Sacristy of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra”, and today our broadcast time has come to an end. All the best to you, goodbye!

Host and author of the program Elena Chach, Candidate of Historical Sciences

Recorded by Elena Churina

Architectural ensemble of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in the city of Sergiev Posad

Year of inscription on the World Heritage List: 1993

Sergiev Posad (from 1930 to 1991 - the city of Zagorsk) is a small city located 70 km northeast of Moscow. It was formed around the ancient monastery of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, which for several centuries played a major role not only in the religious, but also in the political and cultural life of Rus'.

The secluded hermitage (place of prayer) was founded in the middle of the 14th century. in the dense forests near Moscow by the son of the Rostov boyar Bartholomew, who later became known as Sergius of Radonezh. In the XV–XVI centuries. the desert began to turn into a large and influential monastery

Its location on an important strategic road to the Russian North contributed to its strengthening and inclusion in the overall defense system of Moscow. The heroic page in the history of the monastery was its months-long defense at the beginning of the 17th century.

from the Polish invaders besieging him.

The monastery gradually becomes the largest feudal landowner. In 1744 he was given the honorary name of Lavra. In 1782, the settlement that formed around the monastery was declared a city called Sergiev Posad.

The architectural ensemble of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra was created gradually over almost six centuries, and includes more than 50 different buildings.

The first stone building of the Lavra is the Trinity Cathedral. It was erected in 1422–1423. over the tomb of Sergius of Radonezh, on the site of the former wooden church. Outstanding architects were invited to build it, giving the cathedral all the characteristic features of early Moscow architecture. This is a four-pillar cross-domed temple, built of hewn white stone blocks; it is distinguished by its small size and modest carved decoration.

Outstanding artists of that time, Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny, who led the artel of icon painters, were invited to paint the interior of the Trinity Cathedral. It was for this cathedral that Andrei Rublev wrote his famous “Trinity,” which was located here until 1929, and then was transferred to the State Tretyakov Gallery (a copy of it is located in the cathedral). Andrei Rublev and the masters of his circle created many other paintings, including three rows of the iconostasis. Unfortunately, subsequently the paintings and interiors of the cathedral were greatly destroyed.

In the second half of the 16th century. The ensemble of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery was replenished with the Assumption Cathedral, as well as fortress walls and towers. The Assumption Cathedral in the central square of the monastery was built at the expense of Ivan IV the Terrible, and on his instructions it was supposed to repeat the appearance of the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, but in slightly enlarged sizes. The result was a massive five-domed temple, unlike the Kremlin model, built not of stone, but of brick. In the 17th century it was painted by Yaroslavl masters, and this painting has retained its original appearance to this day. Subsequently, the cathedral was also rebuilt several times. In 1606, the Russian Tsar Boris Godunov with his wife and son were buried here.

The stone fortress walls with towers, giving the monastery the appearance of an impregnable fortress, were built in just ten years (1540–1550). Later they were reconstructed several times. Nowadays they reach a total length of 1120 m with a height of 7 to 15 m.

In the 17th century The architectural ensemble of the monastery continued to become more complex due to the appearance of new structures. These include hospital wards with the Church of Zosima and Savvati, the gate church of John the Baptist and the Royal Palaces, i.e. stone royal palace in the monastery. This is also a wonderful refectory - this hall was intended for festive dinners and ceremonial receptions of the king and the highest clergy. Experts consider this building an excellent example of the “Moscow Baroque”.

In the 18th century here appeared an elegant five-tier bell tower, the design of which was created by the outstanding Moscow architect D.V. Ukhtomsky. The white 88-meter bell tower is a kind of unifying center of the entire monastery ensemble, giving it logical completeness.

In 1920, the Trinity-Sergius Lavra was declared a museum, and since 1940 it has been a state historical and art museum-reserve. In addition to architecture, the unique collection of ancient Russian painting and applied art of the 14th–17th centuries is of great value. Many Russian writers of that time worked here, compiled chronicles, corresponded and collected ancient books, icon painting and artistic crafts developed here. Works of Russian art from the 17th–19th centuries are also of great value. The Moscow Theological Academy and Theological Seminary are located on the territory of the Lavra.

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Stone miraculous icon in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra

Behind the bell tower of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra is the small Smolensk Church, built in the Baroque style in the 1740s. The history of the appearance of this temple is connected with the stone carved icon of the Smolensk Mother of God and the miracle of the healing of a clergyman from it. A revered copy of this image is placed on the outside of the wall of this temple in a special niche.

Church on the site of the kitchen and dining room

From Hieromonk Pavel Ponomarev, who wrote a historical essay about the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in 1782, we find perhaps one of the earliest evidence of the miracle of the stone Smolensk icon of the Mother of God and the construction of the church of the same name in the monastery. Until 1730, on the site of the Smolensk Church there were two old stone chambers, one of which had a kitchen, and the other served food for the monastery workers. According to Lavra old-timer Joseph Strashkeev, which was recorded by Hieromonk Pavel, a white stone icon of the Mother of God of Smolensk had long hung on the wall between the two stone chambers of the kitchen. In 1730, in the monastery hospital there was a psalmist, that is, a clergyman of the youngest rank, named Kuzma Matveev, whose “arms were bent to his back and withered.” The image of the Smolensk Mother of God, hanging on the kitchen wall, appeared to the patient in a dream, after which “the arms bent behind the back moved away and began to be healthy.”

The healed psalm-reader Kuzma was taken to the Izmailovsky Palace to show it to Empress Anna Ioannovna in order to witness such an unusual miracle in front of her. There, the clergyman was examined by the best doctors. After a trip to Moscow, Kuzma returned to the Lavra and began to serve in the monastery church of Zosima and Savvaty. Five years after the miraculous event, the abbot of the monastery ordered the stone buildings of the kitchen and dining room to be demolished and a church in honor of the Smolensk Mother of God to be built in their place, and the stone bas-relief depicting the Virgin Mary and the baby to be removed from the wall of the demolished building. After the construction of the church, the Smolensk carved icon was placed in a place of honor inside the new temple - at the “royal doors”, that is, at the main passage to the altar.

Donations of two earls

The first building of the new Smolensk Church, built in 1735, was apparently temporary, because a few years later it needed to be completely remodeled. The money for the construction of the second building, which has survived to this day, was allocated by the famous Count Alexey Grigorievich Razumovsky. According to legend, Razumovsky secretly married Empress Elizaveta Petrovna on his estate in Perovo. Perhaps that is why a crown was strengthened over the cross of the Smolensk Church he built in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. A few years later, another famous count, Pyotr Borisovich Sheremetev, made his donation. The son of the commander of the Russian army in the Battle of Poltava and the owner of the famous estates of Kuskovo and Ostankino presented the monastery with a diamond crown and a chasuble decorated with pearls for the Smolensk miraculous icon. It is interesting that later both surnames became related: the daughter of Pyotr Borisovich Sheremetev was given in marriage to the nephew of the queen’s favorite, Alexei Kirillovich Razumovsky.

Count Peter Sheremetev treated the monastery of Sergius of Radonezh with special reverence. During the Northern War with the Swedes, Tsar Peter I ordered the count's father, commander Boris Sheremetev, to take from the Trinity-Sergius Monastery the icon of St. Sergius, written on the saint's tombstone, and wear it on all military campaigns. The war ended with the victory of Russian weapons. For his military merits, Boris Sheremetev received the title of count, which was passed on to his descendants, and after the victory at Poltava, the tsar awarded his associate estates.

Vasily Ermolin and the healing of his father

Researchers date the original white stone image of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God to the 15th century and associate its appearance with the name of Vasily Ermolin. Vasily Ermolin is mentioned in the life of Sergius of Radonezh in connection with a miracle that happened to his father. In addition, he was quite a famous person for his time. Being a construction contractor and a wealthy merchant, together with his “outfit” he participated in the most prestigious construction projects. Ermolin restored part of the wall of the Moscow Kremlin and the Church of the Ascension inside the fortress. He also restored the half-collapsed St. George's Cathedral in the city of Yuryev-Polsky with its white stone carved figures made on the outside of the building's walls. Ermolin also carved stone images of the Christian martyrs George the Victorious and Dmitry of Thessalonica, which for some time adorned the Spassky Gate of the Moscow Kremlin.

In the so-called “Ermolin Chronicle” there are also the following lines: “In the Sergius Monastery at the Trinity they set a stone table, and its representative was Vasily Dmitriev Ermolin.” We were undoubtedly talking about the stone buildings of the kitchen and dining room, on the site of which the Smolensk Church later appeared. During the construction of the “cookhouse”, an icon of the Mother of God of Smolensk was carved from stone, which healed the psalm-reader Kuzma almost three hundred years later.

Vasily Ermolin was closely connected with the Sergius monastery. The monks in this monastery were his grandfather, uncle and father, Dmitry Ermolin. In the “New Miracles of St. Sergius of Radonezh,” that is, in the appendix to the ancient life of the saint, there is an entire chapter “On Dmitry Ermolin,” dedicated to the father of the author of the stone Smolensk icon. Dmitry Ermolin, being a successful merchant and educated man who knew “Greek and Polovtsian languages”, unexpectedly for his relatives, went to the Sergius Monastery, where he became a monk with the name Dionysius. The desire for monastic feat did not last long: the monk Dionysius soon began to violate the rules of the charter and blaspheme Saint Sergius. To admonish the careless monk, the abbot of the monastery Martian called Dionysius for a conversation, after which Dionysius seemed to promise to improve and change “ferocity to meekness, and grumbling to thanksgiving.” A little time passed after the conversation, and Dionysius began to grumble even more forcefully than before. When they brought him monastery bread and fish, he angrily threw them on the ground, saying that his dogs ate the best food in the world. This time Dionysius responded to the new admonitions of the abbot rudely and sharply, recalling his rich origin.

Finally, Dionysius became so embittered that he said to one widow who had brought donations to the monastery: “Why are you seduced and bringing donations to the Sergius Monastery? It would be better if your donations were given to the Tatars than here.” After these words, during a church service, the formidable Sergius of Radonezh appeared to Dionysius with a rod in his hand, and the careless monk fell right in the temple, unable to move his arms and legs, numb and blind. The monk was carried to his room, where he lay motionless for about five days. After his son Vasily Ermolin, with whom the creation of the stone Smolensk icon is associated, came to the paralyzed man from Moscow, and after the monks prayed for the healing of the sick man at the tomb of Sergius of Radonezh, Dionysius regained his sight, speech and ability to move.

Today, the original carved icon of the Smolensk Mother of God is in the Sergiev Posad Museum-Reserve, and on the wall of the church there is a copy of a white stone bas-relief in memory of the fact that the image was once inserted into the wall of the monastery kitchen, located on this place. A lamp glows near the icon, there are flowers and the text of a prayer to the Mother of God is placed.

Pilgrim

Divine services

The Lavra is open to visitors from 5:00 to 21:00 daily.

On great holidays and days of memory of St. Sergius (July 5/18, September 25/October 8) - around the clock.

The schedule for the current week can be viewed on the Lavra page https://www.stsl.ru/worship/schedule

Approximate schedule

like this:

Assumption Cathedral (in winter - a church in honor of St. Sergius with a refectory): weekdays: evening service (9th hour, evening and morning, 1st hour) - 16.45, early Liturgy - 6.15, late Liturgy 9.30; Sunday and celebration days: all-night vigil - 17.00, early Liturgy - 5.30, late Liturgy - 9.30. After each Liturgy, memorial services are served.

In the crypt under the cathedral in the Church of All Saints, who shone forth in the Russian land, daily (except for the Twelve Feasts) custom prayers are served at 9.00 with the blessing of water and at 13.00 without the blessing of water, and blessed oil is also distributed from 9.00 to 12.30.

Trinity Cathedral: weekdays - fraternal prayer service at the relics of St. Sergius and Midnight Office - 5.30-6.30, middle Liturgy - 6.30. Sunday and holidays: prayer service with akathist to St. Sergius - 5.00-6.15, average Liturgy - 6.20, prayer services with akathist to St. Sergius - 8.30, 10.30, 12.30, 14.30, 16.30, 18.30. Sunday: cathedral prayer service with akathist to St. Sergius - 17.00. On Friday, the cathedral prayer service with an akathist to the Mother of God is 17.00 (if there is no all-night vigil). On the eve of Sundays, twelfths and some great holidays, immediately after the all-night vigil with litia (approx. 21.00), confession is performed in the same church, and on the day of the holiday itself, two additional middle Liturgies in the Spiritual Church (at 7.30) and in the Smolensk Church (at 8.30) .

Church in honor of the Intercession of the Mother of God at the Academy: weekdays - evening service (9th hour, evening and morning with 1st hour) - 16.45, confession in the Academy confessional - 6.00, Liturgy - 6.20; Sundays and holidays: all-night vigil - 17.00, confession - 7.00, Liturgy - 7.45. On Wednesdays, the cathedral akathist to the Intercession of the Mother of God (except for post-feast days) - 18.20.

If you cannot submit a note in person

All requests are for donations. If you cannot come, the note can be sent by email (attaching a copy of the payment) or by postal order.

Remember: only those baptized in the Orthodox Church are remembered. Names must be indicated, given at baptism, in the genitive case (for example, about health: John, Andrew, Mary...)

In the churches of the Lavra you can order health and repose:

• Sorokoust
• Sorokoust for Lent
• Prayer service at the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh
• Thanksgiving prayer in the Church of All Saints
• For the Liturgy (with proskomedia)

Commemorations for six months and a year can be ordered at the Lavra's Compounds and in assigned churches (at the Pyatnitsky Compound, the Church of St. Apostles Peter and Paul...), such long-term commemorations are not accepted in the Lavra itself.

Reprimand

The chastisement of the possessed (the rite of expelling evil spirits) takes place at the Peter and Paul Metochion of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra. Phone: +7(496)547-36-45.

Absentee reporting is not carried out. Personal presence is required.

To carry out the rite of expelling evil spirits, it is advisable to obtain the blessing of an experienced priest, who can tell whether there is really a need for this.

Before reprimanding, it is necessary to confess.

The rite is performed by Archimandrite German (Chesnokov) on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 12:00. The schedule may change. For all questions you must call in advance.

For workers and volunteers

For those wishing to work in the Lavra:

• For a period of 1 to 3 days: tel. +7-915-165-81-01 (Alexey, call only on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00 Moscow time)
• Volunteers on weekends and holidays: tel. +7-905-599-08-47 (Olga)
• For a long term, as a monastic worker: tel. +7(496)541-55-55 (Dean

service)

Excursions

The Lavra's churches are open during services (see schedule) and for booked excursions.

Excursions are held daily:

• in summer from 9:00 to 18:00
• in winter (November - April) from 9:00 to 17:00

Phone numbers of the pilgrimage center, +7-910-471-01-70

Refectory

You won't remain hungry. Different prices.

• Voznesenskaya refectory: tel. +7-985-929-35-49, +7-985-145-07-25.
• Restaurant “Monastery Refectory”: tel., +7-915-111-66-89.
• Restaurant “Guest Hut”: tel..
• Restaurant “Red Chambers”: tel., +7-903-228-18-40.

Monastic Wellness Center

A monastery health center has been organized on the territory of the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. The head is the resident of the Lavra, Hieromonk Moses (Drozdov). He and the monk Meliton receive patients in the pavilion opposite the Kelarsky Pond.

Those interested can sign up for a consultation or lecture. Details by phone: +7-964-777-15-51 or on the website https://montrav.ru

Prayer Book Help

St. Sergius of Radonezh does not leave anyone inconsolable: his relics have the power that is capable of healing. The monks of the monastery described a huge number of cases of miraculous healing.

He makes everyone think about their life and feel whether they are ready to lay down their lives for the Fatherland, as our ancient ancestors did at the prompting of the holy seer?

The real amulet of Russia from its enemies is St. Sergius of Radonezh. The relics, to which hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come, are miraculous and healing.

The holy elder peacefully departed to the Lord on September 25/October 8, 1392. After three decades, the miraculous relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh were majestically discovered, which were always kept in the monastery as long as it was safe.

Many people are interested in the question of how to properly venerate relics. As usual, everyone venerates only the silver ark in which the relics of Holy Father Sergius are kept, where at the level of the head there is a special door, which is sometimes opened, then it is possible to venerate the covered head of the saint.

Current state

The Peter and Paul Shrine is gradually being revived; now the architecture of the temple is represented by a building of a clear, regular shape with low semicircular apses on three sides. The main dome with a cross is made in the form of an onion or a candle, as a symbol of spiritual battle and light given from Heaven.

Arched spans, blue with snow-white trim, give the building a special airiness and lightness. A three-tier bell tower organically completes the temple complex in addition to the refectory built on the side of the central church. The church decor is dominated by notes of classicism, but baroque can be traced in some elements.

The northern and southern entrances are decorated with porticoes and are decorated with pediments. Niches and protruding cornices are decorated with sandriks. The interior decoration delights with the beauty of the iconostases and drawings on the walls.

Patronal holiday

Every year on July 12, thousands of citizens and guests gather for a solemn Liturgy in honor of the memory of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

Divine service in the Peter and Paul Church

How to get there

Electric train

from Yaroslavsky station (Moscow, metro station "Komsomolskaya") to Sergiev Posad. Travel time is one and a half hours. Schedule: https://www.tutu.ru/msk.

Bus

From VDNH metro station No. 388-express to Sergiev Posad, departures every 15-20 minutes. from 6:50 to 22:40 (from Sergiev Posad from 5:10 to 21:00). Travel time (without traffic jams) is approximately an hour.

From the stations you can walk to the Lavra.

Personal transport

From Moscow along Mira Ave. to Yaroslavskoe Highway (M8 highway). After 45 km - turn to Sergiev Posad, after 10 km - the city. The laurel is visible at the entrance.

There are paid parking lots at the entrance to the monastery. And so, parking everywhere where it is not prohibited. Free normal parking behind the Lavra (drive forward until the first left turn, then straight a couple of blocks, left again, i.e. you entered from the rear, and look for a place. There is also an entrance to the Lavra on this side (across the road down the hill, you'll see).

Address, how to get there

The Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra is located in the Moscow region, Sergiev Posad.

Getting there from Moscow:

• By road along Yaroslavskoye Highway (M8). 54 km from MKAD.
• By bus from the VDNH metro station stop, route No. 388. From the exit from the station to the All-Russian Exhibition Center go to the 2nd Poperechny passage. Buses depart at intervals of 15-20 minutes throughout the day. Approximate travel time is about 1.5 hours.
• By electric train from Yaroslavsky station by any electric train to Sergiev Posad, or by passing train (Balakirevo, Alexandrova). Travel time is about 1.5 hours.

The monastery can be reached from the station on foot along the street. Sergievskaya and Voznesenskaya, or driving to the “Center” stop.

Successful operation

In 1933, after Pavel’s father was arrested, Olsufiev fled to Nizhny Novgorod, where he told this story to Pavel Aleksandrovich Golubtsov (the future Bishop Sergius - Bishop of Novgorod), who soon managed to take the ark from the count’s garden and move it to Nikolo-Ugreshsky, Moscow Region monastery. There the ark was kept until the end of the Great Patriotic War. Returning from the war, Golubtsov gave the ark with the shrine to Olsufiev’s adopted daughter E.P. Vasilchikova, who secretly gave the honorable head of St. Sergius to Patriarch Alexy I in 1946. And he blessed it to be returned to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra when it reopened.

Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple

Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The temple was built in 1547. In subsequent periods it was rebuilt many times. The modern architectural face is still characteristic of churches with features of the 16th - 18th centuries. On such traditional cross-domed churches, one dome was built.

Under Soviet rule, the temple was closed (1928). It became empty and looked abandoned. In 1960, restoration of the former temple building began. Restoration work was carried out by the Zagorsk Museum-Reserve, under whose jurisdiction the church was transferred. The cathedral was finally returned to the faithful in 1991. Since then, restoration procedures for the interior of the church have continued. Particular importance is attached to the restoration of the iconostasis.

Today it is a stone, single-domed building with a two-tier structure. Refers to the cross-dome type. A single gilded top crowns the snow-white walls. A kind of crown with a brilliant tint is created above the church. The building attracts with its slenderness and majesty. Such properties are the result of a combination of architectural traditions from several centuries.

The church is located at: Red Army Ave., 127.