Nizhny Novgorod region is proud of its history. There are many unique and even mystical places, one of which is the city of Sarov. For many years it was forbidden even to mention this place. The location of the city was kept strictly secret. Today, crowds of pilgrims strive to visit such a blessed place and touch local shrines.
History of the Sarov Desert
Sarovskaya Pustyn was founded by Hieroschemamonk John of the Vvedensky Monastery. From his generous godfather, he received as a gift three dozen acres of land in the city of Sarov (in the past - the Sarov settlement). He immediately sent a letter to Moscow asking for permission to build a church on this land. It is difficult to find a better place for such a building. It would seem that nature itself in these places was filled with peace and holiness. Moreover, the good location made it easy to get to Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow and Vladimir.
Soon a HolyAssumption Sarov desert. A special decree of Peter I allowed the construction of the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos and its Life-Giving Spring in the place where the Mordovian settlement used to be. The construction of the church took only 50 days. June 29, 1706 is considered the official date of the founding of such a monument as the Holy Dormition Sarov Hermitage.
Caves of Sarov
The construction of the monastery was accompanied by the construction of an underground city, which was also built thanks to Hieroschemamonk John. At that time he lived in one of the mountain caves. Then the caves grew, and cells were arranged in them for solitude and immersion in prayer. In 1711, the church of St. Anthony and Theodosius of St. Anthony and Theodosius was erected underground.
The Sarov Desert is filled with life. Novices and monks came here from all cities. Everyone was given a job. Someone held services, someone was engaged in the construction of new cells, someone picked berries and mushrooms. So gradually a whole city was formed around the church, which served as a prototype of the monastery.
At that time, John drew up the charter of the monastery, following strict rules. Sarov was known as the monastic academy. After their stay in the Monastery, the ascetic monks moved on, spreading the Rule of Sarov. Almost all of them were subsequently assigned as abbots or treasurers in various monasteries.
The Life of Seraphim of Sarov
Sarovskaya Desert was glorified by the greatest Russian Saint Seraphim of Sarov. His father was engaged in the construction of the temple, but the sudden death did not allow him to reachultimate goal. After the death of his father, Seraphim (Prokhor by birth) and his mother Agafia continued the construction of the cathedral. One day, a miracle happened at a construction site. Mother overlooked little Prokhor, and he fell from a great height, but survived. From early childhood, Prokhor sincerely believed in the Lord and honored him. During a serious illness in a dream, he saw the Most Holy Theotokos, who promised to heal him. It soon happened.
Since then, Prokhor has firmly decided to devote his whole life to the Lord. In 1776 he came to the monastery of the Sarov Hermitage. 8 years after being tonsured a monk, Prokhor was named Seraphim, which meant "flaming".
Reclusion
After a few years, Seraphim moved to live in the forest near the monastery. He simply dressed, ate what he found in the forest, and fasted more often. Every day he spent on endless prayers and reading the Gospel. Not far from his cell, Seraphim built a small garden and an apiary.
A few years later, Seraphim of Sarov imposed austerity on himself in the form of a three-year silence. After that, he briefly returned to the monastery, but after 10 years he left it again.
This way of life endowed Seraphim of Sarov with an extraordinary gift of insight and the ability to heal people. Thanks to him, several women's monasteries were opened. The icon "Tenderness" was the last image that Seraphim saw in his life.
The saint was buried near the Assumption Cathedral.
In 1903, Seraphim of Sarov was canonized as a saint. Since then, the place where the saint lived is sometimes called the desert of Seraphim of Sarov.
Holy Assumption Monastery
Sarovskaya Hermitage is famous for the Holy Dormition Monastery. The construction of the temple was laid in 1897, when Seraphim of Sarov had not yet been canonized. Initially, the construction of the cathedral glorified the Holy Trinity. Since the temple was built over the cell of the elder, it was called that. After the canonization of Seraphim of Sarov as a saint, the temple was immediately consecrated. This is the first Cathedral of St. Seraphim in Russia.
Inside the church was the cell of the saint, as the most expensive shrine. The iconostasis looked quite simple. It was possible to make a detour around the cell and even go inside. Later, the cell was painted and a small dome was placed on it. It has taken on the appearance of a chapel.
In 1927 the cathedral was closed. It has been turned into a theatre. In 2002, restoration work began, and already in August 2003 services began to be held in the church again.
How to get there?
All pilgrims are recommended to visit such a sacred place as the Sarov Hermitage. How to get to this place?
From Nizhny Novgorod, buses depart to Diveevo from the Shcherbinka bus station. There is also a stop of minibuses at the Moskovsky railway station, which also travel in this direction. Traveling by car, you can also visit the ancient city of Arzamas.
Excursion bus tours are regularly carried out from Nizhny Novgorod to Diveevo. You can book a tour and learn more about itamazing place.
Today the Sarov Desert is a museum. Anyone who wants to visit a truly holy place can visit it.
