One of the most interesting sights of Moscow is the Zaikonospassky Monastery located on Nikolskaya Street. Now it is a large active religious complex, which includes: Missionary, Youth and Slavic-Korean centers. Theological courses, a library and a Sunday school are also open on the territory of the monastery.
Foundation of the monastery
In the 14th century, the monastery of St. Nicholas Spassky was located on the site of Zaikonospassky. Information about this complex, unfortunately, has survived very little. It is only known that once the western section was separated along with the church that stood here. A new religious center on this site was supposedly founded in 1620. Since Icon trading rows began right behind it, it was named Zaikonospassky.
According to other sources, Prince Volkonsky founded the Zaikonospassky Monastery by order of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in 1600. In any case, by 1626 there were two churches behind this center - stone and wooden, andalso cramped cells, set in even rows. The first documentary mention of this monastery dates back to 1635. In those days in Moscow this monastery was called "teacher's". He enjoyed exceptional respect in the capital.
Academy
But the real rise of this religious educational institution began in 1665 thanks to the efforts of its then rector - Simeon of Polotsk. What was the worldly name of this monk is unknown. Only his last name, Sitnianovich-Petrovsky, has survived. They began to call him Polotsk after his former place of service. This monk transformed an ordinary "public" monastery school with semi-literate teachers into a serious educational institution.
The first attempt to create a real Academy within the walls of the Zaikonospassky Monastery was made in 1680 by rector Sylvester Medvedev. This monk petitioned Tsar Fyodor Alekseevich for its discovery. However, the sovereign soon died, and therefore it was not possible to carry out the plan.
In 1687, the Hellenic-Greek school was transferred to the Zaikonospassky Monastery from the Epiphany Monastery. It was created by the Likhud brothers, who were recommended to the Russian Tsar by the eastern patriarchs. These monks were descendants of the Byzantine royal family and were trained first in Greece and then in Venice. After the transfer of the Academy, the name Slavic-Greek-Latin was given. For a long time it remained the only higher educational institution in the state. Its rectors were the archimandrites and abbots of the monastery. Within the walls of this institution, many famous Russian scientists were trained, including MikhailLomonosov.
In Soviet times
After the revolution, the Zaikonospassky Monastery was abolished. In 1922, the "Union of Church Revival" was organized here. However, in 1929 it was abolished, placing secular institutions in the buildings.
Since the temple located on the territory of the monastery was of historical value, large-scale restoration work was carried out here in the 60s. On the third and fourth tiers of the church, decorative trim was mounted, and locarines were installed on the roof. Instead of a cross, a gilded pin was fixed on the dome.
In 1992, the temple of the Zaikonospassky Monastery was again handed over to believers. Officially, as a religious center, it was revived in 2010 by the decision of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Zaikonospassky Monastery: schedule of services
Today, any believer can visit the temple of the Zaikonospassky Monastery. Worship services are held there regularly. The schedule of services varies, and you can find out exactly it only in the monastery itself. On Sundays and holidays, liturgies are held here without fail. The service starts at 9 am. An all-night vigil is held on the days before holidays. It starts at 17:00.
Convention address
The Zaikonospassky Monastery is located in Moscow at the address: st. Nikolskaya, 7-13. Get off at the Teatralnaya metro station. The prior of the monastery at the moment is hieromonk Fr. Petr Afanasiev.
Architectural features of the complex
During its existence, the Zaikonospassky Monastery was rebuilt more than once. In 1701 and 1737 there were fires here. Both times it was reconstructed. At the same time, such famous architects as I. F. Michurin, I. P. Zarudny, Z. I. Ivanov, M. T. Preobrazhensky were involved.
The Academy operating in the monastery in 1814 was transferred to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. At the moment it is called the Moscow Spiritual. Instead, a spiritual school has now been opened in the Zaikonospassky Monastery. In 1825, the Assumption Cathedral was built on the territory of the complex. The author of his project was S. P. Obitaev.
The temple of the monastery is a typical example of Moscow baroque architecture. In 1701, during the reconstruction, a refectory was added to it. In the period from 1701 to 1709, under the porch of the upper temple, two floors of cells were arranged, in which the students of the academy lived. This is the main building of such a complex as the Zaikonospassky Monastery. You can see his photo in this article.
The teacher's building of the monastery was supposedly built in the last quarter of the 17th century. In 1886, this building was built on the third floor and decorated in pseudo-Russian style.
On the western side of the complex is another notable building - built in 1821-1822. spiritual school. It is a massive three-story building in the Empire style, sparing in details. Erected itthe building was on the foundation of the former school building.
Zikonospassky Monastery: reviews
Of course, those who have ever visited it have only positive reviews about this monastery as the oldest architectural complex. The monastic buildings look really solid, beautiful and impressive, the way religious buildings are supposed to be.
Believing Christians appreciate the religious activities of the monastery very well. The missionary center of the monastery is engaged in charitable activities, doing a lot of work with nursing homes and orphanages. Also, the monastery provides assistance to low-income families, mostly used, but still good things. You can bring such clothes for those in need any day from 7:00 to 21:00.
A special center has been created in the monastery for believing Koreans, organizing pilgrimage trips to the shrines of the capital, the Moscow region, as well as to monasteries in other regions of the country. In the Sunday school of the monastery, classes are held to study the Law of God, the Church Slavonic language, Russian dance and church choir singing.
