Spiritual and moral quests make people go on pilgrimages, in which they discover not only new pages of history, but also become closer to faith and God.
Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery: the history of foundation
Russian land is rich in spiritual monuments - monasteries, churches and cathedrals, bell towers and entire temple complexes. And sometimes it can be very difficult to choose one of them. But those who spare no time and effort should definitely visit the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery (Dzerzhinsky city). This monastery was built at the behest of Dmitry Donskoy in 1380. According to legend, on the site of the future monastery, the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker himself appeared to the prince. At that time, Dmitry Donskoy was preparing for a battle with the army of Mamai and was with his associates not far from Moscow, only 15 km away. The holy icon was sent down from heaven to the praying prince. After the well-known historical battle on the Kulikovo field, which ended in the victory of the Russian troops, Dmitry returned to the holy place, which had once given him the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and named himSins. After that, the prince ordered the foundation of a temple in honor of St. Nicholas here, which to this day receives hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world.
It is believed that the cathedral was originally built of wood. It was he who was burned by the Crimean Khan in 1521. The stone building appeared much later, already during the reign of Basil the Great.
Journey of the holy image
Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery from the first days of its foundation was on special rights. For example, Ivan the Terrible completely exempted him from all kinds of duties on necessary goods throughout Russia.
That is why the servants of the monastery often turned to the generous king for help. Once they asked Ivan the Terrible to restore the same holy image of Nicholas the Wonderworker, which was given to Dmitry Donskoy before the battle. By order of the Tsar, the icon was sent to Moscow. The image passed through Vyatka, Kama and Moscow. The restoration was carried out by Saint Macarius himself. Upon completion of the work, the icon was sent back to the monastery, and its exact copy was kept in the capital.
Ugresha in troubled times
Trouble for Russia has become a time of decadence, confusion, uncertainty about the future. At that time, Ugresha became a refuge for false tsars and their close associates - False Dmitry 1, who was hiding from the wrath of Boris Godunov; Tushino thief and Marina Mnishek, who declared her husband the only Russian heir to the throne.
During the period of the Polish intervention, the Nikolo-Ugreshsky stauropegial monastery was a gathering place for the people's militia underled by Minin and Pozharsky.
Thus, the Time of Troubles became a testing period for the Ugreshsky monastery, which often endured robberies even from the Russian militias themselves.
Romanov dynasty and Ugresha
Under the first tsar from the Romanov dynasty, Michael, who was elected to the throne in 1613, the monastery experienced a flourishing stage. During the entire period of his reign, the sovereign visited the monastery 9 times, mainly on the day of memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The monastery, having become the spiritual refuge of the king, received various privileges from him: the exemption of trade from customs duties, the right to own fishing in Nizhny Novgorod. During his reign, Michael presented the monastery with many gifts, in every possible way contributed to its prosperity. His son, Alexei the Quietest, also continued the tradition of his father, going hiking in Ugresha in the spring and taking care of the monastery in every possible way.
Hard times
The period of decline of the monastery falls on the end of the 17th - beginning of the 18th century. This time is marked by the reign of Emperor Peter I. Having long forgotten the traditions of his ancestors, he turns the monastery into a place for holding criminals and their execution. The appearance of the Synod had a negative impact on the condition of the monasteries, including the Ugresh monastery. Left without royal care, it noticeably becomes impoverished - the number of monastics decreases, and newly arrived novices often commit unseemly acts. By the middle of the 18th century, insane people and people with physical disabilities and injuries began to be placed in Ugresha. Temple complexesThe monasteries were gradually dilapidated, and the funds for their restoration were minimal. Especially difficult for the monastery was the period of the reign of Empress Catherine I, who carried out a reform of the secularization of monastic lands. The general spiritual atmosphere in Ugresh was deteriorating, which was facilitated by the frequent change of abbots, some of whom earned notoriety during their governorships. It seemed that nothing could help the revival of the sacred monastery, once founded at the request of Nicholas the Wonderworker himself…
Like a Phoenix
The Nikolo-Ugreshsky Stauropegial Monastery began its revival in the 30s of the 19th century after the appointment of Ignatius Brianchaninov as rector, later canonized. Despite the fact that in fact he did not have time to start leading Ugreshi, Ignatius was able to seriously influence her further material and spiritual recovery. On his recommendation, hegumen Ilarius becomes the abbot of the monastery. Thanks to his active work, spiritual life began to revive. Ilarius carefully monitored the observance of the established ascetic charter and increased the number of monks to 20 people. During his governorship, the monastery found several benefactors, with whose funds the Assumption Church was expanded, some buildings were completed.
The reign of Ilarius was really fruitful. After his death, the place of the abbot was taken by Pimen, who continued the work of the deceased governor. The Monk Pimen was able to open a school for peasants at the monastery.children. During the war, the abbot organized an almshouse on the territory of Ugresh, in which the wounded were received from the battlefield. Until the beginning of the revolution of 1918, a quiet and measured life flowed in the monastery.
Trial of change
Just like many Orthodox complexes in Russia, the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery in Dzerzhinsky was closed even after numerous attempts by Rector Macarius and the brethren to save the monastery. In its place, a homeless shelter was founded. During the war, the bell tower of Nicholas had to be demolished, which could have become a good reference point for fascist aircraft. In the 80s, a venereal dispensary was opened on the territory of Ugresh, which was liquidated in 1990. A few months later, in December, the first service in these years was performed on the day of memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is from this moment that the second birth of this Orthodox complex begins.
Tour of the monastery
I know the rich history of the monastery, a true pearl and spiritual stronghold of the people, it is doubly interesting to see its sights.
On the territory of the monastery there are 13 temple complexes and more than 20 additional buildings - towers, chapels, buildings, etc. You can start the tour from the central building - the Transfiguration Cathedral. The beautiful temple with 5 domes is an example of 19th century architecture. It was specially built for the 500th anniversary of the creation of the monastery. It is in it that the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery keeps the relics of St. Pimen and the holy image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Besides,here is an exact copy of the icon of the Fedorov Mother of God, which is used by mothers and women preparing for childbirth.
St. Nicholas Cathedral is the oldest part of the entire Orthodox complex, dating back to the 14th century. It is believed that it was in its place that there was a wooden temple built in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker by Prince Dmitry Donskoy. The appearance of a stone building is associated with a fire in which the original cathedral burned down. Now in this temple there is a part of the tree from the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. You can also pray before the list of the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who performed many miracles.
Assumption Cathedral, distinguished by its majesty, keeps the relics of many saints. In this temple, one can venerate the incorruptible remains of the Great Martyr Panteleimon, who is able to heal physical and spiritual illnesses through the prayers of people; Sergius of Radonezh, who helps in work and study and any good undertakings; blessed mother Matrona, who continues to help people even after her earthly death, Simeon of Verkhoturye and many others.
Being on the territory of the monastery, be sure to visit the Cathedral "Joy of All Who Sorrow". You can recognize it by the 5 domes located on the roof in the form of a tent. Previously, it kept the oldest icons of the Savior Not Made by Hands and the Blessed Virgin, which, unfortunately, have not survived to this day, since in the 1920s the church was looted and closed.
Walking from this cathedral along the household yard, you will find yourself near the church built inhonor of the Kazan Mother of God. A small complex with 5 domes ending in openwork crosses was built at the end of the 19th century with the money of philanthropists. Just like other cathedrals, it was destroyed and then rebuilt only in the early 2000s.
In addition to large complexes, the Ugreshsky Monastery also keeps small buildings within its walls, for example, chapels in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Mother of God. And not far from the monastery pond and the cathedral, built in honor of the Monk Pimen, is the chapel of the Passion of the Lord. This building was erected in the early 2000s according to the idea of one of the inhabitants of the monastery. The chapel was built in the old Russian style. It is located on a small hill, which symbolizes Golgotha - the place of Jesus' suffering. Inside the white-stone chapel, a cross was placed, reminiscent of the great sacrifice of the Savior.
The Cathedral of St. Pimen, located near the reservoir, is very similar to the famous Church of the Intercession on the Nerl - the golden dome rises above the white stone walls, beautiful in their severity.
Also, the Peter and Paul Church, the Palestine Wall and other complexes are located on the territory of the monastery.
How to get to the monastery
If you are interested in the history of Ugresha and you want to feel the life of the monastery, which has endured the ordeal of time, you should definitely visit here. The Ugresh monastery is located in the city of Dzerzhinsky, Moscow Region. You can get to the Orthodox complex in the following way: from metro Kuzminki by bus you canget to the city in just 20 minutes, and the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery will open in front of you. How to get there, you now know. In addition, you can visit Sunday or holiday services, such as the patronal feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
The role of the Ugresh Monastery in the life of modern Russia
Many trials could not break the spiritual stamina of the Ugresh monastery. Periods of decline and unprecedented prosperity, complete ruin and further revival wove the fate of Ugresha. In the new millennium, the Nikolo-Ugresh Monastery continues to play one of the main roles in the Orthodox life of our country. Patriarch Kirill himself rejoices indescribably at the deep faith of the people, thanks to which the monastery ruins have turned into a beautiful temple complex in the city of Dzerzhinsky. The Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery has become a real spiritual and educational center of the Moscow region. Museums located on the territory of the temple testify to this. For example, those who are interested in Orthodox culture or the history of the Russian Orthodox Church can visit the sacristy museum, which houses many church utensils and antiques. Here you can see ancient icons in gilded frames, the Gospel in a silver cover and even coins from the times of Ancient Russia. The exhibits were collected thanks to donors. For example, the Ugreshsky Monastery was able to acquire a unique collection dedicated to the family of Nicholas II, canonized as a saint. Collected literally by particles - books and photos, sets and icons - she miraculously ended up in the monastery. This museum is open tovisiting pilgrims.
Meaningful holidays of the monastery
Like any Orthodox complex, the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery in Dzerzhinsky honors the memory of many saints at daily services and Sunday liturgies. But the following days are considered the most significant among them:
- Memory of Nicholas the Wonderworker.
- Icons "Search for the Lost", "Joy of All Who Sorrow", "Sign", "Blaherna".
- Memory of Basil the Confessor, Healer Panteleimon, Sergius of Radonezh, Mary of Egypt and others.
- Transfiguration of the Lord, Ascension and other twelfth holidays.
Orthodox, deeply religious people should visit the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery. The photos you can take while inside its walls will capture the true beauty of the majestic complex. You need to see Ugresha with your own eyes, touching the ancient history of mysterious Russia, feel the divine atmosphere, pray before the miraculous icon and venerate the relics of the saints. The monastery is a spiritual clinic, so visiting it always benefits people. And let the monastery of St. Nicholas become your spiritual refuge and salvation, a place where you can forget about worldly worries and difficulties.
