The Spaso-Stone Monastery in the Vologda region is one of the oldest in Russia. Its history begins in the middle of the XIII century. After the revolution, the monastery was closed, and then completely destroyed. What is the condition of the monastery today?
Founder of the monastery
Outlining the history of the Spaso-Kamenny Monastery, it is worth talking about Gleb Vasilkovich, the man who once built a temple on the territory of the monastery. In 1237, a son was born in the family of the Rostov prince. The prince himself, a few months later, died in a battle with the Mongol-Tatars. The son, who was named Gleb, grew up in Rostov. He had an older brother, whom he, according to historical documents, accompanied at the age of seven on trips to the Horde, carried out for important negotiations with Batu.
Gleb owned an inheritance in Belozerovo, where he settled when he grew up. And in 1257 he married a Tatar princess. Gleb Vasilkovich is known, firstly, as the husband of Batu's granddaughter, and secondly, as the founder of the Spaso-Kamenny Monastery. The chronicles say that a manthis one was extremely God-fearing, surprisingly generous and unusually (for princes) meek. He greatly revered the monastic rank and was zealous for church splendor. It was thanks to Gleb that churches appeared in the Belozersk region in the 13th century.
But we will not describe in detail the biography of the founder of the Spaso-Stone Monastery, although it is rich in feats and amazing events. Let's talk about what inspired the prince to once lay a temple on Kamenny Island.
The miraculous rescue of the prince
The monastery was founded in August 1262. And the following event preceded its construction. Once Gleb Vasilkovich got into a terrible storm. Praying furiously, he vowed to build a monastery wherever the waves would carry him. If, of course, they endure it - in spite of all the boundless faith in divine help, Gleb already doubted salvation. But God still heard the prayers of the prince. Gleb Vasilkovich found himself on the shore of a small island. People lived here, among them were both Christians and pagans. There was even a small chapel. Gleb Vasilkovich kept his vow and built an Orthodox church on the island.
Stone Island
The island is only 160 meters long and 82 meters wide. Stone Island is located in Cuban Lake. In the first years of its existence, the monastery was under the patronage of the Belozerskys. Already in the thirteenth century, the monastery flourished - the fame of it quickly spread. Many companions took vows here. During the time of Dmitry Donskoy Spaso-The stone monastery became known in Moscow as well. Princes came to the island in the hope that prayer on the territory of this monastery would bring them victory in the next battle.
It's worth taking a step back and briefly talking about the area where the island is located. For several centuries, there were many majestic temples in the Russian North. But the monastery on Kamenny Island occupied a special, honorable place. The princes invested considerable funds in its development. During the time of Peter I, the transport significance of the Russian North weakened. For a long time, this region was in some conservation. Interest in it revived only in the twentieth century, thanks to the works of Russian architecture.
First destruction
The dark period in the history of the Spaso-Kamenny Monastery dates back to the 18th century. Most of the property was confiscated and sent to the state budget. And soon there was a fire that destroyed the wooden buildings.
19th century
The situation was corrected by Pavel 1 - the son of Catherine, who was killed in 1802. Contrary to popular belief, the reign of this emperor was not based solely on tyranny and strange quirks. Yes, he introduced censorship, turned his mother's palaces into stables, and his reforms were pretty tough. But he did something good for the culture of Russia. For example, he ordered the restoration of several monasteries, including the one located in the Ust-Kubinsky district of the Vologda region.
True, after more than a hundred years, newbarbarians who destroyed everything that inspired fear and apprehension in them. But this happened much later. And in the nineteenth century, the monastery developed, again acquired religious significance.
Soviet power
The 20th century has arrived, with its unrest and dangerous spirit of freedom. The monastery, meanwhile, was gaining more and more cultural and religious influence. Before the revolution, there were about thirty nuns and more than 150 novices here. They were expelled from the walls of the monastery in 1917. The parish priest was shot by representatives of the new government.
In 1920 the monastery was closed. But a few months later, the workers of the city executive committee came up with the idea to use the premises of the abolished monastery for more practical purposes. The military registration and enlistment office and the land administration were located here. Agricultural courses opened in the church building.
Juvenile facility
In just a few years, a club, a children's institution, a bakery, and warehouses were located on the territory of the monastery at different times. There were thoughts to organize a colony for juvenile delinquents in the former prayer rooms. But homeless children are freedom-loving people. After staying here for several months, they fled. How they managed to leave Stone Island is unknown.
In 1937, the monastery, which for several centuries was a major cultural and religious center, was completely destroyed. He was blown up. But not because the buildings were reminiscent of the unfair "priestly times", but because the construction of a new House of Culture required a brick, whichthere was nowhere else.
Desert Island
Several decades these places were in complete disrepair. The island has become a haven for hunters and fishermen. To this day, of the buildings that existed at the beginning of the 20th century, only the Assumption Church-bell tower, built in the 15-16th century, has survived. Until the early seventies, there was always a watchman present. Why this position was needed and what its owner was guarding, it is difficult to say. But in 1971 it was abolished.
Rebirth
In the early nineties, the gradual restoration of the monastery began. Engaged in this mostly enthusiasts. There was no significant financial support. By the end of the nineties, funds began to come from the state budget. In 2006, the Spaso-Kamenny Metochion was established on the island, and a rector was appointed.
Active revival of the monastery began in the early 2000s. Buildings then, of course, were a sad sight. The outer walls have not been repaired for almost a hundred years. The roof has collapsed. Both the bell tower and the altar apse of the temple were destroyed. After 80 years of neglect, the first liturgy was held in July 2001. By winter, electricity and heating had been installed. Benches were built on the territory of the monastery. Icons were gradually acquired.
Spaso-Stone Monastery: description
Those who regularly drive along the Kirillovskaya road assure that the bell tower, located on the territory of the monastery, can be seen from afar on a clear sunny day. In addition to it, the monastery includes a brethren-rector's building, a hotel andrefectory. The buildings were erected not so long ago. According to local residents, even 15-20 years ago, when there was no electricity on the island, these places attracted a huge number of pilgrims. And the climate, which is quite harsh, did not frighten them.
The hotel complex is a one-story building. This small building, as well as the building and the refectory, located nearby, cannot be seen from a distance. But an amazing picture opens up to the eye - a high, light, one-domed temple, surrounded by a smooth surface of water. Unless, of course, look at it in summer, spring or early autumn. In winter, the scenery is completely different. What the Spaso-Stone Monastery looks like in a snowy season can be seen in the photo below.
Stone Island is often called simply Spas-Stone. There is another name - Vologda Athos. This naming is due to the fact that during the reign of Dmitry Donskoy, hegumen Dionysius the Greek served here - a man of a very stern disposition. He established a rigid Athonite charter in the monastery.
Reviews
On weekdays there are always a large number of volunteers and other associates. At the beginning of the week, builders arrive on a boat, who are engaged in the restoration of the territory for five days. On Sunday, according to reviews, the island is almost deserted. There is an extraordinary atmosphere here. A picturesque view opens from the bell tower to the lake. From here you can see a small chapel built in the late nineties.
In recent years, the lake has become much shallower. Such storms that were inMedieval, long gone. That is why, perhaps, the inhabitants of the colony, which representatives of the Soviet authorities tried to create here more than eighty years ago, left the island so easily.
Legends of the monastery
Arriving on the island, first of all, they see a sign that tells about the rules of the monastery. It also contains a brief history of the monastery. By the way, the version given above may be a legend. After all, there is another story dedicated to the foundation of the monastery.
Novgorod governor, crossing the lake, saw the pagans on the shore. He talked with them for a long time: he tried to convert them to the Christian faith. But all attempts were in vain. On the way back, the governor decided to act in more radical ways. He went ashore and, without thinking twice, destroyed the pagan temple. In its place, he put a cross, where a little later a monastery was built. For some reason, the pagans did not return and the cross was not destroyed. They seem to have disappeared. The first version, perhaps, inspires more confidence.
Another legend says that Vasily III and his wife once arrived on the island. The prince had no children, all that remained was to pray to God, which he did in one of the most famous monasteries at that time. Not a very successful legend, because it turns out that thanks to the monastery, one of the most cruel Russian rulers was born.
In January, the monastery can be reached by ice. In the spring it melts, creating problems for buildings,located on the coast. At the end of the 19th century, an unprecedented event occurred here. A huge stone weighing 500 pounds was thrown by the waves onto the roof of the cell. The monks with difficulty threw him to the ground. Visitors assure that this block is still among the destroyed buildings. In 1915, the lighthouse tower was also damaged by bad weather. By the way, it was located in the very place where the boulder was once thrown.
Saint on Stone Island
In the history of each monastery there are pages dedicated to the biographies of some of its monks. Dionysius Glushitsky, canonized as a saint, once served in the monastery, located on Kamenny Island. He was born near Vologda in 1363. As a youth, he entered the Spaso-Kamenny Monastery as a novice, and was soon tonsured a monk.
The Abode was then in excellent condition. So, according to Glushitsky, there was nothing for him to do here. Nine years after his tonsure, he went to the monastery, which was in ruins, in order to restore it. The monk lived for more than 70 years, for many years he was engaged in the restoration of temples. The biography of Dionysius Glushitsky is often associated with the monastery where he began his spiritual path.
