The Siberian land is rich in holy monasteries. Over the deaf taiga region and over its mighty rivers from ancient times the crimson ringing of their bells floated. One of these monasteries was founded in 1689 on the high bank of the Angara, near the Irkutsk prison under construction. Its main church was consecrated in honor of the Sign of the Mother of God. This is how the Znamensky Women's Monastery began its life. Irkutsk gradually turned from a prison into a city. Ros and the monastery. In those years, it was of particular importance for the state - the process of Christianization of Siberia was underway.
The birth of the monastery
History has preserved the name of the main organizer and leader of all works. It was a resident of Irkutsk, Vlas Sidorov. Emperor Peter I himself, noting the significance of this construction, granted the Gospel to the monastery. It is still kept in the monastery. But the wooden churches of the monastery decayed over the years, and another generous donor, the merchant Bechevin, laid a stone cathedral at his own expense. Its construction took many years. Repeatedly, various changes were made to the architecture of the cathedral, additional extensions were built and the decorativeclearance.
But the flow of funds from philanthropists did not dry up. In 1886, the we althy Irkutsk heiress A. N. Portnova allocated a huge amount for the construction of a stone two-story building, which housed the cells of nuns and novices, and by that time there were one hundred and twenty souls. So the Znamensky Monastery grew and developed on the donations of the inhabitants of the city. Irkutsk is the heart of Siberia, and Siberia has always been famous for its generosity.
Development of crafts in the monastery
It should be noted that the nuns of the monastery themselves did not sit idly by. And although their primary task was still prayer work and everything connected with the spiritual side of life, nevertheless, by the end of the 19th century, they managed to create a large economic formation in the monastery. Sewing workshops were opened, in which ceremonial and everyday priestly vestments were made. Various church utensils were also sewn - both for their own needs and for sale.
Besides, to replenish the budget, orders were taken for sewing secular clothes for residents of Irkutsk. We even learned how to make shoes. The skill of the inhabitants of the monastery was widely known. And it is no coincidence. The nuns were fluent in a wide variety of sewing techniques. Among them are front, gold embroidery, embroidery with various types of smooth surface, beads and even precious stones.
The Epitimians of the monastery
But the main concern of the monastery was, of course, serving God. Life in it was built according to the charter of cenobitic Russian monasteries, the main task of which was to strengthen the faith and monastic exploits. Above all was love for God and neighbor. And in this field the Znamensky Monastery became famous. Irkutsk has historically been a place where many have lived who previously came into conflict with the law. These are both former criminals and political ones. There were many women among them. The nuns of the monastery took care of their spiritual rebirth.
The monastery itself was a permanent place where the spiritual authorities sent the so-called Epitimians, that is, women exiled and excommunicated for various reasons. They were kept at the monastery and were used in the most difficult and dirty work. Caring for these unfortunate people made it possible to show true Christian love.
The "state criminals" were also imprisoned here. One of them was the daughter of Artemy Volynsky, who was executed under Anna Ioannovna - Anna.
The field of death of the Empress in 1740, she gained freedom and left the Znamensky Monastery. Irkutsk became the place from where Anna set out on her long journey back. As a sign of gratitude to the sisters of the monastery for their love and heartfelt care, she sent them from St. Petersburg an altar Gospel in a precious salary.
Opening a hospital and girls' shelter
In 1872, a hospital for monks was opened within the walls of the monastery. She was known throughout Siberia. Znamensky Monastery, Irkutsk - the address to which the suffering addressednuns and novices. Here they were waiting for such a rare in those years, medical care. In addition, the monastery opened a school at the women's religious school and a hospice. Subsequently, several more schools for girls were opened, in which they studied not only literacy, but also church singing. Also, the nuns' great merit was the foundation of a shelter for girls. It is known that in 1912 it contained 44 people.
Monastery during the Revolution
Events related to the revolution and the Civil War also affected the Znamensky Monastery. Irkutsk became one of the centers of the Socialist-Revolutionary movement in Siberia. He organized an uprising against A. Kolchak, as a result of which in 1920 the Supreme Ruler of Siberia was overthrown and shot at the walls of the monastery. With the transfer of power to the Bolsheviks, all church councils were dissolved, and the house churches were closed. Temples were turned into defensive structures. But not only this trouble visited the Znamensky Monastery. Irkutsk, whose photo of those years is presented in the article, became the place of formation of the Renovation Church. In 1923, many valuables were requisitioned in the monastery in favor of the non-canonical archbishop.
The period of Bolshevik rule was marked in Siberia by the closure of most churches and monasteries, as well as total repressions against clergy and monks. In 1934 the Church of the Sign was also closed. Since that time, the once flourishing Znamensky Monastery has fallen into complete disrepair. And not only him, all over Russiathis terrible wave of theomachy has passed, destroying the spiritual, historical and cultural monuments of our country.
Revival of the monastery
During the perestroika, spiritual life revived within the walls of the ancient monastery. Despite the fact that many of its buildings were completely destroyed, they still managed to restore the church, the cells of the abbess, the fence and the Holy Gates. Again, as in previous years, the Znamensky Monastery (Irkutsk) appeared among the Russian holy monasteries. The schedule of services posted on the doors of the temple, just like in the past, informs the parishioners about the services where they can offer their prayers to the Lord. Everything is slowly getting back on track.
Spiritual nourishment of youth
The monastery conducts extensive work on the spiritual nourishment and religious education of a number of educational institutions of the city. Among them are a women's Orthodox gymnasium, orphanages and boarding schools. This work is carried out both in the educational institutions themselves and in the temple. Its interior decoration contributes to the formation of the correct perception of Orthodox aesthetics among students. Through the efforts of parishioners in difficult years, many icons in ancient frames, liturgical books (including the Gospel given by Peter I) and other church attributes of spiritual, historical and artistic value were preserved.
And another wonderful opportunity is given to young people by the Znamensky Monastery: the schedule of services provides for certain days on which they can attend the services. Themis led by Metropolitan of Irkutsk and Angarsk Vadim, a wise pastor and theologian. In a country that has survived decades of atheism, this work aimed at returning to our spiritual roots is very important. Everyone who wants to come and bow to the shrines is waiting for the Znamensky Monastery (Irkutsk). Address: Angarskaya street, 14. Everyone who has visited it leaves the most favorable reviews.
