Temple in honor of Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia in...
Zaikonospassky Monastery (address: St. Nikolskaya, 7/9) is located in the city of Moscow. This monastery has a special status, it was she who received the title of the patriarchal metochion. The age of the monastery is quite respectful, because it is about 4 centuries old. Surprisingly, the monks managed to save all the buildings from the beginning of the last century. That is why the overall ensemble of the monastery is considered not only a historical monument, but also an architectural one. After all, the architecture is really unique and special. However, other monasteries in Moscow are also famous for this.
The Early History of the Zaikonospassky Monastery
At its foundation, surprisingly, the monastery bore a different name, namely, the Most Merciful Savior. The monastery was founded by Boris Godunov. Scientists have studied the age of the monastery, and the first mention has a date - 1635. But the monks themselves claim that the monastery was founded in 1600. The history of the renaming of the monastery is a little strange, but some argue that the monastery was located behind the trading rows, where church utensils were sold. Based on this, the monastery was named Zaikonospassky Monastery.
The first years of its existence, the monastery did not have much authority. Many didn't even know about it. But over time, his grace spread to people more and more, so more and more parishioners began to come here. And soon the Zaikonospassky Monastery in Moscow became a symbolic center of Orthodoxy.
The cradle of Russian education
In the 17th century, Simeon of Polotsk founded a school at the monastery, it was called the school of clerks of the order of secret affairs. And already over time, namely in 1687, the beginning of the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy was laid here. It was this institution that was the first high-level training center on the territory of Great Russia. It was thanks to this academy that the world saw an innumerable number of exceptionally talented people. For example, the graduates of the Academy are the scientist V. Lomonosov, the poet V. Trediakovsky, the founder of the Russian theater F. Volkov and many others, this list can be continued for quite a long time.
After the opening of another higher institution in the city, namely Moscow University, it was decided that the academy should narrow its profile, and now only theological teaching was taught here. Within the walls of the institution, people were trained, who later were to receive a spiritual title. At the beginning of the 19th century, the academy was moved to the walls of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, and already bore the name of the Moscow Theological Academy. But on the basis of the monastery, a wonderful theological school was opened.
Architecture
If we take into account the information from the documents of the 20-50s. In the 17th century, a small stone church was located on the territory of the modern monastery. It is most obvious that it was the same cathedral of the Zaikonospassky Monastery. Also on the territory there was another church, which was made of wood.
Construction of a new cathedral
Already a new stone cathedral was erected in 1660. Funds for the construction were provided by the boyar Volkonsky, who paid all the expenses in full. Thus, shortly after construction, the temple was consecrated. The consecration of the upper church was made in honor of the Image of the Savior Not Made by Hands, but it was decided to consecrate the lower church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow." It was not so difficult to find out the date of construction, because this was taken care of in advance. One of the laid stones testifies to the date, the following inscription can be made out on it: “On April 7168, on the 30th day, the construction of the Church of the All-Merciful Savior of the Image Not Made by Hands began to be built at the command of ... Tsar ... Alexy Mikhailovich ... built on the promise of his boyar prince Feodor Feodorovich Volkonsky, and committed in 7169, November 20th day. In 1701, an unfortunate event happened on the territory of the temple: a fire broke out, during which the temple was damaged. But soon everything was restored, and even a refectory was erected, where the parishioners were received and fed with everything that God sent.
In 1709 a new church was being built. This is evidenced by some historical documents. In one of them, a report was found to Tsar Peter I that construction was still going on, there were not enough materials, so there was no end date yet. Another denunciation was also found, which says that the temple had to take a large loan to continue construction.
Completion of construction
About a year later, the construction was completed, which brought great joy and happiness to the believers. The temple turned out to be incredibly beautiful, very bright and spacious. In 1721, its appearance was taken as a template for an architectural model for the construction of other temples. In 1737, the cathedral again suffered an unpleasant event: it was in this year that a large-scale fire broke out in Moscow, during which the monastery also suffered. After the fire, an active restoration of the temple began under the guidance of the architect Michurin. The work lasted for more than one year. At the end, the temple was consecrated again.
Variety of styles
The Orthodox Stauropegial Monastery can be called a classic example of Petrine architecture, this style was very popular in those days, most of the buildings were built in this way. At the same time, other styles were reunited in the temple, and there is a great variety of them. But despite such a disparity, everything surprisingly looks organic and attracts the eyes of not only parishioners, but also tourists.
Riddles and secrets
At the moment, historical research of the temple is still going on. Many scientists cannot come to a consensus on who was the architect of the temple. Many argue that it was one of the famous Russian architects Zarudny. Such a statement did not receive a documentary-historical basis, therefore this version of scientists cannot be accepted as official. Until 1773, the Zaikonospassky Monastery had rather rare icons and utensils, it was this decoration that was the work of Theodore Tyrone, but, unfortunately, all this splendor burned down during the Moscow fire, and only historical references have survived to this day.
Interior decoration
From the description of 1781, you can also learn a lot of interesting things. So, in the lower church there was a gilded iconostasis of incredible beauty, which was preserved until the 20th century. The space of the temple was flooded with sunlight, and choirs were located along three walls. To date, the location of the choirs has been moved. An incredible amount of labor and talent was invested in the upper temple, the walls were completely painted with scenes. A huge amount of light penetrated here, thanks to which all the images seemed to come to life and also rejoiced in the sun. But in the evening, by the light of candles, the faces seemed more strict.
At the end of the 17th century, some changes took place in the temple. In the Church of the Savior there is a magnificent stone iconostasis. The royal doors, made of wood, were sometimes covered with gilding to emphasize the majesty of the icons. But for the icon "Savior Not Made by Hands" a stunning silver crown was made.
In 1812 an outrageous event occurred. During the invasion of Napoleon, the temple was again desecrated and plundered. The French soldiers set up a stable in the church and settled their tailors in the cells. The joy of the invaders was short-lived. However, it was not until 1851 that the temple was renovated. The cathedral was completely restored, and divine services began here again.
Lost wealth
Studying the descriptions of the beginning of the 20th century, one can learn that the temple had a huge number of miraculous icons that were in the silver sacristy. Few monasteries in Moscow could boast of such wealth. Nativity and many other beautiful scenes are depicted near the walls of the altar. The master tried so hard that all the images look alive. The temple also houses a huge number of relics of saints, which are famous for their miraculous effect. Unfortunately, all this spiritual wealth was completely lost by the beginning of 2008.
Grand restructuring
In 1665, by decree of Tsar Peter I, additional land was given to the temple for the construction of the collegium building. A 3-storey stone building was erected. But in 1819, at the suggestion of one architect, the building was completely dismantled, leaving only the foundation. According to the project of the same architect, a new building in the Empire style was erected in subsequent years. On the north side of the collegium there is a fraternal building with cells. Cells were additionally built for students who began their spiritual path here and completely devoted themselves to study and service to the Lord.
In 1743, the bell tower was also rebuilt, making it more spacious. Therefore, the ringing was heard over even greater distances. In later years, during the reign of Elizabeth, and at her behest, some of the buildings were demolished, because it seemed to her that the monastery took up too much space on the street. But instead of the dismantled, other buildings were built, of course, of smaller dimensions, but they were necessary. In subsequent years, the bell tower and courtyard of the Zaikonospassky Monastery were again rebuilt.
Monuments of church antiquities
In the course of numerous cataclysms and reconstructions, many values were damaged or lost for various reasons. So, during the Moscow fire, the sacristy of the monastery suffered the most, but it didn’t end there. After the restoration, as is already known, the French captured the temple, which again brought great harm and destruction.
In 1813, Archimandrite Simeon carried out a reconciliation of the property of the temple, during which it turned out that there were not a huge number of icons, jewelry and silver crosses. Among these crosses was one unique, it contained 420 particles of the relics of various saints, there was also a pendant with particles of the Lord's robe. Thus, a huge number of unique things have disappeared from the temple, which simply have no analogues. All these things were sold or simply destroyed. Today, perhaps, something has remained, but it is in private collections and, probably, will not return to the monastery. But still, some things managed to be saved.
The monks are trying to maintain the building so that it can live for more than one century and amaze all new generations with its beauty and majesty, and the walls of the academy can once again produce unique people devoted to their spiritual calling. Already from the first steps in these walls one can feel a special energy. Many trials have fallen to the lot of the temple, but to this day it functions. The service in the Zaikonospassky Monastery ascends from heaven every day, and this will be the case for more than one century.
This place means a lot for the formation of higher education in Russia. It has always been called the cradle of learning. The Monastery of the Savior Not Made by Hands was founded in 1600 by Boris Godunov. Its first mention in historical documents dates back to 1635.year. The name "Zaikonospassky" is explained by its location behind the icon row, located along Nikolskaya Street, where, according to pious custom, the icons were "bartered" without bargaining and setting a firm "divine" price for them, which was often too high. There are suggestions that before that Zaikonospassky was part of the neighboring St. Nicholas Monastery. The main cathedral of the monastery in the name of the Icon of the Savior Not Made by Hands was founded under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in 1660 with the money of the governor, Prince Fyodor Fedorovich Volkonsky. In 1701 the old cathedral was replaced by a new one. The talented architect Ivan Zarudny built a two-altar cathedral, which became one of the best and rarest monuments of the Petrine baroque. Then the cathedral acquired its modern look: a high octagon on a quadrangle, mounds with viewing platforms, crests and shells of the Naryshkin baroque were replaced by strict order elements. The walls of the temple were painted on the subjects of the Old and New Testaments. Under Archimandrite Porfiry between 1842-1848, a bell tower was also built over the holy gates.
From the middle of the 17th century, the word “teaching” appeared in the name of the monastery. During the reign of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in 1665, through the efforts of Simeon of Polotsk, the first Spassky School was opened. It was he and his student Sylvester Medvedev who wrote the project for the creation of the academy - the first higher all-class educational institution. The official opening year of the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy is considered to be 1687, when the school of the Likhud brothers was transferred here from the Epiphany Monastery. The monks of the Zaikonospassky monastery taught here, and its abbot was also the rector of the academy. In the two-storied Fraternal (Teacher's) building, the monk-teachers lived with their pupils. The academy taught not only theological, but also free sciences - Western languages, medicine, physics. AT XVIII century, the academy had 9 classes. They learned to read and write from liturgical books. In the lower grades, the transition was made without examinations. In higher education - according to the results of public disputes. The students were of different classes - together with the princes Odoevsky and Golitsyn, the children of the groom, lackeys and monks studied. A.D. Kantemir, V.K. Trediakovsky, L.F. Magnitsky, D.N. Bantysh-Kamensky, M.V. Lomonosov, D.I. Vinogradov (inventor of porcelain), Metropolitan Filaret of Moscow and many others.
After the opening of the Moscow University in 1755, the Academy became the highest theological school and trained only persons of the clergy. In 1839, the Moscow Theological Seminary was transferred to the new building of the Ostermanov-Tolstoy estate on Bozhedomka (now Delegatskaya Street), bought for it, and from there in 1918 to Sergiev Posad.
Directly opposite the gate is the oldest fraternal (teacher's) building. The two lower floors were built in 1686, the third floor and the general design of the facade were made by the architect V.D. Cher in 1886. To the left is a two-story building built in 1720 by the architect Zarudny. On the left is a tall three-story building built at the beginning XVIII century (educational building). Here, on the second floor, public debates were held. The building was damaged by a fire in 1812, in 1821 it was dismantled and rebuilt.
Where there is now a closed passage from Nikolskaya Street to the metro, there was a monastery garden. There was a monastic theater here, where plays were performed by the students of the academy. The monastery was fenced off from the street by two buildings with benches. At the end of the 19th century, they were broken down and others built in the “Russian style” in their place. The left house - number 7 - was built in 1895-1897 according to the project of the architect M. Preobrazhensky, and the general management of the construction was carried out by the architect S.U. Solovyov. The right one with a bell tower and a gate was built in 1899-1900 by the architect Z.I. Ivanov. The bell tower of 1900 repeated the bell tower of the Church of the Assumption on Pokrovka. In this building until 1917 there was a large bookstore .
In July 1929, the monastery was closed, the cross was removed, a window was broken in the stone icon case instead of the icon of the Savior Not Made by Hands, and the gate bell tower was dismantled even earlier. House number 7 housed the first Soviet television studio "Radio transmission", from where the first experimental television programs were broadcast. The first television studio was also located here. In 1991, the radio station Ekho Moskvy was opened here.
The Cathedral of the Savior Not Made by Hands was returned to the Church in 1992 and received the status of the Patriarchal Metochion. The bell tower was restored in 2011.
The Zaikonospassky Monastery is located in the center of Moscow on Nikolskaya Street. In the old days, it was called "Holy" because of the abundance of churches and monasteries and the special Icon trading row that existed there. Nikolskaya Street was named after the ancient Nikolsky Monastery, founded in the 14th century. In the 16th century, by decree of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, Athos monks settled in it. It is believed that the Church of the Savior existed on the territory of the monastery, which in 1600 became an independent monastery - Boris Godunov is considered its founder. Since part of the monastery land turned out to be behind the Icon row, the name Zaikonospassky appeared.
Initially, there were two temples in the monastery - a stone one and a wooden one. In 1660, by the highest command, a new stone cathedral was laid in the monastery, funds for which were given by vow boyar Fyodor Volkonsky. The cathedral was consecrated in November 1661.
A new stage in the history of the monastery began in the 30s of the 17th century. By this time, the capital already acutely felt the need for competent specialists for the needs of the Printing House, corrections and translations of church books, and for the training of officials of state orders; it was also necessary to raise the educational level of the Russian clergy.
Under the first hegumen of the Zaikonospassky monastery Macarius (1630s), a public school was opened here. In it, under the guidance of Arseny Grek, for the first time in Russia, they began to study Latin and Greek. By the middle of the 17th century, a special building of a “school for grammar teaching” was being built in the monastery, and the epithet “teaching” was added to the name of the monastery. From the Moscow Andreevsky Monastery, specially invited educated Kyiv monks, who made up the learned brotherhood, are moving here.
Since 1665, a school (headed by Simeon of Polotsk) operated in the Zaikonospassky Monastery, which trained officials for government agencies. Finally, in 1687, the first Russian all-class higher educational institution moved into the monastery - the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy, headed by Greek scholar-monks, brothers Ioannikius and Sophronius Likhud. The academy existed within the walls of the monastery until 1814. Among its graduates are many prominent figures of the Church, scientists and writers. The academy also prepared educated priests.
In 1701, a new two-altar cathedral was built in the monastery, which became one of the best monuments of the Petrine baroque. It was erected by the talented architect Ivan Zarudny, who built the Menshikov Tower and the Church of John the Warrior on Bolshaya Yakimanka in Moscow. Then the Cathedral of the Savior acquired its modern look: a high octagon on a quadrangle, mounds with viewing platforms, and strict order decorative elements.
The architectural ensemble of the monastery took shape until the beginning of the 20th century. The Spassky Cathedral was badly damaged during the fire of 1737 and was, by the personal order of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, restored by I.F. Michurin. The upper temple was consecrated in 1742 in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow." The following year, a bell tower appeared above the Holy Doors. A century later, in 1851, the dome of the cathedral was crowned with an elegant onion rotunda.
The cathedral kept a copy of the miraculous Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God in a golden robe, donated by Count N.P. Sheremetev. On the feast of the Vladimir Icon on May 21/June 3, a religious procession from the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin took place here in memory of the deliverance of Moscow from the invasion of the Crimean Khan Mahmet Giray in 1521.
Outstanding church leaders emerged from the walls of the Zaikonospassky monastery. One of them is Augustin (Vinogradsky), Archbishop of Moscow and Kolomna, rector of the academy and rector of the monastery in 1801-1804. He was called "Chrysostom of the twelfth year" for patriotic sermons during the invasion of Napoleon. He also composed a special prayer "in the invasion of the adversary", which sounded in the churches at the Liturgy and at the prayer service on the Borodino field before the battle; Vladyka supervised the removal of Moscow shrines to Vologda, at the hour of the Battle of Borodino with miraculous icons he walked around the walls of Moscow in a procession.
During the war of 1812, the monastery was badly damaged. Soon it was decided to transform the first Russian university into the Moscow Theological Academy and transfer it to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
For some time, the Moscow Theological Seminary was located in the Zaikonospassky Monastery, and since 1834, the Moscow Theological Zaikonospassky School, where the holy righteous Alexy of Moscow (Archpriest Alexy Mechev) studied. A considerable number of graduates of the school are now canonized as holy new martyrs and confessors of Russia.
With the advent of Soviet power, the monastery cathedral was captured by the renovationists for several years. In 1929, the monastery was closed, it housed various government agencies. In the 1960s, the building of the cathedral was restored.
The Cathedral of the Savior Not Made by Hands was returned to the Church in 1992 and received the status of the Patriarchal Metochion. In February 1993, the Russian Orthodox University was opened in the monastery, but due to the emergency state of the cathedral and the lack of premises, it was moved to the Vysoko-Petrovsky Monastery.
On March 5, 2010, at a meeting of the Holy Synod, a decision was made: “To bless the opening of the Zaikonospassky stauropegial monastery in Moscow, separating it from the Patriarchal metochion of the former Zaikonospassky and Nikolsky monasteries in Kitay-gorod.” Hegumen Peter (Afanasiev) was appointed the abbot of the monastery. A talented musician, regent, founder of the Blagozvonnitsa men’s chamber choir, hegumen Peter, having taken monastic tonsure, in addition to his monastery, nourished two sister communities, from which stauropegial women’s monasteries later grew in Akatovo and Shostye.
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. Also on the territory of the monastery are open theological courses, a library and a Sunday school.
Foundation of the monastery
In the 14th century, the monastery of Nikola 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 Zaikonospassky by order of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in 1600. In any case, by 1626, there were two churches behind this center - a stone one and a wooden one, as well as 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 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 the ordinary "public" school of the monastery 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 from the Epiphany Monastery to the Zaikonospassky 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. Many famous Russian scientists, including Mikhail Lomonosov, studied within the walls of this institution.
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. Decorative trim was mounted on the third and fourth tiers of the church, and locarinas 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 Divine Services
Today, the temple of the Zaikonospassky Monastery can be visited by any believer. 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 pre-holiday days. It starts at 17:00.
Convent address
The Zaikonospassky Monastery is located in Moscow at the address: st. Nikolskaya, 7-13. Get off at the Teatralnaya metro station. at the moment is hieromonk Fr. Peter 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 well-known architects as I. F. Michurin, I. P. Zarudny, Z. I. Ivanov, M. T. Preobrazhensky were involved.
The Academy that operated in the monastery was transferred to the Academy in 1814. At present, it is called the Moscow Spiritual Academy. 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. This building was erected on the foundation of the former school building.
Zaikonospassky Monastery: Address, Zaikonospassky Monastery Reviews: 4.5/5
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, as it is supposed to be for religious buildings.
Believing Christians also 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.
For believing Koreans, a special center has been created in the monastery, which organizes 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.
The Zaikonospassky Moscow Monastery is today not only active, it has been granted the status of the Patriarchal Metochion. It is located in Kitai-Gorod on Nikolskaya Street and has been around for more than four centuries. Almost all the monastery buildings that existed by the beginning of the last century have been preserved and today are recognized as monuments of history and architecture.
The cradle of Russian education
Tsar Boris Godunov himself founded the monastery, which at first was called the Monastery of the Most Merciful Savior on the Nikolsky Krestets behind the Icon Row. And although the monastery was first mentioned in documents only in 1635, the date of its foundation is considered to be 1600. And the notorious clarification about the location of the monastery behind the rows, in which they traded folds and icons, served to transform the name of the church institution into the Zaikonospassky Monastery.
In the mid-60s of the 17th century, Simeon of Polotsk founded a school for clerks of the Order of Secret Affairs in the monastery, and already in 1687, the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy settled here. It is she who is considered the first institution of higher education in Great Russia. The graduates of the Academy were the great Russian scientist M. Lomonosov, the explorer of Kamchatka S. Krasheninnikov, the architect V. Bazhenov, the poet V. Trediakovsky, the founder of the Russian theater F. Volkov.
With the opening of Moscow University, the Academy was transformed exclusively into a theological educational institution that trained clergy. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was renamed, became known as the Moscow Theological Academy and moved to the walls of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, and a theological school was opened in the Zaikonospassky Monastery.
Architectural masterpieces of the monastery
The architectural ensemble of the Zaikonospassky monastery consists of several remarkable monuments: the Spassky Cathedral, the Fraternal or Teacher's Building, the building of the Theological School.
Back in the reign of Alexei the Quietest in 1660, a stone church was laid in the monastery. It was built with funds donated by the governor - Prince F. Volkonsky. The structure had two altars: the first main altar was consecrated in the name of the icon of the Savior Not Made by Hands, the second - in the name of the icon of the Mother of God. In the first half of the 18th century, the monastery and the cathedral were twice subjected to devastating fires of outbreaks of fire, after which they were rebuilt.
The temple was especially damaged in the fire of a raging fire in 1737. Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, having arrived at the Mother See for the coronation, personally ordered the restoration of the temple. This work was excellently done by the architect I. Michurin, who managed to revive the temple without significant changes in its architectural appearance. The invasion of the Napoleonic troops also caused a severe ruin to the monastery.
Stables were arranged in the temple, tailors were located in the cells, mending officer uniforms.
In 1851, during regular renovations, the dome of the cathedral was decorated with an exquisite rotunda with an onion dome. In the middle of the last century, the facades of the cathedral were restored.
Directly opposite the gate is the old fraternal building. This two-story building was built in 1686. Almost 200 years later, under the guidance of the architect V. Sher, a third floor was built over it and the general design of the facade was completed. A little to the left of it is a two-story building, which was built in 1720 by the architect Zarudny.
The building of the religious school was erected according to the project of the architect Beauvais in 1822. A memorial plaque was installed on it, where the name of M. Lomonosov, who mastered various sciences at the Academy, was engraved.
In 1929 the monastery was closed, even earlier the gate bell tower was dismantled. Various organizations and institutions have been located on the territory of the monastery for decades. Despite the fact that in 2010 it was decided to reopen the monastery, many of the premises are still occupied by non-church organizations.
