Kiev-Pechersk Monastery In Ukraine, all tourists try to visit. This is one of the very first ancient Russian monasteries, which appeared in one thousand fifty-one. Over time, its territory increased, churches grew, numerous cells were built, and in sixteen eighty-eight it received the status of a monastery. Let us study in more detail the history of the emergence of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery.
How it all began?
In the eleventh century, on the site of the monastery, on the right bank of the Dnieper River (not far from Kyiv), there was a dense forest. Monk Hilarion from the village of Berestov often came here to pray. He dug a cave here. When Hilarion was appointed Metropolitan of Kyiv (it was 1051), his cave was empty for a short time. In the same year (this date was taken as the founding of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery), the monk Anthony of the Pechersk settled here, followed by other monks.
As soon as the cave was inhabited by twelve monks, it was decided to build a church here. Anthony dug himself a cave on a nearby mountain. Monks began to flock there again from all sides. As soon as the cell was inhabited by twelve monks, the Church of the Assumption was built above it Holy Mother of God.
When the monastery could not accommodate everyone, Anthony turned to the Kyiv prince Izyaslav Yaroslavich for help, and he gave permission to use the entire territory of the mountain for Christian needs. In one thousand sixty-two the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery was built. All this time, the life of the monks attracted followers and ordinary Christians, who generously left them their donations. And after a few years these donations were enough to erect new church with fresco paintings and mosaics.
Nomadic raids on the monastery
The church was first robbed by a nomadic people of Turkic origin - the Cumans - in 1906. At this time, the monastery was destroyed, and the Ukrainian capital almost fell to the conquerors.
Only twelve years later the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra began to recover. Hegumen Theoktist, together with Prince Gleb Vseslavich, contributed to the construction of the stone refectory, as well as the new church. At the same time, the territory of the monastery was completely fenced with a palisade. The monks lived in the main building, and the caves were now used as tombs for monks. They were buried in the recesses of the walls of the cave corridor.
At the monastery there was a shelter for the infirm, disabled, and beggars, for whose needs a tithe of the total income was allocated. It was built under Feodosia. By the way, his cave was dug in the village of Lesniki, the territory of which also belonged to the monastery. From the moment of its foundation until this period, the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery produced twenty bishops.
Turkish invasion
From one thousand one hundred fifty-one to one thousand two hundred forty, the monastery was subjected to heavy robberies and burnings. First the Turks plundered the monks' monastery, then burned it. But the monks continued to carry out their service. Afterwards, the church was robbed again by the Polovtsians, but again continued to fulfill its mission. But, unfortunately, during the conquest of Kyiv, the invaders also attacked the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery. The caves became a refuge for the clergy, but they did not save most of the monks.
The destroyed laurel stood until the fourteenth century. From this period, under the leadership of the Kyiv prince Simeon Olelkovich, a new construction of the monastery began. The main church became a tomb for the Kyiv nobility. In one thousand four hundred and seventy, the monastery was completely rebuilt, fortified and began to serve as the main shrine of the city. Now even Turkish raids were not afraid of him.
But twelve years later the monastery was burned again, only this time by the Crimean army. It took time to rebuild the church with people's donations. In the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-three, the blossoming of the monks began. The Kiev Pechersk Lavra expanded its territorial boundaries (two cities, fifty villages, fifteen villages with different crafts and trades) and capabilities. Since the fifteenth century, monks have been allowed to travel to Moscow to receive donations. However, trials do not leave the monastery. The year one thousand seven hundred and eighteen was a great shock for him: a fire destroyed all his valuables - the library, ancient manuscripts, all treasures.
War for power
The wealth and glory of the monastery haunted not only foreign conquerors, but also the Brest church union. In one thousand five hundred and ninety-six, the first attempts began to subordinate the monastery to the Uniate metropolitan. However, the monks, hardened by foreign raids, put up staunch resistance to the Union of Brest. The monks were led by Archimandrite Nikifor Tur, who, together with the monks, successfully repelled the Uniate metropolitan. Neither the monks nor the lands of the monastery suffered from these skirmishes.
Only at the end of the sixteenth century did the Kiev Pechersk Lavra achieve independence from the influence of local dioceses. She is assigned the status of stauropegia by the Ecumenical (Constantinople) Patriarch. Despite the expansion of Uniate churches, the Pechersky Monastery becomes a stronghold for Orthodox Christians. Thanks to the activities of Archimandrites E. Pletenetsky and Z. Kopystensky, a competent struggle against Uniatism begins through the release of polemical and liturgical books printed by their own printing house (1616).
The Moscow Patriarch will fight for power. The monastery in one thousand six hundred and eighty-eight will submit to the Moscow Patriarch and All Rus'. However, this reign will last ninety-eight years. Then the Lavra will pass to the Kyiv Metropolitan.
History of the development of the monastery from the 17th to the 19th centuries
Despite the bloody opposition to Uniatism, the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery is developing. In addition to the printing house, under the leadership of Peter Mohyla, a school for monks appeared, which over time grew into the Kiev-Mohyla Collegium.
The priest's son Ivan Samoilovich, being a hetman, fortified the entire territory of the monastery with a rampart, and another hetman fenced the church with a stone wall. During the reign of Peter the Great, the territory of the monks expanded, forming the Pechersk fortress. However, a fire in one thousand seven hundred and eighteen destroyed almost the entire monastery. The Kiev Pechersk Lavra was able to recover only after eleven years.
Two years later, construction of the Great Lavra Bell Tower began. It was the tallest building in all of Ukraine (the height was ninety-six and a half meters). It took fourteen years to build the bell tower. The project was headed by Russian architect G.I. Schedel.
Despite the fact that the construction of the bell tower was delayed (according to the architect’s assurances, it was planned to erect the building in three years), and the Lavra’s budget did not allow taking on new projects, by the nineteenth century its territory still included six monasteries (Main, Bolnichny, Near and Far caves, Goloseevskaya and Kitaevskaya Desert).
Characteristics of the Lavra buildings
The main monastery is located at main church. The hospital monastery was built in the twelfth century near the Lavra gate with the support of the Chernigov prince Nikola Svyatoshi. In the church itself there was already an icon of the Assumption Mother of God, utensils, Gospels, a library with valuable books, portraits and relics of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Here was the tombstone of Prince K.I. Ostrogsky, tomb and tombs of saints.
Near and Far underground passages are located close to each other. The first grottoes were formed around the cave of the monk Anthony, and the second - near the cell of the monk Hilarion. Anthony's Caves have three entrances, the most accessible and popular is the western entrance from the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross. There are three underground passages in total that connect the Temple, the Church of the Entry of the Virgin Mary and the Meal of the Pechersk Fathers.
Since ancient times, caves have been a place for monks to live, and later for their burial. Residential cells had two opposite projections, intended for sleeping and eating. There were also recesses for candles and icons. In underground passages there are loculi. It is believed that they were dug and buried by the monks Mark the Peschernik. There are also small windows with the names of the recluses. Currently, the size of the cave passages has been reduced due to later reconstructions and amounts to only three hundred eighty-three meters.
Holy churches
Not every monk of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery received the honor of being buried in caves. The distant cells store forty-five relics, and the Near ones - eighty. The distant ones include the relics St. Theodosius, Hilarion the Schema, Pimen the Faster, Amphilochius, Euphrosyne, Pior, Paphnutius, Pamva, Sisoya, Theodore the Silent, Zechariah, Agathon the Wonderworker, Longinus, Macarius, Moses, Paul, Arsenius, Silouan, Achila, Benjamin, Gerontius, Euphemia the Schema, Hypatia, Joseph the Much-Sick, Leontius, Mercury, Martyria the Deacon, Paisius, Nestor Neknizhny, Titus, Theophioa, Ignatius, Theodore of Ostrog, Paul of Tobolsk, Vladimir of Kyiv, Philaret, the hermits Athanasius, Anatoly, Ammon, Mardaria, Pankratius, Sophronia, Cassian, Martyria, Lawrence , Gregory, Rufus, Dionysius.
Nearby caves contain the relics of St. Anthony, Prokhor Lebednik, John the Faster, Juliana, Theodore, Basil, Polycarp, Damian, Barlaam, Erasmus, Titus, Theophilus, John, Nektarios, Mark the Grave Digger, Alexy, Gregory, Sergius, Savva, Mercury, Pimen, Nestor, Eustratius, Hellas, Jeremiah, Moses, John the Long-Suffering, Onuphrius, Saints, Gregory the Wonderworker, Matthew, Onesimus, Isaiah, Abrahamia, Niphont, Sylvester, Kuksha, Macarius, Pimen the Faster, Lawrence, Anatoly, Sisoya, Theophilus the Recluse, Onesiphorus, Arefy, Alypius, Simon, Theophanes, Nikon, Anastasia, Ephraim, Abraham the recluse, Agapit, Luke, John the infant, Elijah, Nikon Sukhoi, Nicodemus, Spyridon, Isaac, Athanasius the recluse.
All monks of the monastery are venerated on certain days until the twenty-eighth of August, the memory of the monks of the Far Caves is venerated, the twenty-eighth of September is dedicated to the monks of the Near dungeons, and the saints of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra are venerated in Lent(usually the second week).
There are believers for whom it is important to touch the relics of saints. But tourists are more often interested in Interesting Facts from the life of monks. Tour guides often talk about the following saints.
- Anthony Pechersky. Founded Since childhood, he was a devout person and devoted his entire life to serving God.
- Nestor the Chronicler. As a seventeen-year-old boy, he was appointed deacon, church writer. He made a significant contribution to ancient Russian literature.
- Agapit the Merciless. The monk had the gift of healing, but did not have a medical education. He treated ordinary people and princes for free.
- Ilya Muromets. The popular ancient Russian hero, who, according to epic legend, became a monk, is buried in the monastery.
- Nikola Svyatosha. The prince who became a monk. Thanks to him, the Gate Trinity and St. Nicholas Church and the Hospital St. Nicholas Monastery were built.
- Twelve builders of Greek origin. Their names are unknown, but the story of their adoption of monasticism is unique. In the eleventh century they arrived specifically from Byzantium to restore the Great Lavra, and after its completion they became monks.
- Varlaam. The boyar's son became a monk and participated in the founding of the first wooden monastery in the Anthony Caves. He is known for the fact that after a pilgrimage from Constantinople and Palestine he bequeathed all his property to the monastery.
- Kuksha. Missionary and martyr. Known for the gift of healing and the ability to perform miracles. He was tortured and executed by the pagans. They say that on the day of his death there were pillars of fire above the monastery.
- Nikon Sukhoi. During the Polovtsian attack he was captured and tortured for three years. According to his prediction, he was supposed to end up in the Pechersk Monastery, so the Polovtsians wounded his legs. However, the saint became invisible and ended up in the Lavra. The miracles associated with his life do not end there. When a few years later a Polovtsian came to the caves and tortured monk Nikon, he saw him alive. He and his entire family immediately converted to Christianity.
- Eustratius the Venerable Martyr. He comes from a noble family who gave away all his property and became a monk. During the Polovtsian attack he was sold into slavery. He was tortured for a long time for his unshakable faith and was crucified on the cross. Miraculously he lived for another fifteen days, then was thrown into the sea. However, the body inexplicably appeared in the laurel.
Since one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, the caves of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra passed from the Moscow Patriarch into the possession of the Kyiv Metropolitan. During the Soviet period, the monastery changed one status after another. Since September one thousand nine hundred and twenty-six, the Ukrainian Soviet authorities transferred the territory of the Lavra to a state reserve. The formation of a museum town on the territory of the monastery led to its ruin. During the Soviet period, most of the monks were shot or sent to prison.
During the Patriotic War, the Germans allowed the monks to live in the monastery, but already in November they blew up the Assumption Cathedral of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery, having managed to take out the jewelry. Although now the story is being distorted, telling tourists about the explosion of the Lavra by Soviet partisans. This information was refuted when a recording of the explosion, made by the Nazis for their own entertainment, became available. Later, the fact of the explosion of the monastery by the Germans was proven by other researchers and scientists.
After the war, the monastery was no longer closed and was accessible to the people until the year one thousand nine hundred and sixty-one. Later, a new wave of anti-religious views arose, and the monastery began to serve more as a museum than as a shrine. Tour guides often conducted tours of the caves and scientific point sights explained the state of certain relics, but still Christians tried to venerate the remains and ask for protection from the saints.
A miracle for Orthodox Christians and scientists is the appearance of three myrrh-streaming heads on the territory of the Far Caves Monastery. From the moment the authorities allowed religious activity, myrrh began to stand out from the chapters. Scientists have not yet figured out what is included in its composition; they only stated that it refers to a living organism and is not the result of chemical experiments.
Modern Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
Photos of the current and original appearance of the church are practically the same. Modern authorities have only restored the building to preserve its historical authenticity. In 1990, the entire territory of the monastery was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
From 1992 to this day, the Metropolitan of Kiev has been the Holy Archimandrite of the Lavra. A year after his appointment, work began on the restoration of the monastery. In 2000, the Cathedral of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra was rebuilt and consecrated.
In addition to the monastery, the Orthodox Academy, and the printing house, there is the Kiev-Pechersk National Nature Reserve. His possessions include the Upper Lavra. For children and beneficiaries, admission is free; others must purchase a ticket at a purely symbolic cost (two years ago a ticket cost three hryvnia).
Tourists can see caves, chapels, graves, monks' cells, towers, walls, gates, educational and printing institutions, monuments, churches. By the way, on the official website of the monastery there is the possibility of a virtual trip, which allows you to see the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery with your own eyes (photos of various attractions are enlarged when you click on one or another cursor).
The Lavra is unique for its historical value, religious shrines, wonderful legends, architectural attractions for all people, regardless of faith and nation. The atmosphere of the monastery allows you to look at many things with different eyes. Many Christians claim that they return from there as changed people. Whether they are miracles of faith or the work of the subconscious, holy places help you reconsider your life path.
Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra: all buildings
There are a lot of buildings on the territory of the monastery:
- bell towers (Lavra, Dalnyaya, Near);
- Gate Temple;
- churches (Gateway Trinity, Exaltation of the Cross, Annozachatievskaya, Refectory, Blagoveshchenskaya, Christ's Resurrection, Savior on Berestovo, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nikolskaya, “Life-Giving Spring”, “All the Venerable Pechersk Fathers”);
- hospital buildings from the Nikolsky Monastery;
- wells of monks Anthony, Theodosius;
- towers (I. Kushchnik, Malyarnaya, Onufrievskaya, Chasovaya);
- buildings (fraternal, economic, typographical, Kovnirovsky);
- the cells of the elders at the monastery;
- houses of governors;
- cave galleries;
- walls (Debosketovskaya, fortress);
- gates (economic western, southern);
- Theological Academy, Seminary;
- Kiev School of Culture;
- Metropolis;
- Chapel;
- Monument to the chronicler Nestor;
- Grave of P. Stolypin.
In addition to architectural buildings, tourists are often interested in Borskaya, the Dormition of the Mother of God, St. Nicholas the Good, the Deliverer, Svenskaya-Pecherskaya, “Pecherskaya Praise”), the relics of the Apostle Stephen, Metropolitan Paul of Tobolsk, the Kyiv fathers Vladimir and Philaret, and myrrh-streaming chapters. The Kiev Pechersk Lavra is rich in all these shrines (photo with icons). The monastery is always crowded (divine services are held daily). To have time to see everything, it is better to come there early in the morning.
Agapit the Unmercenary Doctor - monk of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, first healer Kievan Rus. He lived in the 11th century in Kyiv and became famous far beyond the Pechersk Monastery for his wondrous power, with the help of which he treated sick people. He was called “Healer from God.” Now his incorruptible relics rest in the nearby caves of the Lavra, in the underground Church of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary and are revered by the people as healing and miraculous. For a thousand years now people have been coming and going to them, and this flow of people does not stop. People come to Agapit not only Orthodox faith, but also other religious denominations, and even those who consider themselves atheists. People of different nationalities come to him. After all, Agapit of Pechersk was always filled with love for all those in need. And even his relics to this day continue to radiate incredible healing power. Its effect is felt by many when they are close to the relics. So what is the secret of such an attraction of the Saint, such an amazing effect on people? What is the strength of Agapit of Pechersk?
The deeply revered personality of Agapit of Pechersk is shrouded in a lot of secrets. A lot of valuable information about the extraordinary Personality of Agapit of Pechersk and the secret of his great spiritual power, about the amazing week starting on February 25 and the manifestation of the unique properties of the relics of Agapit of Pechersk, is revealed in volume II of the book “Sensei”, by the popular contemporary writer Anastasia Novykh. This knowledge not only amazes with its depth and power of presentation, but also makes you think about how many unexplored secrets the world around us contains.
Not only residents of the CIS countries, but also throughout Europe know about the famous Kiev monastery of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. It is connected with this place great amount legends and traditions. Here, in different years The fates of famous cultural figures and historical figures are intertwined. Agapit of Pechersk, Nestor the Chronicler, Ilya Muromets, Vladimir Monomakh and many other people are one way or another connected with the life of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Believers and idle tourists from all over the world still come here to venerate the relics of the saints.
There are, perhaps, nowhere else in the world so many saints gathered in one place. Moreover, most of them are imperishable relics. Scientists, starting from the 17th century, tried to explain this phenomenon, and in general to understand what the power of the relics actually was. In our time, they came up with everything in search of a clue: they irradiated wheat grains with radiation, contaminated the water with microbes... But after the “therapy” with relics, not a trace of radiation remained on the wheat, and the microbes mysteriously disappeared from the water.
In 1988, a group of students from the Kyiv Medical Institute conducted hygienic and microbiological research at the Lavra. They took air samples in the cave and directly in the sarcophagi where the relics of the saints are located. So, in the sarcophagi the number of microbes was 6-7 times less than in the caves, and there were no pathogenic bacteria at all. Although sarcophagi are not airtight, and logically, the air parameters of the caves and the sarcophagus should not have differed.
Having examined the relics of 54 saints, scientists came to the conclusion that during their lifetime they were too exhausted by fasting and hard work. Some were diagnosed with musculoskeletal diseases. For example, Saint Agapit limped due to a deformation of his right foot.
On the territory of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, in the gallery of the Museum of History, among the cast busts of saints, there is a bust of St. Agapit of Pechersk, a free doctor, known for many miracles of healing seriously ill patients. The author of these unique works is a scientist, a modern forensic expert from Moscow, Sergei Alekseevich Nikitin - a man who, almost a thousand years after the death of the saints, managed, thanks to the scientific method of anthropological reconstruction of Mikhail Gerasimov, to recreate their true appearance. And now we can see these Saints as they were during their lifetime.
Along with Sergei Nikitin, many other scientists worked on the relics, conducting their own unique research. The results are simply amazing. Research has shown that near the relics of Agapit, living plants accelerate their growth, become strong and healthy. Water changes its structure, acquiring healing properties. As it turned out, the radioactive background near the relics was low. They have a strong bactericidal effect on the air. It is believed that the cause of these inexplicable phenomena near the relics is an energy that has not yet been studied, the nature of which has not yet been explained to scientists, as well as its mysterious cyclicity, since in certain days the mysterious field near Agapit of Pechersk intensifies many times over. Image and spiritual feat Agapit of Pechersk has continued to inspire new generations of people for a thousand years.
Each saint, in secular terms, has his own specialization. Most of all, according to Father George, people go to Agapit (who healed Vladimir Monomakh from a fatal illness), Nestor the Chronicler - especially students during the session, the holy chronicler is considered the patron of sciences. More and more people come to John the Child - they pray if God has not given children, and they ask St. Erasmus to save them from depression.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' also visited the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. The president Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev and President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych They prayed in the cell of the founder of the monastery, St. Anthony of Pechersk, and venerated the venerable relics of the Kiev-Pechersk wonderworkers, St. Agapit of Pechersk, Elijah of Murom, Nestor the Chronicler and other reverend fathers. The legendary singer Alla Pugacheva, before the start of the “Christmas Meetings” concert program, visited the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, where, accompanied by Archbishop Paul, she visited the Near Caves. There, in the cave church in honor of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple at the relics of St. Agapit of Pechersk, the governor of the Lavra served a prayer service and anointed all those present.
Nowadays, when the true appearance of the Holy Physician of Kievan Rus became known, a unique painting - a portrait of Agapit of Pechersk by artist Anastasia Novykh. This portrait will also be presented at II International Photo Exhibition “Agapit of Pechersk. For unity and friendship! "
Despite the fact that the painting is a work of art, many people have already noted its unusual influence and the literally living gaze of Agapit himself. The rumor about the unique masterpiece spread far beyond the borders of Ukraine. Surprisingly, even copies of this painting in the form of photographs, postcards, calendars do not lose this extraordinary power of influence when replicated multiple times. Obviously, along with the image, “something” hidden in the picture is also conveyed, which inexplicably manifests amazing phenomena. Thus, many people note that the expression on Agapit’s face in the photographs of Anastasia Novykh’s painting inexplicably changes, as if predetermining events, the disposition of a person unknown to you, giving a hint for solving a complex life issue. Agapit's gaze accurately penetrates into the most hidden corners of the soul. Some say that he is shrill and strict. Others claim that Agapit’s gaze is warm, kind, and affectionate. But everyone agrees that the Saint’s gaze is truly alive!
Many people who have a photograph of Agapit Pechersky’s painting note that their lives begin to change in their internal content. A living portrait of Agapit of Pechersk miraculously helps them navigate life situations, cope with difficulties, and get answers to hidden questions. Even in this unusual way, Agapit selflessly helps people, inspires them, and gives them a rare opportunity to listen to themselves. Obviously, everything connected with the extraordinary Saint Agapit of Pechersk has enormous spiritual power, filled with the great mystery of creation.
On the high slopes of the right bank of the Dnieper lies the Assumption Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, majestically crowned with golden domes - the inheritance of the Most Holy Theotokos, the cradle of monasticism in Rus' and the stronghold of the Orthodox faith. Ancient Tradition The Church says that the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called during his journey with Christian preaching in the lands of the Scythians he blessed the slopes of the Dnieper. He turned to his disciples with the words: “Do you see these mountains? The grace of God will shine on these mountains, and a great city should be here, and God will build many churches.” Thus, together with the first churches of Kievan Rus, the Lavra monastery became the realization of the prophetic words of the Apostle.
In the Orthodox world it is defined after Jerusalem and Mount Athos in Greece. Everything here is shrouded in mystery: caves, churches, bell towers, and most of all – people’s lives. It is hardly known to a wide circle, for example, that the Russian hero Ilya Muromets and the founder of Moscow, Yuri Dolgoruky, are buried on the territory of the Lavra. The number of saints, incomparable to any other monastery, and the amazing myrrh of their incorruptible relics continue to attract millions of pilgrims here.
Over the thousand years of its existence, the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra has acquired many incredible stories. Truth mixed with fiction, the miraculous with the real. But before we get to the legends, let's look at history. The land here is truly holy and prayed for.
The lands on which the huge territory of the Lavra later spread were known back in the 11th century as a wooded area where monks retired to pray. One of these monks was priest Hilarion, from the nearby village of Berestovo. He dug himself a cave for prayer, which he soon abandoned.
Centuries have passed. In the 11th century, monk Anthony returned to the Kyiv land. He was originally from the Chernigov region, took monastic vows on Mount Athos, where he intended to stay. But Anthony had a sign - to return to his homeland and serve the Lord there. In 1051, he settled on Berestovaya Mountain in a cave, which the priest Hilarion dug for his prayers and solitude. Anthony's ascetic life attracted monks: some came to him for a blessing, others wanted to live the same way as him.
A few years later he had students - Nikon and Theodosius. Gradually the brethren grew, expanding their underground cells.
When the brethren gathered 12 people, Anthony appointed Varlaam abbot over them, and he himself moved to another mountain, where he again retired to an underground cell. Later, an underground labyrinth arose on this mountain - the current Antoniev or Near Caves. The brethren, led by Varlaam, first erected a “small church” over the original cave, and in 1062 they built a church in honor of the Mother of God. At the same time, Prince Izyaslav Yaroslavich, at the request of the Monk Anthony, gave the monks a mountain above the caves, which they fenced and built up, creating the so-called Old Monastery. From that time on, the monastery became above ground, the caves began to serve as a cemetery, and only ascetic ascetics remained to live in them.
It is from the caves that the name of the Lavra – Pecherskaya – comes from. The year of its foundation is considered to be 1051, when the Monk Anthony settled here.
Assumption Cathedral in a painting by Vereshchagin, 1905
Soon the Monk Varlaam was transferred by Izyaslav Yaroslavich to the princely Dmitrievsky Monastery, and the Monk Anthony “installed” another abbot - Theodosius of Pechersk, under whom the number of monks increased from twenty to one hundred and the first (Studio) monastery charter was adopted. Under Theodosius, Prince Svyatoslav Yaroslavich donated the land on which the Assumption Cathedral was founded (1073). Around stone temple under the next abbot Stephen, the first wooden structures of the New Monastery appeared - a fence, cells and utility rooms. At the beginning of the 12th century. The stone Trinity Gate Church and refectory formed the original architectural ensemble of the Upper Lavra. The fenced space between the New and Old monasteries was partly occupied by vegetable gardens and orchards, and partly by the dwellings of the monastery artisans and servants; here is St. Theodosius of Pechersk organized a courtyard for the poor and sick with the Church of St. Stephen.
The independence of the monastery from the princely authority (unlike other monasteries) contributed to the fact that already at the end of the 11th century. it became not only the most authoritative, largest and richest monastic community in Rus', but also an outstanding cultural center.
The monastery played a significant role in the development of Ukrainian culture - the construction of churches improved the skills of architects and artists, and the first printing house in Rus' was founded here. Famous chroniclers, writers, scientists, artists, doctors, and book publishers lived and worked in the Lavra. It was here, around 1113, that the chronicler Nestor compiled the “Tale of Bygone Years” - the main source modern knowledge about Kievan Rus.
Chronicles and lives, icons and works of sacred music were created here. The illustrious names of St. were well known. Alipia, St. Agapita, St. Nestor and other monks. Since 1171, the Pechersk abbots were called archimandrites (at that time this was the rank of the eldest among the abbots of the city). Even before the Mongol invasion, approximately 50 Pechersk monks became bishops in different cities of Rus'.
At the beginning of the eleventh century, the then monastery gradually turned into a center for the spread and establishment of the Christian religion in the territory of Kievan Rus. In connection with the defeat of Kyiv by the hordes of Khan Batu, the monastery fell into decay for several centuries, like the whole life of Kyiv, and only in the 14th century did the revival of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery begin.
In 1619, the monastery received the very influential and serious status of “Lavra” - the most important and enormous at that time monastery.
The Greek word “lavra” means “street”, “built-up city block”, from the VI century. “Laurels” were the name given to the populous monasteries of the East. In Ukraine and Russia, the largest monasteries also called themselves laurels, but this status was given only to the richest and most influential monasteries.
Already by that time, two cities were in the possession of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra - Radomysl and Vasilkov. By the end of the eighteenth century, the Kiev-Pechersaya Lavra became the largest church feudal lord on the territory of what was then Ukraine: the Lavra’s possessions included seven small towns, more than two hundred villages and hamlets, three cities, and, in addition, at least seventy thousand serfs, two paper factories , about twenty brick and glass factories, distilleries and mills, as well as taverns and even stud farms. In 1745, the Lavra Bell Tower was built, which for a long time was the tallest building on the territory Russian Empire and still remains one of the symbols of the monastery. At the end of the 17th century, the Lavra was subordinated to the Moscow Patriarch and, as a result, the archimandrite of the Lavra received the so-called primacy over all others Russian metropolitans. In 1786, the Lavra came under the Kyiv Metropolis. As a result, by the end of the 19th century, the Lavra, in addition to the property listed above, had 6 monasteries at its disposal, which was a very impressive and, practically, record figure.
In the XIX - early XX centuries. The architectural ensemble of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra acquired completeness. Were streamlined covered galleries to the Near and Far caves, and the territory of the caves was surrounded by a fortress wall. Several residential buildings for pilgrims were built on the territory of the Gostiny Dvor, a hospital, a new refectory, and a library. The Lavra printing house remained one of the most powerful Kyiv publishing houses, and the icon-painting workshop occupied a prominent place in art.
At the beginning of the 20th century. The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra consisted of about 500 monks and 600 novices who lived in four united monasteries - the Pechersk monastery itself, St. Nicholas or Trinity Hospital, in the Near and Far caves. In addition, the Lavra owned three deserts - Goloseevskaya, Kitaevskaya and Preobrazhenskaya.
None of the Russian sovereigns ignored the Kiev Pechersk Lavra: Alexei Mikhailovich and Peter the Great, Catherine II, Anna Ioannovna, Nicholas I and Nicholas II, Alexander I, Alexander II, Alexander III, Pavel, Elizabeth...
In 1911, the land of the monastery received the remains of Pyotr Arkadievich Stolypin, an outstanding statesman of the Russian Empire.
After the October Revolution of 1917 The most difficult times in its history began for the Lavra.
After the Bolshevik victory, the monks tried to adapt to new conditions. In April 1919, the Kiev Lavra agricultural and craft labor community was organized, consisting of approximately 1,000 clergy, novices and monastic workers. Part of the Lavra's agricultural property was transferred to the community. Other property, both movable and immovable, was seized during several nationalizations during 1919-22. The huge monastery library and printing house were transferred to the All-Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. In 1922, under pressure new government The Lavra Spiritual Council ceased its activities, however monastic community continued to function.
In 1923, the Museum of Cults and Life began to operate on the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. At the same time, a disabled town was organized here, the leadership and residents of which actually robbed the monks. In 1926, the territory of the Lavra was declared a nature reserve, and the creation of a huge Museum town began here. The monks were finally expelled from the ancient Orthodox shrine in 1929.
Enormous damage to architectural and historical values was also caused during the Great Patriotic War. Patriotic War. Main religious building a country that survived the Tatar-Mongol invasion, Lithuanian and Polish rule, and the endless wars of the Russian Empire, failed to escape Bolshevik barbarism. In 1941, the Assumption Cathedral was blown up by Soviet underground workers. Only part of the church wall has survived. This is a huge loss for the Ukrainian people.
During the occupation of Kyiv, the German command allowed the monastery to resume its activities. The initiator of the renewal was Archbishop Anthony of Kherson and Tauride, known in the world as the Georgian prince David Abashidze. It was he who at one time was the rector of the seminary from which young Joseph Dzhugashvilli (Stalin) was expelled. The “Leader of Nations,” however, respected the elder and did not interfere in the affairs of the revived Lavra. Therefore, the Soviets returned their “government” after Stalin’s death - during the era of Nikita Khrushchev, who distinguished himself by the oppression of religion.
In June 1988, in connection with the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Kievan Rus and, accordingly, to the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the URSR, the newly created Pechersk community was transferred to the territory of the Far Caves, the so-called. “Lower” Lavra, with all above-ground buildings and caves; and in 1990 The territory of the Near Caves was also transferred. The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Nature Reserve cooperates with the monastery, which was awarded National status in 1996. In 1990, the complex of Lavra buildings was included in the List world heritage UNESCO. Already during the times of independent Ukraine, using ancient construction techniques, specialists managed to recreate the main Lavra temple. In 2000, the Assumption Cathedral was consecrated.
...We are standing near the Holy Gates. Now this is the main entrance to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. In the old days there was a sign: after passing through the gate, a person received remission of half of his sins. But if suddenly a parishioner stumbled, it was believed that he had too many sins, and they were dragging him down. Adjacent to the gate is the Church of the Holy Trinity, built in the 12th century at the expense of Prince Nikolai Svyatoshi. By the way, he became one of the first Kyiv princes to take monastic vows at the Lavra. He also founded a hospital here for infirm brothers...
Trinity Gate Church is one of 6 monuments from princely times that have survived to this day. She, too, has undergone changes and now has features of Ukrainian Baroque, like Sophia of Kiev. It contains a wonderful iconostasis from the 18th century, looking like amazing golden lace, shining with reflections of the sun. It's hard to believe that this beauty was carved from a simple tree.
The entrance to the monastery passes through the gates of this church. They say that once upon a time priests-goalkeepers stood here and at a distance they sensed a man who was walking with evil thoughts. They brought them back, asking them to think about it and come next time. Before passing through the church arch, you must bow low to the holy monastery, and only after that, go inside and dissolve in the architectural grandeur.
We pass through the Holy Gates and find ourselves on the territory of the Upper Lavra. Opposite the Trinity Church, the recreated Assumption Cathedral is bathed in the golden shine of the sun's rays.
It seemed to people that such a beautiful temple could not be built by ordinary human hands, so the people composed many poetic legends about it.
Architects from Constantinople appeared to the Monks Anthony and Theodosius. They said that they had a vision of the Mother of God and an order to go to Kyiv to build a temple.
“Where will the church be located?” - they asked the Monks Anthony and Theodosius. “Where the Lord will indicate,” they heard the answer. And for three days, dew and heavenly fire fell in the same place. There, in 1073, the Assumption Church was founded. At the same time, the Varangian governor Shimon came to the elders and donated a golden crown and belt for the construction of the cathedral. He also spoke about the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God and about the order to give valuables for the construction of the temple. Subsequently, the Varangian converted to Orthodoxy, becoming Simon at baptism, and was buried in the Lavra (his great-great-granddaughter, Sofya Aksakova, also found her final refuge here). A few years after those miraculous events, the temple was built, and the Byzantine architects, like the icon painters who painted it, took monasticism here.
The Assumption Cathedral was known as the heart of the Lavra. Many were buried here famous people, for example, the Monk Theodosius. Initially, the elder was buried in his cave, but three years later the monks decided that it was not right for one of the founders of the monastery to lie there. The relics of the saint turned out to be incorrupt - they were transferred and buried in the Assumption Cathedral.
The cathedral was decorated with ancient Russian frescoes and fragments of mosaics, complex modeling, wall paintings executed by outstanding masters S. Kovnir, Z. Golubovsky, G. Pastukhov; images of historical persons - kings, princes, hetmans, metropolitans. The floor of the temple was covered with mosaic patterns, and the icons were contained only in silver vestments covered with gold. The unique structure served as a tomb for the Kyiv princes, high clergy, educators, philanthropists and other outstanding compatriots. Therefore, the significance of the Assumption Cathedral can hardly be overestimated: it was a real stone treasury, keeping within its walls the history of our people.
Near the recreated cathedral there are Nicholas Church with a dome dotted with stars, and the Great Lavra Bell Tower, erected in 1731-44. It was built by the German architect Johann Gottfried Schedel. I planned to complete it in three years - but it took me 13 years! I was very proud of this work of mine - and for good reason. The large bell tower (96 m high) is popularly called the “Kyiv Leaning Tower of Pisa” due to its slight slope. However, thanks to the 20-meter massive 8-meter-thick foundation buried in the ground, the Lavra Tower, unlike the Italian one, is not in danger of falling. Before the appearance of the Eiffel Tower, the Great Lavra Bell Tower was considered the tallest building in Europe.
To the right of the Assumption Cathedral is the Refectory Church with a refectory chamber, thanks to which a huge number of believers can attend the service. In the center of the room, like a huge gray cloud, hangs a “chandelier” donated by Nicholas II - a chandelier weighing 1200 kg.
And we follow further - to the Lower Lavra, to the very mysterious places– Near and Far caves.
In the old days, even serious historians claimed that the caves from the Kiev Pechersk Lavra stretch all the way to Chernigov! Others said that the Kiev Lavra is connected with the Pochaev Lavra by caves.
All this is from the realm of idle speculation. But, of course, there were some secrets! In the early years Soviet power archaeologists persistently searched for treasures here. They didn’t find it, but the atheists themselves admitted that in some corners of the caves, water suddenly poured on their heads, or a pillar of fire rose.
The monks prayed in the cramped earthen shelters of the first caves, and many were buried here. By the way, the relics of St. Anthony were never found. It is believed that they are “under the radar.” According to legend, Anthony was giving parting words to his brothers when an unexpected collapse occurred. The brothers tried to eliminate him and take the monk out - but flames burst out...
Many monks became hermits: they closed the entrance to their cell, receiving only food and water through a small window. And if the bread remained untouched for several days, the brothers understood that the recluse had died.
The hermit monks who lived here in ancient times were buried in underground cells, and gradually the caves turned into a monastery cemetery. The deceased was washed with exposed parts of the body, folded his arms over his chest and covered his face. After this, it was forbidden to look at the face of the deceased (that is why even today the faces of saints resting in caves are not opened). Then the body was placed on a board and placed in a specially dug niche - a locula. The entrance to it was closed with a wooden barrier or walled up. According to the Studite Charter, the burial ritual continued three years later, when the locula was opened and the bones, cleared of flesh, were transferred to the kimetiria ossuary. Then the body was placed in crypts dug in caves and walled up, and the burial place was covered with an icon or wooden tablet with an inscription about the deceased. The relics of canonized ascetics, preserved incorrupt, were dressed in brocade vestments, placed in special, mostly cypress tombs, and placed in the corridors for worship. Of the 122 relics resting in both caves, 49 date back to the pre-Mongol period.
Relics of St. Elijah of Murom of Pechersk
By the grace of God, there are many monasteries and places on Christian soil where the incorruptible relics of ascetics and martyrs glorified by the church are kept as the greatest shrine. But there is no other place on the planet where such a number of holy relics are kept as in the Lavra.
When visiting the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, pilgrims, pilgrims and tourists first of all try to visit the caves. The place is very unusual. The caves have many passages, some of them are as tall as a person, and in some places they are so low that you have to bend down. Even now, when the walls are reinforced and illuminated, it is a little creepy to walk there alone. And it is simply impossible for us today to imagine the life of monks, living for years in darkness and silence, alone with themselves and God...
Now the labyrinths of the Near and Far caves are a complex system of underground corridors 2-2.5 m high. The depth of the Near caves is 10-15 m, the Far ones - 15-20 m. Monks have been digging them for centuries. The total length of the dungeons existing under the Lavra is enormous. But those that served as the dwelling of ascetics, a monastic cemetery and a place of worship are open to visit.
In the 16th-17th centuries, the Near Caves were a complex system of corridors, consisting of three main streets. Inside this settlement, under the thickness of the earth, there were two churches: the Presentation of the Virgin Mary into the Temple, considered the most ancient, and St. Anthony of Pechersk. Somewhat later, a third one was built - St. Varlaam of Pechersk. The monastic brethren have always been tirelessly building, and after the earthquake in 1620, when part of the labyrinths collapsed, underground architects made repairs to them, and strengthened the cave street with bricks. In the 18th century, the floors in the caves were made of cast iron slabs, which still serve well today. In the 19th century, the brethren added new iconostases to the existing ones, and dressed the holy relics in the tombs in expensive brocade and silk outfits, embroidered with gold and silver threads, river mother-of-pearl and beads.
It must be said that scientists have more than once conducted research into the Lavra dungeons and relics. Archaeologists, historians, doctors, and biologists worked in the caves. Mostly people with an atheistic upbringing and far from the church. But the results of experiments and observations so amazed the researchers themselves that many of them believed in God. After all, they themselves proved that the relics of saints have unique properties inexplicable by science.
After a series of experiments, Kyiv scientists realized that the power of the Holy Spirit is real! That grace and healing come from icons, that pectoral cross protects against evil forces, and the relics of saints heal people and speed up the growth of plants.
Specific and striking examples have repeatedly convinced that saints hear, help, heal, admonish, perform miracles and console. Reverends hear those of us who address them as if they were alive, who are familiar with their lives and firmly believe in their help. And to strengthen faith, the saints of Pechersk can generously reward and surprise the petitioner with a miracle.
There are many wonderful things in the laurel! Down in the temple " Life-Giving Spring“Every morning there is a prayer service. After it, parishioners can put on a hat consecrated on the relics of St. Mark the Grave Digger (XI-XII centuries). Blessed Mark dug both cells and graves for his deceased brothers. The Lord granted him unprecedented power: one day he fell ill and was unable to dig a grave for the deceased monk.
And then Mark, through another monk, conveyed a request to the deceased: they say, brother, wait to depart for the Kingdom of the Lord, the grave is not yet ready for you. Many witnessed the miracle, some ran away in fear when the dead man came to his senses and opened his eyes. The next day, Mark said that the monastery for the newly deceased was ready - at the same moment the monk closed his eyes and died again.
Another time, Mark asked the deceased monk to lie down in the cave and pour oil on himself, which he did. The monastery still houses an artifact - the cross of Mark the Grave Digger: it was hollow inside and the monk drank water from it. Even in the last century, parishioners could kiss it; now it has been transferred to the funds of the Lavra Nature Reserve.
Our path is to the Far Caves. If you go down from the Annozachatyevskaya Church, you can follow the route to the Far Caves. Some of its branches are closed to the public. But here the relics of 49 saints are exhibited, and some of them have uncovered hands, and you can see the incorruptible relics. The oldest underground churches are located here: the Church of the Nativity of Christ, the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Theodosius of Pechersk.
It was believed that the soul would certainly receive forgiveness of sins and go to heaven if a person was buried in the Lavra. Whether this is true or not is unknown. But the miraculous myrrh-streaming of the relics of the righteous placed in tombs made of cypress wood is known far beyond the borders of Ukraine. The phenomenon is truly mysterious: a world-healing substance containing up to 80% living protein is released from dry flesh. Without seeing it, it's hard to believe it. So pilgrims go to the caves to venerate the holy relics and see the amazing myrrh.
In 1988, when the Kiev Pechersk Lavra restored its prayer activities, the monks noticed that from that day on, the heads and relics of the saints in it had been myrrh-filled! Then the myrrh was collected in bowls - there was so much of it! Apparently, the Higher Powers reacted this way to the return of the church’s shrines.
In Russian history, when the Bolsheviks destroyed hundreds of churches and killed tens of thousands of priests, the heads and relics of saints in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra did not show myrrh.
The names of the 24 saints resting here are unknown, but it is known that here are the relics of Ilya of Murom, St. Nestor the Chronicler, author of the Tale of Bygone Years, the relics of St. Longinus and Theodosius of Pechersk, and the head of Pope Clement. It was presented to Prince Vladimir on the occasion of his adoption of Christianity.
The bodies of the dead monks buried in the caves did not decompose, but were mummified. Even today, after 1000 years, the preservation of some of them is impressive.
Scientists at the Kiev Pechersk Lavra have never found an answer why even the dried corpse of an ordinary person is not at all fragrant, but near the relics of the holy righteous there is no smell of decay or decomposition, next to them there is a fragrance. Science can never comprehend this mystery; you just have to believe in it.
One of the unclear points is the Varangian Caves. The entrance there is now closed, although they are connected to the Far Caves. The place is considered dangerous due to landslides and landslides - and maybe for another reason! After all, even in good times, the Varangian caves were not in honor among the monks... There is a legend that long before the arrival of Anthony, these passages were dug by thieves and other dark personalities.
They robbed ships passing along the route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” and hid the goods in these dungeons.
There is a dark reputation about the Varangian caves. In the 12th century. Blessed Feodor settled here, distributing his wealth to the laity, and then regretting what he had done. The demon began to seduce him and pointed out the place in the Varangian nooks and crannies where the treasure was hidden. Feodor was about to flee with gold and silver, but the Monk Vasily kept him from sin. Fyodor repented, dug a huge hole and hid the treasures.
But the Kiev prince Mstislav found out about this and tried to find out from the elder the location of the treasure. Fedor died under torture, but did not reveal himself. Then the prince set to work on Vasily. An angry feudal lord shot an arrow at Blessed Basil, and he, dying, replied: “You yourself will die from the same arrow.” The elders were then buried in the Varangian cave. And Mstislav really died, pierced by an arrow. Later, many people searched for the “Varangian treasure” - some lost their minds, some even lost their lives. But the enchanted gold was never found.
…Behind thousand-year history Since its existence, the Kiev Pechersk Lavra has become overgrown with many myths and legends. How many spiritual exploits have the cells and walls of monasteries seen! How many people have witnessed the miracles of the Lord!
There are many museums and exhibitions on the territory of the Lavra. For example, in the Museum of Jewels you can see a priceless collection of historical treasures from the times of Kievan Rus.
A significant part of the Museum’s collections are products of decorative and applied art of the 16th-20th centuries: works of Ukrainian, Russian, Central Asian, Transcaucasian and Western European jewelers. There is also a unique collection of Jewish cult silver from the early 18th - 20s. XX centuries, as well as works of modern Ukrainian jewelers.
The State Museum of Books and Printing of Ukraine is also very interesting. The museum contains rich treasures of the book culture of the Ukrainian people, about 56 thousand items. The exhibition covers the history of Russian books and bookmaking from the times of Kievan Rus to the present day; talks about the creation of writing Eastern Slavs, about handwritten books of the 10th-16th centuries, about the origin of book printing in Europe, the beginning and development of Cyrillic book printing, about the publishing activities of Ivan Fedorov and about other outstanding creators of Ukrainian books of the 16th-18th centuries.
Of great interest is the “Apostle,” published in Lvov in 1574 by the printing house of Ivan Fedorov, whose name is associated with the beginning of book printing in Ukraine.
Don't forget to check out the microminiature museum. Here you will see that very few people have the talent to shoe a flea....
The museum displays such exhibits as the world's smallest working electric motor, the size of which is less than 1/20 cubic millimeters and, it is difficult to imagine that this device is almost 20 times smaller than a poppy seed. Among other microminiatures presented in the Museum in the Kiev-Pechersk Reserve, there are no less interesting, unique and inimitable. Which? Come, watch, learn and be surprised!
It is difficult to imagine Kyiv without the unique beauty and grandeur of the architectural complex of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. If you were in Kyiv and did not see the Lavra, then you have not seen Kyiv.
And I really want to believe that the great shrine of Kievan Rus will be protected and preserved so that our descendants can enjoy a unique monument of all Orthodox humanity. However, everything depends only on ourselves - on those who live today and now.
Photos taken from the Internet
The Kiev Pechersk Lavra has at all times been the guardian of the high monastic spirit and Orthodox piety. And it is the Lavra that stands at the origins of Russian monasticism. Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary, manager of the affairs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, talks about the past and present of the illustrious monastery, about centuries of prosperity and difficult decades of persecution of atheists, about saints, ascetics and educators associated with the Lavra.
– Your Eminence, by whom and when was the Lavra founded?
- was founded in 1051 under the Kiev prince Yaroslav the Wise. Its basis was a cave not far from the village of Berestova, which was dug by Metropolitan Hilarion and subsequently became the refuge of St. Anthony. Before this, Saint Anthony labored for several years on Mount Athos, where he took monastic vows. Having returned to Rus' with the blessing of his confessor, he came to Kyiv, and soon the fame of his prayerful exploits became widely known. Over time, disciples began to gather around Anthony. When the number of brethren reached twelve, Anthony made Varlaam their abbot, and in 1062 he himself moved to a nearby hill, where he dug a cave. This is how the caves, called Near and Far, arose. After the transfer of the Monk Varlaam as abbot to the St. Demetrius Monastery, Anthony blesses the Monk Theodosius to become hegumen. By this time there were already about a hundred monks in the monastery.
Upon completion of the construction of the Assumption Cathedral in the mid-70s of the 11th century, the center of the Pechersky Monastery shifted to the territory of the current Upper Lavra. Only a small part of the monks remained in the “dilapidated” monastery. The Near and Far Caves became a place of solitude for ascetics and a burial place for dead brethren. The first burial in the Near Caves was that of St. Anthony in 1073, and in the Far Caves – St. Theodosius in 1074.
Abbot Athos monastery admonished St. Anthony: “May the blessing of Holy Mount Athos be upon you, many monks will come from you.”
– Undoubtedly, there is a deep spiritual connection between the Kiev-Pechersk monastery. Thanks to St. Anthony, the tradition of monasticism was brought to Rus' from Athos. According to legend, the abbot of the Athos monastery admonished St. Anthony with these words: “May the blessing of Holy Mount Athos be upon you, many monks will come from you.” Therefore, it is no coincidence that the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery, even at the dawn of its formation, began to be called “the third Lot of the Mother of God” and “Russian Athos”.
– Last year we celebrated the 1000th anniversary of the writing of “The Tale of Bygone Years,” created within the walls of the monastery. It was in the Lavra that the great Russian culture was born, the basis of which was church literature, architecture and icon painting. Please tell us more about this side of the life of the monastery.
– It was from the walls of the Pechersk Monastery that the first Russian theologians, hagiographers, icon painters, hymnographers, and book publishers emerged. The beginnings of ancient Russian literature were born here, visual arts, jurisprudence, medicine, pedagogy, charity.
The Kiev Pechersk Lavra has at all times equally succeeded in educational, missionary, charitable and social activities. Especially in the ancient period of its existence, it was a true Christian educational center, a treasury of national culture. But, first of all, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra was a school of piety, spreading from it throughout Rus' and beyond its borders.
– After the destruction of Kyiv by Batu in 1240, difficult times came in the life of the Orthodox Church in the South-West of Rus'. How did the inhabitants of the monastery perform their service then?
– The history of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery was part of the history of the state. Disasters and unrest did not bypass the quiet monastery, which always responded to them with a mission of peacemaking and mercy. Starting from the 40s of the 13th century and until the beginning of the 15th century, the Pechersk monastery, together with the people, suffered many disasters from the Tatar-Mongol raids. Having been devastated more than once during enemy raids, the monastery was surrounded by defensive walls back in the 12th century, which, however, did not save it from devastation in 1240, when Kyiv was captured by Batu. The Mongol-Tatars destroyed the monastery stone fence, robbed and damaged the Great Assumption Church. But during this difficult time, the Pechersk monks did not leave their monastery. And those who were forced to leave the monastery set up monasteries in other parts of Rus'. This is how the Pochaev and Svyatogorsk Lavras and some other monasteries arose.
Information about the monastery dating back to this time is rather scarce. It is only known that the Lavra caves again became the habitat of monks for a long time, as well as the burial place of the defenders of Kyiv. In the Near Caves there are large niches filled with human bones, which are believed to be such burials. In difficult times, the monks of the Pechersk Monastery provided all possible assistance to the residents of Kyiv, fed the hungry from the monastery’s reserves, received the disadvantaged, treated the sick, and provided care to all those in need.
– What was the role of the Lavra in the “defense” of the western borders of Russian Orthodoxy?
– In the middle of the 14th century, Lithuanian expansion began in most of the territory of modern Ukraine. However, despite the fact that the Lithuanian prince Olgerd, to whom the Kyiv lands were subordinate, initially professed a pagan faith, and then, after the adoption of the Krevo Union between Lithuania and Poland, the intensive inculcation of Catholicism began, the Pechersk monastery lived a full life during this period.
At the end of the 16th - beginning of the 17th centuries, the monastery was the center of confrontation between the Catholic Union and Orthodox Church, which ultimately defended him. Some inhabitants of the Pechersk monastery fled from the oppression of Catholics and founded new monasteries. For example, Stefan Makhrishchsky fled to Moscow and subsequently founded the Stefano-Makhrishchsky and Avnezhsky monasteries.
The Lavra printing house played a significant role in the fight against the imposition of Catholicism and union.
In the fight against the imposition of Catholicism and the Union, the Lavra printing house, which was founded in 1615, played a significant role. Grouped around her were prominent public figures, writers, scientists and engravers. Among them are Archimandrites Nikifor (Tours), Elisha (Pletenetsky), Pamva (Berynda), Zechariah (Kopystensky), Job (Boretsky), Peter (Grave), Athanasius (Kalnofoysky), Innocent (Gisel) and many others. The beginning of book printing in Kyiv is associated with the name of Elisha (Pletenetsky). The first book printed in the printing house of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra that has survived to this day is the Book of Hours (1616–1617). Until the middle of the 18th century, the Lavra printing house had practically no competitors.
An important place in the history of the monastery of this period is occupied by the archimandrite, and subsequently Kyiv Metropolitan Peter (Tomb). One of the main areas of his activity was concern for education. In 1631, the saint founded a gymnasium in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, in which, along with theology, secular subjects were also studied: grammar, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic and many others. In 1632, to train the Orthodox clergy and secular elite in Ukraine, the gymnasium was merged with the Brotherhood School in Podol. The first higher educational institution in Ukraine was created - the Kiev-Mohyla Collegium, which was later transformed into the Kyiv Theological Academy.
After the conclusion of the Treaty of Pereyaslavl, the Lavra was given charters, funds, lands and estates
– How did the life of the Lavra change after coming under the patronage of the Moscow sovereigns?
– After the conclusion of the Pereyaslav Treaty of 1654 and the reunification of Ukraine with Russia, the tsarist government provided the largest Ukrainian monasteries, in particular the Lavra, with charters, funds, lands and estates. The Lavra became the “royal and patriarchal stavropegion of Moscow.” For almost 100 years (1688–1786), the Archimandrite of the Lavra was given primacy over all Russian metropolitans. In addition, at the end of the 17th – beginning of the 18th centuries, the Lavra’s economy reached its greatest size. In the 17th century, large repair, restoration and construction work was carried out in the Lavra. Architectural ensemble replenished stone churches: St. Nicholas in the Hospital Monastery, Annozachatievskaya, Nativity of the Virgin Mary and Holy Cross Churches appeared above the caves. The social and charitable activities of the monastery were also very active during this period.
– The Necropolis of the Lavra is one of the largest Christian necropolises in Europe. What historical and public figures are buried in the Lavra?
– Indeed, a unique necropolis has developed in the Lavra. The oldest parts of it began to form in the second half of the 11th century. The first documented burial in Great Church was the burial of the son of the Varangian prince Shimon (baptized Simon). In the land of the holy monastery, in its churches and caves, outstanding hierarchs, church and government figures rest. For example, the first Metropolitan of Kiev Michael, Prince Theodore of Ostrog, Archimandrites Elisha (Pletenetsky), Innocent (Gisel) are buried here. Near the walls of the Assumption Cathedral of the Lavra there was the grave of Natalia Dolgorukova (in monasticism - Nektaria), who died in 1771, the daughter of Peter the Great's associate, Field Marshal B.P. Dolgorukova. Famous poets dedicated poems to this selfless and beautiful woman, and there were legends about her. She was a generous benefactor of the Lavra. Also, the outstanding military leader Pyotr Aleksandrovich Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky is buried here. He himself bequeathed to be buried in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, which was done in the choir of the cathedral of the Assumption Church. An outstanding figure is buried in the Holy Cross Church church leader Metropolitan Flavian (Gorodetsky), who played a significant role in the life of the Lavra. In 1911, the land of the monastery received the remains of the outstanding statesman Pyotr Arkadyevich Stolypin. It is very symbolic that next to the Lavra, in the Church of the Savior on Berestov (this is an ancient city that was the summer residence of the Kyiv princes), the founder of Moscow, Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, is buried.
– Please tell us about the period of Soviet ruin. What was the fate of the Lavra in godless times? When did its revival begin after the atheistic period?
– During its almost thousand-year existence, the Pechersk monastery has experienced more than one persecution, but none of them can be compared in severity to the persecution of the militant atheists - the Soviet regime. Along with persecution for the faith, famine, typhus and ruin hit the Lavra, after which the liquidation of the monastery followed. The murder of monks and clergy in those terrible times became almost commonplace. In 1924, Archimandrite Nikolai (Drobyazgin) was killed in his cell. Some monks of the Lavra and its monasteries were shot without trial or investigation. Soon many of the brethren were arrested and exiled. The big trial of Bishop Alexy (Gotovtsev) was staged. One of the most tragic events in Lavra life was the murder of Metropolitan Vladimir (Epiphany).
In the early 1920s, thanks to the enthusiasm of representatives of the creative intelligentsia, the Museum of Cults and Life was organized to prevent the destruction of the spiritual and artistic values of the monastery. During the years of militant atheism, a museum town was created in the Lavra and a number of museums and exhibitions were opened. In 1926, the Kiev Pechersk Lavra was recognized as a historical and cultural state reserve. However, at the beginning of 1930 the monastery was closed. In the same year, the Vladimir and St. Sophia Cathedrals, which became branches of the reserve, were closed. During World War II, the Germans began to loot and export to Germany the most valuable museum treasures, including those from the collection of the Kiev-Pechersk Nature Reserve. On November 3, 1941, the Assumption Cathedral was blown up.
The revival of the monastery began in the late 1980s. To commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Kievan Rus, the government of the Ukrainian SSR decided to transfer the lower territory of the Kiev-Pechersk State Historical and Cultural Reserve to the Ukrainian Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church. In 1988, the territory of the current Far Caves was transferred. The resumption of activity of the Orthodox monastery on the territory of the Far Caves was even marked God's miracle– three myrrh-streaming heads began to exude myrrh.
Today, the monastery is located on the lower territory of the Lavra, and we hope that the state will continue to facilitate the return of the shrine to its original owner.
– Which story from the Kiev-Pechersk Patericon is your favorite? Do miracles happen in the Lavra in our time?
– The collection of stories about the founding of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery and the lives of its first inhabitants is undoubtedly a treasure trove, a spiritual treasury for everyone Orthodox Christian. This edifying reading made an indelible impression on me in my youth and is still a reference book. It is difficult to single out any particular plot. All the personalities of the spirit-bearing ones, the miracles and events of their lives are equally edifying and interesting. I remember how I was struck by the miracle of the Monk Alypius, the icon painter, who healed a leper by covering his wounds with the paints with which he painted icons.
Miracles still happen in the Lavra to this day.
To this day, miracles still happen in the Lavra. There are known cases of healing from cancer after prayers at the relics of saints. There was a case when, after praying at the icon of the Mother of God “The All-Tsarina,” a pilgrim was healed of blindness, which was even reported by the media mass media. But it is important to remember that miracles do not happen automatically. The main thing is sincere prayer and strong faith with which a person comes to the shrine.
– Which of the saints glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church studied or taught at the Kyiv Theological Academy?
– Among the graduates of the Kyiv Theological Academy are such outstanding saints as (Tuptalo), Theodosius of Chernigov (Uglitsky), Pavel and Philotheus of Tobolsk, Innocent of Kherson (Borisov). Saint Joasaph of Belgorod (Gorlenko) upon completion of his studies was tonsured into the mantle at the Kiev-Brotherly Monastery and accepted as one of the teachers of the academy. Also St. Theophan the Recluse (Govorov), St. Paisiy Velichkovsky and Hieromartyr Vladimir (Epiphany) studied here. The Cathedral of Saints of the KDA includes 48 names, more than half of which are new martyrs and confessors of the 20th century.
In Ukraine, the world-famous shrine - the Kiev Pechersk Lavra - is being destroyed. A landslide threatens to destroy the famous monastery caves. According to experts, a complete replacement of all underground communications is necessary. But the monks have no money for this.
In no less deplorable condition is the Cathedral of St. Sophia of Kyiv and the monument by Rastrelli - St. Andrew's Church. Our correspondent in Kyiv Natalya Semenikhina visited the Lavra today, and now here is her report.
The business card of the Ukrainian capital is usually presented with its face - the golden domes on the right bank of the Dnieper. The inside out - the reinforcement and logs filled with concrete - are not shown to guests. But without them, the thousand-year-old monastery will not survive today - the Kiev Pechersk Lavra is threatened by a landslide.
The emergency state of the Lavra has long been no secret. They talked about this 200 years ago. But photography from space, there is such a thing, shows that we can’t delay any longer. There are deep cracks in the very ground on which the monastery stands. And in case of inaction, the Orthodox shrine may simply go underground.
The rickety Bezak Chapel is one of the first casualties. Melt water wears away its stone, also eroding the soil under the foundation. Similar cracks in cells, churches and in the monastery wall. Simply covering them up won't do any good. It is necessary to change underground communications. Worn out by time, today they allow melt water from one of the central districts of Kyiv to pass through them.
Tatyana Kulik, chief architect of the Kiev-Pechersk Museum-Reserve: “On our territory they use a drainage system dating back to the 19th century. And, of course, it requires a comprehensive reconstruction. It is impossible to restore individual monuments without eliminating the cause of their destruction.”
In the nearby caves, where the relics of the great martyrs rest, there have been two collapses over the past two years. In the galleries, where pilgrims and tourists are prohibited from entering, special supports now hold up the ceiling. This year, God willing, the monks say, we will install electronic groundwater meters. To always control their level.
Archimandrite Barsanuphius, treasurer of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra: “When the snow melts in the spring, even metal covers rise in the storm wells - the water flows with such force. And it erodes both the walls of the adits and the soil - hence the collapses.”
For 10 centuries, the monks have protected these places - and we will not let you down, says Bishop Paul. Ancient Orthodox monastery caves will continue to serve God.
His Eminence Pavel, abbot of the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra: “This is the only such shrine in Ukraine. I am not exaggerating. It is no coincidence that it is called the second Jerusalem. And we must preserve it, no matter what the cost. The monks are ready to devote their lives to this.” .
But the monks’ money is not enough for new construction items. Just yesterday, the builders promised to strengthen the wall for 4 million hryvnia - that’s 800 thousand dollars. And now they are asking three times more. So we have to - with rebar and logs, the old fashioned way.
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