Sometimes doctors just shrug their shoulders in bewilderment when looking at pictures or tests of a person whom they declared terminally ill some time ago. And when they start asking questions, it turns out that their patient turned to higher powers and received healing.
What is more here - the healing power of holy places, relics and icons or processes launched by the subconscious - everyone can decide for themselves. Although there is no doubt that there are places in Russia that restore health. Too much real evidence miraculousness and creative power that defy logical explanation.
the site will tell you where in our country you can find help and get rid of various ailments with the help of Christian relics. Unfortunately, it is simply unrealistic to mention all such places, so we will limit ourselves to listing only a few of them.
Holy springs and healing places
Diveyevo holy springs
The village of Diveevo, located in the Diveevo district of the Nizhny Novgorod region, is famous primarily for the fact that Seraphim of Sarov lived and preached here, and for the fact that his relics, which have incredible healing powers, rest in the Seraphim-Diveevo Monastery.
However, they are not the only ones that attract the suffering here. On the territory of the village there are also holy springs, each of which is endowed with special healing properties. From some bodies of water you can only drink , and some are equipped with comfortable baths. People come here with a variety of illnesses, and, according to those who have visited here, those who pray receive not only physical healing, but also relief from mental anguish.
In general, in Diveevo there are several relics that are considered miraculous. These are the relics of the elders of the Glinskaya wasteland (desert), and the relics of Martha Diveyevo, and a list from the icon Mother of God“Tenderness”, and the famous Holy Canal (editor’s note - for Christians, the path along which the Queen of Heaven passed). And all these shrines are credited with the ability to heal.
Alexander-Oshevensky Monastery
Holy places of Russia: where and how to ask for healing and health
The Orthodox monastery is located in the village of Oshevenskoye, Karpogol district, Arkhangelsk region. Unfortunately, it has not been completely preserved. Some buildings are being restored, but some, alas, cannot be restored. However, on the territory of the monastery there are several places overshadowed by the grace of the founder of this monastery - Alexander Oshevensky.
The first such notable place are two trail stones. It seems that a man stood on the boulders and left his footprints on them. According to legend, these are the footprints of Alexander Oshevensky. It is believed that if you step on the trail, all ailments will disappear.
There is also a holy spring over which there is a cross. People believe that if you drink water from this spring, your sorrows will be quenched, fatigue will go away and melancholy, depression will stop. Once upon a time, the Monk Alexander rested next to this spring and gained strength and spiritual humility.
And under the destroyed Cathedral of the Assumption Holy Mother of God the relics of Alexander Oshevensky himself rest. And, they say, if you stay there for a while, then any physical pain goes away.
Miraculous spring, village of Aleshnya
In the Dubrovsky district of the Bryansk region there is the village of Aleshnya. And in it is a holy spring. They say that once upon a time at this place pilgrims stopped for the night under a large spreading tree. But then one day lightning struck it, and it crumbled overnight. However, where it grew, there was a spring with healing powers.
It is believed that its waters especially help those who have problems with the musculoskeletal system and heal wounds received during travel. This source is called the Thunder Well. Some time ago he was consecrated, that is, he received the blessing of the church.
Ullu-tau - mountain range of the central Caucasus, Mount Adyrsu
Holy places of Russia: where and how to ask for healing and health
Locals say that angels live on Ullu-tau and give healing to those who need it. And the most miraculous place is considered to be the foot of Mount Adyrsu. It was here that many generations of Aboriginal people brought the terminally ill and left them for a while. Miracle healings happened so often that it ceased to be surprising. Mothers who gave birth to weak and sick children also came here - and the babies also recovered.
Another famous copy of this icon is located in the Church of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Nadezhda, Lyubov and Sophia on Miusskoe cemetery in Moscow. And here its myrrh-streaming is often observed (editor’s note – the appearance of oily moisture on icons), which is considered a sign of special miraculousness and healing power.
Savva Storozhevsky (Savva Zvenigorodsky)
Holy places of Russia: where and how to ask for healing and health
The relics of Savva Storozhesky, the first and most significant student of Sergius of Radonezh, rest in the Savvino-Starozhevsky Monastery in Zvenigorod. Even during his lifetime, the Monk Savva was famous for his healing gift. Both ordinary people and influential Moscow nobles came to him. He never refused help or healing to anyone. And to this day such miraculous power emanates from the reliquary (editor’s note – box, coffin) with its relics that bodily and mental illnesses pass.
In every corner of Russia there are historical places through which popular pilgrimage routes are not laid, but where the most ancient shrines are located, unique monuments architecture and beautiful nature. Thomas publishes only 9 of these little-known and sometimes hard-to-reach places that are worth visiting during your summer vacation.
Trinity-Lykovo, Moscow
Trinity-Lykovo is a place with a unique landscape for Moscow. Surrounded by multi-storey blocks of the metropolis, rural houses have been preserved near the banks of the Moscow River (and this is within the Moscow Ring Road!), and above, among the trees, there is an ancient temple. From here you can see an amazing view: a river bend and beyond it - the forest of Serebryany Bor Island, a popular vacation spot for Muscovites.
The beauty of nature and centuries-old history. The main decoration of the village since the times of Peter the Great has been the temple in the name of Life-Giving Trinity. It was erected in 1690-1695 by the maternal relatives of Peter I, the Naryshkins, and is an outstanding work in the Moscow, or “Naryshkin”, Baroque style, one of the few that has survived to this day. Visitors called the church a “white swan” or a “bride”, dressed in a lace outfit with a golden kokoshnik and admiring her reflection in the waters of the river.
In 1812, and then during Soviet times, the Trinity-Lykovo estate, Trinity and Assumption churches experienced difficult times. Temples were repeatedly robbed, destroyed, and closed. Nowadays, the churches have been restored, but services in the Trinity Church are held only once a year - on Trinity Day.
Travel Features:
You can get there from the station. metro station "Shchukinskaya" by bus No. 640 to the stop. "St. Tvardovsky", then walk 7 minutes. or by bus number 137 to the stop. "Odintsovskaya street";
from Art. metro station "Strogino" by bus No. 652 to the stop. "St. Tvardovsky", then walk 7 minutes;
by car - turn to Trinity-Lykovo at the 63rd kilometer of the Moscow Ring Road.
Village Dunilovo, Ivanovo region
Patriarch Alexy II, who visited Dunilovo in 1993, called the village “the pearl of Russia.” In the village, which is early XIX century, the population was not inferior to the city of Kineshma and in which today there are no more than 600 people left, there are a dozen ancient temples and 33 crosses shine.
This is a picturesque place on the banks of the Teza River, approximately 40 km from the city of Ivanovo. Dunilovo was once a large trading point, where roads from Suzdal, Shuya, Nizhny Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Kostroma connected, and large fairs were held. There are two women’s monasteries in the village - the Annunciation and the Holy Assumption, and the most ancient of the surviving churches in Dunilov is the Annunciation Cathedral, built in 1675.
Travel Features:
From the cities of Shuya and Ivanovo you can get to Dunilov by bus. By car you can get to Dunilov along the Gorkovskoye Highway through Vladimir, Ivanovo, Shuya.
Palekh, Ivanovo region
On a hill among forests and fields is the world famous center of folk crafts - Palekh.
Palekh icon painters became famous even in pre-Petrine times. But after the revolution of 1917, the need arose for the masters to preserve the tradition of icon painting and at the same time find new forms of realizing their creative potential. Then, using the previous icon-painting style and technology, masters began to make miniatures that are well known to everyone today depicting scenes of labor, plowmen, peasants, women with sickles, etc.
As before, many icon-painting and art workshops and organizations are open in Palekh. And you can see a collection of thousands of Palekh works at the State Museum of Palekh Art. It houses 1.5 thousand icons of the 14th-20th centuries, works of Western European painting of the 16th-18th centuries, more than three thousand works of lacquer miniatures, sculpture, graphics, early printed books, embroidered items, household items and ethnography. The museum also includes four memorial museums dedicated to outstanding artists and icon painters of Palekh: the House-Museum of Pavel Korin, the Museum-Workshop of Nikolai Dydykin, the House-Museum of Ivan Golikov and the Museum-Estate of Nikolai Zinoviev.
In the traditions of the Palekh school, the wall paintings of the Palekh temples - the Exaltation of the Cross and Elias churches of the late 18th century - were also made. Also not far from the village, in the village of Krasnoye, there is the Church of the Holy Sign - the only church in the vicinity of Palekh that was not closed during the Soviet years.
Travel Features:
You can get to Palekh by bus from the Ivanovo bus station via Shuya, or by car along the Gorkovskoye Highway via Vladimir, Ivanovo, Shuya.
There are guest houses and cafes in Palekh, so you can stay in the village for several days. In addition, in relative proximity to Palekh there are two more important icon painting centers - Kholui and Mstera, which are also interesting to visit.
Village Sit-Pokrovskoye, Yaroslavl region
On the picturesque bank of the Sit River stands the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the early 18th century - the main attraction of the village of Sit-Pokrovskoye. This is a classic example of architecture in the Yaroslavl region. Currently, services are regularly held in the church and restoration work is underway.
And 20 km from Sit-Pokrovsky, at the beginning of summer, year after year, celebrations are held dedicated to the Battle of Siti - one of the central events of the Mongol invasion of Rus'. The battle ended in the defeat of the Russian troops, but at the same time significantly weakened the enemy army and became one of the reasons for Batu’s refusal to go to Novgorod.
The center of the celebrations becomes a high hill near the village of Lopatino, 20 km from Sit-Pokrovsky: here, in memory of the fallen soldiers, a 12-meter white stone stele was installed and here, according to historians, the key event of the battle took place.
Travel Features:
The village can be reached in different ways. For example, from Rybinsk you can take a train to Shestikhino station, then by bus to the village of Breytovo, then by another bus to the village. Sit-Pokrovskoe.
By car you need to go through Uglich, village. New Nekouz, Shestikhino and Breytovo.
The village is located near the Rybinsk reservoir, along the banks of which there are many recreation centers. 10 km from Sit-Pokrovsky is the village of Prozorovo. Those who wish can stay for several days in a guest house at the Church of the Archangel Michael.
Five of the oldest temples in Russia and the rock face of the Savior, Karachay-Cherkessia
Mountains North Caucasus conceal not only the beauty of nature, the purity of mountain rivers and the unique riches of flora and fauna: in the early Middle Ages there were powerful state formations here, the people of which adopted Christianity long before baptism Kievan Rus.
On the territory of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic there are five Christian churches built in the first millennium after the Nativity of Christ. Three temples, known as the Northern, Middle and Southern, have been preserved in Nizhny Arkhyz: in the Middle Ages, the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement was located in the gorge of the Bolshoi Zelenchuk River. In addition, there are ruins of 11 temple-chapels. Of the three Zelenchuk churches, only the Southern one holds regular services. Most likely, it was part of the estate of a wealthy Alan family and was a house church.
On the other side of the river there is the Face of the Savior written directly on the surface of the rock. At the foot of the Mitseshta ridge, a temple was built in honor of Christ the Savior, and regular services are held there.
An hour and a half drive from the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement, at a distance of about 18 km from each other, there are two more temples of the same period. On Mount Shoana stands the Shoana Temple (built presumably in the 2nd half of the 10th - early 11th centuries).
On a rocky ledge above the valley of the Teberda Gorge stands the Sentinsky Temple, built in 965. Fragments of the temple's wall paintings are the most extensive surviving fresco complex in Alanya.
Travel Features:
Nearest airport: Mineralnye Vody. From the airport you need to get a city minibus to the bus station, then by bus to the village of Zelenchukskaya. The nearest railway stations are: Nevinnomyssk, Mineralnye Vody, Kislovodsk, then you can also get to the village by bus.
Assistance to the pilgrims is provided by the dean of the parishes of the Southern Karachay-Cherkess Church District, Archpriest Evgeniy Subtelny. You can contact him by email: [email protected]
Temple-chapel of the holy martyr warrior Victor of Damascus, Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island
On the very border with China stands a 32-meter-high chapel, built in memory of the soldiers who died defending the Far Eastern borders of Russia and which has become a symbol of the inviolability of Russian borders in the Far East. Religious processions are regularly held here, and prayer services are held in the chapel. In 2005, when drawing a new border line, the chapel was almost “cut” in two. However, it was saved from demolition: the Chinese side gave up several tens of meters to Russia.
In addition, Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island is a good place for recreation, camping and fishing. The island has many lakes, and in the summer people come here for weekends with tents, motor boats and water skis.
Travel Features:
Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island is located near Khabarovsk. You can get there through a road bridge or by boat. To get to the temple-chapel, you need to move deeper into the island.
Talab Islands, Pskov region
Most tourists, pilgrims and those who help revive the Talab Islands on Lake Pskov most often visit only the closest of the three islands, Talabsk (the Soviet name is Zalita Island). A famous elder, Archpriest Nikolai Guryanov, served on this island. Talabsk has always been the most populated island. True, today only one and a half hundred residents permanently live here, although over the centuries the population of the islands numbered at least four, or even six thousand people.
Today, few people get to the distant Verkhniy Island (the Soviet name is Belov Island). Meanwhile, he has a very interesting story! In the 15th century, Verkhny was an island of lake pirates from the Talab tribe. It was here that Dosifei, a disciple of Saint Euphrosynus of Pskov, went. In the taiga zone of the island, he built a cell (now there is a memorial cross in its place) and began communicating with his dangerous pirate neighbors. The righteousness of Dositheus changed the inhabitants of the island: they repented and stopped piracy. Most of the Talabs became artisans, merchants and fishermen, the most powerful and powerful became warriors, and several people became monks and, together with Dosifei, founded a monastery in honor of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
The Church of Peter and Paul, originally built by the Monk Dositheos and his disciples and then rebuilt several times, is the main asset of the island. Its oldest building is located underground: in the cave temple, former robbers, standing around the monk, took part in the service.
At all times, visitors to the Upper Island admired the view of Lake Pskov, which was also called the sea (from here the opposite shore is not visible), from the high shore of the island. And on the tops of spruce trees you can see the nests of gray herons.
Travel Features:
The rector of the Church of Peter and Paul, Priest Sergius Demidov, creates all the conditions so that pilgrims and travelers can spend several days on the Upper Island: a courtyard with guest houses and a refectory is reserved for visitors.
A bus runs from Pskov to the village of Bolshaya Tolba twice a day. From there you can get to the islands by water (by boat or speedboat), by prior agreement with Father Sergius by email: [email protected].
Village Sura, Arkhangelsk region
“Dear homeland, holy homeland, blessed Sura,” said the holy righteous John of Kronstadt about his small homeland. Father John did a lot for his village, where there were only two dilapidated wooden churches: founded the stone St. Nicholas Cathedral and the St. John the Theologian Sursky Monastery, and also established a rural school and various industries. Even during the life of Father John, pilgrims began to flock to the village from all over the country.
Today, few people know about the saint’s homeland, but in June this year, anniversary celebrations associated with the 25th anniversary of the canonization of John of Kronstadt will be held in Sura. About 250 clergy from St. John's parishes, as well as representatives of orphanages, gymnasiums, fraternities, rehabilitation centers and others will gather in the village Orthodox organizations, bearing the name of St. right John of Kronstadt in Russia and 19 foreign countries.
Travel Features:
During the celebrations, pilgrims will be able to stay in a tent camp (you need to register in advance), and at other times there are guest houses for pilgrims at the Sursky Ioannovsky Convent.
The total length of the route Arkhangelsk - Karpogory - Sura by road is 369 km. The road surface is mostly sand and gravel; there will be three crossings along the way.
From Arkhangelsk you need to drive to the village of Svetly (142 km). Ferry (or pontoon) crossing across the river. Pinega (railway station Palenga). Further from the village of Svetly to the village of Yasny (101 km, one-way traffic mode with traveling pockets). Further from Yasny village to the village. Sura (126 km). Ferry crossings across the river. Pinega (Yasny village, Shuiga village and Novolavela village).
Holy Trinity Nicholas Monastery, Kirovsky district, Primorsky Krai
This is the oldest monastery in the Far East. And not far from the monastery there is a little-known and ecologically clean lake on which the Komarov lotus grows - the pearl flower of the Far East, listed in the Red Book. The shores of the lake are not specially designed for tourists, so here you can observe lotuses in their natural environment.
The monastery houses an icon of the Holy Trinity, painted on a cut branch of a Mamre oak tree and donated to the monastery from Holy Mount Athos. During the Soviet years, the monastery was closed, and its territory became the property of the Shmakovsky military sanatorium: the temple of the Iveron Mother of God was turned into a club and medical building, the temple-chapel of the Transfiguration of the Lord, located at the top of the hill, became an observation deck, the abbot’s house became an administrative building, and the cell part is a gym.
In 1995, the monastery began to be revived, but most of the historical territory of the monastery was not returned (only the dilapidated church-chapel of the Transfiguration of the Lord was returned), and the monastery was located in the building of a former barnyard. Today there are 2 churches in the monastery, and the monastic brethren are about 20 people.
Travel Features:
The monastery is located near the village of Shmakovka on the road to the urban village of Gornye Klyuchi. In any sanatorium in Mountain Keys you can book an excursion tour to the lake.
From Vladivostok you can get by train or train to Ruzhino or Shmakovka stations, then by bus or minibus to the Shmakovka resort in the Gornye Klyuchi village. You can also get to Gornye Klyuchi by bus from Vladivostok or Ussuriysk.
1. Diveevo
Where is? Nizhny Novgorod region, Diveevsky district.
What is holiness? Diveevo is called the Fourth Lot of the Mother of God on earth. Main shrine Diveyevo Monastery - relics St. Seraphim Sarovsky. The Holy Elder invisibly but clearly consoles, admonishes, heals, opening the hardened souls of people who come to him for Divine love, and leads to Orthodox faith, to the Church, which is the foundation and establishment of the Russian land. Pilgrims come to fetch holy water from 4 springs, venerate the relics and walk along the holy ditch, which, according to legend, the Antichrist will not be able to cross.
2. Optina Pustyn
Where is? Kaluga region.
What is holiness? The Holy Vvedenskaya Optina Hermitage is one of the ancient monasteries Russia, located on the banks of the Zhizdra River near the city of Kozelsk. The origins of Optina remain unknown. It can be assumed that it was not built by princes and boyars, but by the ascetics themselves, by calling from above through repentant tears, labor and prayer. The Optina elders had enormous influence on the minds of people of various classes. Gogol was here three times. After visiting the Optina Hermitage, Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov” was born. Leo Tolstoy had a special relationship with the monastery (as, indeed, with the church in general).
3. Nilo-Stolobenskaya desert
Where is? Stolobny Island, Svetlitsa Peninsula, Lake Seliger.
What is holiness? The monastery is called the Nilova Hermitage after Reverend Neil, who lived on the island for 27 years and bequeathed to build a monastery. In 1555, Neil reposed and was buried on Stolobny Island. After the death of the saint, prayer hermits began to settle on the island near his grave, and the monastery was founded by them. Before the revolution, the Nilo-Stolobensky monastery was among the most revered in Russia; thousands of people came here every year. In 1828, Emperor Alexander I visited the monastery.
After the revolution, the monastery had a difficult fate. It managed to be a colony, a hospital, a prisoner of war camp, and a camp site. During archaeological excavations on the territory of the monastery, it was established that in the 18th century the largest workshop at that time for the production of pectoral crosses operated here. Only in 1990, the Nilova Hermitage was again transferred to the Orthodox Church, and in 1995 the relics of St. Nil were returned here.
4. Kizhi
Where is? Kizhi Island, Lake Onega.
What is holiness? Many people believe that Kizhi is a beautiful temple somewhere in the North. In fact, this is a whole nature reserve in which everyday life and unique wooden architecture are carefully preserved. The center and main monument of the museum was the Kizhi churchyard with the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It was founded in 1714 and built without a single nail or foundation. The most remarkable thing is that even during the Soviet years the shrine was not touched - they even left the iconostasis with one hundred and two images. The entire Kizhi ensemble is included in the List World Heritage UNESCO. You can get to the island in summer by rocket from Petrozavodsk and in winter along an ice track from the village. Great Lip.
5. Solovetsky Monastery
Where is? White Sea.
What is holiness? Even in pagan times, the Solovetsky Islands were strewn with temples, and the ancient Sami considered this place holy. Already in the 15th century a monastery arose here, which soon became a large spiritual and community center. A pilgrimage to the Solovetsky Monastery has always been a great feat, which only a few dared to undertake. Thanks to this, until the beginning of the 20th century, the monks managed to preserve a special atmosphere here, which, oddly enough, did not disappear over the years of hard times. Today, not only pilgrims come here, but also scientists, researchers, and historians.
6. Trinity-Sergius Lavra
Where is? Moscow region, Sergiev Posad.
What is holiness? This monastery is rightfully considered the spiritual center of Russia. The history of the monastery is inextricably linked with the fate of the country - here Dmitry Donskoy received a blessing for the Battle of Kulikovo, local monks, together with troops, defended themselves against the Polish-Lithuanian invaders for two years, here the future Tsar Peter I took the oath of boyars. To this day, pilgrims from all over the Orthodox world people come here to pray and feel the grace of this place.
7. Pskov-Pechersky Monastery
Where is? Pechory.
What is holiness? The Pskov-Pechersky Monastery is one of the oldest and most famous Russian monasteries. In 1473, the cave church of the Assumption, excavated by the Monk Jonah in a sandstone hill, was consecrated here. This year is considered the year the monastery was founded. The hill in which the Assumption Church and the caves created by God are located is called the Holy Mountain. There are two holy springs on the territory of the monastery. A special feature of the Pskov-Pechersk monastery is that it has never been closed in its entire history. During the interwar period (from February 1920 to January 1945) it was located within Estonia, thanks to which it was preserved.
8. Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery
Where is? Vologda Region, Kirillovsky district.
What is holiness? The Kirillo-Belozersk monastery is a city within a city, the largest monastery in Europe. The gigantic fortress has withstood enemy siege more than once - two cars can easily pass each other on its three-story walls. The richest people of their time took monastic vows here, and the sovereign’s criminals were kept in the dungeons. Ivan the Terrible himself favored the monastery and invested considerable funds in it.
There is a strange energy here that gives peace. Next door are two more pearls of the North - Ferapontov and Goritsky monasteries. The first is famous for its ancient cathedrals and frescoes of Dionysius, and the second for nuns from noble families. Those who have visited the vicinity of Kirillov at least once return back.
9. Verkhoturye
Where is? Sverdlovsk region, Verkhoturye district.
What is holiness? Once upon a time there was one of the main Ural fortresses, from which several buildings remain (the local Kremlin is the smallest in the country). However, this small town became famous not for its glorious history, but for its large concentration of Orthodox churches and monasteries. In the 19th century, Verkhoturye became a center of pilgrimage. In 1913, the third largest cathedral was built here Russian Empire- Holy Cross. Not far from the city, in the village of Merkushino, lived the wonderworker Simeon of Verkhoturye, the patron saint of the Urals. People from all over the country come to pray at the relics of the saint - it is believed that they cure diseases.
10. Valaam
Where is? Ladoga lake.
What is holiness? Valaam is one of two “monastic republics” that existed in Russia. Founding time on the islands Orthodox monastery unknown. At the beginning of the 16th century, the monastery already existed; in the 15th-16th centuries, about a dozen future saints lived in the monastery, including, for example, the future founder of another “monastic republic” Savvaty Solovetsky (until 1429) and Alexander Svirsky. It was at this time that monastic hermitages appeared in large numbers on the neighboring islands.
Unlike the Solovetsky archipelago, where the owner is a museum-reserve, on Valaam monastic traditions have been revived almost completely. All the monasteries operate here, the monastery also performs administrative functions on the islands, and the vast majority of visitors to Valaam are pilgrims. Throughout the entire area of the island there are monasteries, “branches” of the monastery, about ten in total. The incomparable nature of the Valaam archipelago - a kind of “quintessence” of the nature of South Karelia - contributes to the pilgrim’s desire to move away from the bustle of the world and come to himself.
11. Pustozersk
Where is? Actually nowhere. Pustozersk is a disappeared city in the lower reaches of the Pechora, in the Zapolyarny region of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. It is located 20 km from the present city of Naryan-Mar.
What is holiness? Pustozersk was the place where Archpriest Avvakum lived in exile in an earthen pit for 15 years, wrote his life and was burned. Pustozersk today is a place of Old Believer pilgrimage and is revered by them as Holy place. A chapel and a refectory were built here, and there are memorial crosses.
12. Rogozhskaya Sloboda
Where is? Moscow.
What is holiness? Rogozhskaya Sloboda - historical spiritual center Russian Old Believers. In 1771, the Old Believer Rogozhskoye cemetery was founded near the Rogozhskaya outpost; a quarantine facility, a hospital and a small chapel were built here. Then, at the turn of the 18th–19th centuries, two cathedrals were built near the cemetery - Pokrovsky and Rozhdestvensky, the St. Nicholas Chapel was rebuilt in stone, houses for clergy and a clergy, monastic cells, six almshouses and many private and merchant houses were erected next to the churches. For two centuries, the Intercession Cathedral was the largest Orthodox church in Moscow, accommodating up to 7,000 believers at a time. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the number of Old Believers living in the vicinity of Rogozhsky reached 30,000 people.
13. Great Bulgars
Where is? Republic of Tatarstan, 140 km from Kazan.
What is holiness? Bulgar, one of the greatest cities of the Middle Ages, is today an important place of worship for Muslims in Russia. In addition to the ancient ruins, what remains from Great Bulgaria is the village of Bolgars and the walls great mosque with a 13th century minaret. Across the road from the entrance to the mosque is the well-preserved Northern Mausoleum. To the east of the mosque is the Eastern Mausoleum. The White Mosque is located near the entrance to Bolgar, at the South Gate of the Bulgarian Museum-Reserve. The architectural complex consists of the building of the mosque itself, the mufti's residence and madrasah, and the surrounding prayer area.
14. Aulia Spring
Where is? Republic of Bashkiria, Mount Aushtau.
What is holiness? Aulia is translated from Bashkir as “saint”. This spring is believed to have healing properties. It flows for just over 30 days in late May and early June and attracts tens of thousands of people every year. People bathe in it in the spring and drink the sacred water, which they believe can get rid of kidney stones, as well as treat respiratory and stomach diseases. In spring, the spring water is said to acquire its healing properties only after May 15th.
The ascent to Mount Aushtau consists of two stages: the first is to reach the sacred spring, the second is to climb to the top of the mountain, where there are three graves, which, according to legend, contain the remains of three Islamic missionaries from the city of Osh, killed in the 13th century by local residents. After repentance, the same local residents buried Sheikh Muhammad Ramazan al-Ush and his companions on the top of a mountain, on the slopes of which a sacred spring appeared.
15. Mausoleum of Hussein-Bek
Where is? Republic of Bashkiria, 40 km from Ufa.
What is holiness? The mausoleum is located at the Akzirat cemetery. According to legend, it was built in the 14th century for Hadji Hussein Bek, the first imam on the territory of modern Bashkiria. The order to build the mausoleum was given by Tamerlane himself. Not far from the mausoleum there are several tombstones with inscriptions on Arabic. It is believed that Tamerlane’s commanders were marked this way.
The Mausoleum of Hussein Beg is one of the most sacred Muslim sites in Russia. Just 10 km from this place there is another ancient mausoleum - the grave of Turukhan. According to some historians, he was a descendant of Genghis Khan. According to historians, Turukhan, like Hussein Bey, was an enlightened Muslim ruler.
16. Ziyarat Kunta-Hadji Kishieva
Where is? Chechen Republic, village of Khadzhi.
What is holiness? There are 59 holy burial places, ziyarat, in Chechnya. Ziyarat Kunta-Hadji Kishieva is the most revered of them. In the 19th century, the village of Khadzhi was the birthplace of the Sufi sheikh Kunta-Hadzhi Kishiev, a Chechen saint and missionary who preached zikr ("remembrance of Allah"). Near the place where Kishiev’s house stood, there is a holy spring, the water from which has healing properties. Those interested can also visit the grave of Kishiev’s mother. It is located nearby on Mount Ertina, which the Chechens consider a sacred place.
17. Fortress of Qala of Quraish
Where is? Republic of Dagestan, 120 km from Makhachkala.
What is holiness? The mosque of the Qala Quraish fortress is one of the oldest mosques in Russia, it was built in the 9th century. Also on the territory of the fortress there is an ancient tomb and a museum. The fortress is located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level.
Because of his appearance The Qala of Quraish is sometimes called the Machu Picchu of Dagestan. The Koraysh, or Quraish, were considered the closest relatives and descendants of the Prophet Mohammed himself, therefore Kala Koreish, founded by them, turned into the most important center for the spread of Islam in the region. By the 20th century, Kala Koreish had virtually become a ghost town. Nearby residents claim that in the 1970s, two women and one man lived in Kala Koreisha. These were the last inhabitants of the ancient city of the descendants of Mohammed.
18. Tuti-bike Mausoleum
Where is? Republic of Dagestan, Derbent.
What is holiness? The Mausoleum of the Derbent Khans - the only mausoleum preserved in Derbent - was erected in 1202 AH (1787-1788) over the grave of the ruler of Derbent, Tuti-bike. In addition to her, her sons are buried in the mausoleum, as well as Hasan Khan’s wife Nur-Jahan Khanum. The ruler of Derbent, Tuti-bike, is a very significant figure in the history of Dagestan.
In 1774, during the assault on Derbent by the Kaitag Utsmi governor Emir-Gamzy, Tuti-bike personally took part in the defense, was on the city wall, controlling the actions of the artillery. During the siege of the city, she did not interrupt the prayer and, upon its completion, going out into the courtyard of the Juma mosque, where an enemy detachment burst into, killed their leader with a blow of a dagger. The legend says that the enemies fled, amazed at the woman’s courage. In the immediate vicinity of the mausoleum is Kyrkhlyar (“forty” in Turkic). This is the burial place of Islamic martyrs.
19. Mausoleum of Borg-Kash
Where is? The mausoleum is located on the northwestern outskirts of the modern rural settlement Plievo, Nazran district of the Republic of Ingushetia, on the left hilly bank of the Sunzha, which is a spur of the Sunzha ridge.
What is holiness? Historians still disagree about how and why this mausoleum was built. Borga-Kash is translated as "Borgan's grave". According to one version, the mausoleum was the tomb of Burakan Beksultan, one of the main leaders of the Ingush in the fight against Timur’s troops, who invaded local lands in 1395. Burakan did not die in the war with Timur, but died ten years later, which corresponds to the time the mausoleum was built. The 600-year-old mausoleum is an important place of pilgrimage and one of the most valuable Ingush historical monuments. To this day, inscriptions in Arabic have been preserved on the mausoleum building.
20. Ivolginsky datsan
Where is? Republic of Buryatia, village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga. 30 km from Ula-Ude.
What is holiness? Ivolginsky datsan is the main datsan of Russia, the residence of Pandito Khambo Lama - the Head of the Buddhist traditional Sangha of Russia, a large Buddhist monastery complex, a historical and architectural monument. In the Ivolginsky datsan there is the body of one of the main ascetics of Buddhism of the twentieth century, the head of the Buddhists of Siberia in 1911-1917, Khambo Lama Itigelov. In 1927, he sat in the lotus position, gathered his disciples and told them to read a prayer of good wishes for the deceased, after which, according to Buddhist beliefs, the lama went into a state of samadhi. He was buried in a cedar cube in the same lotus position, bequeathing before his departure to dig up the sarcophagus 30 years later.
In 1955, the cube was lifted. The body of Hambo Lama turned out to be incorrupt, and analyzes carried out by scientists already in 2000 showed that the protein fractions have intravital characteristics, and the concentration of bromine is 40 times higher than the norm. Right here, in Ivolginsky Datsan, you can see a magic stone. Near it there is an inscription: “According to legend, it was this stone that Nogoon Dari Ehe (Green Tara) touched and left the imprint of her brush on it.
21. Nilovsky datsan
Where is? In the Tunkinskaya Valley, 4 km upstream of the river from the Nilova Pustyn resort, in the forest on the 10 km road on Mount Kholma-Ula.
What is holiness? According to ancient legend, he landed at this place mythical god Khan Shargai Noyon, head of the haats sitting on the ridges of the Sayan Mountains. In honor of this, a small log house for prayers was built here in 1867. Subsequently, two wooden datsans were built here. On the territory of the Nilovsky datsan there is a tower made of a long and smooth log with a round wooden barrel on top. This design is not found in any other datsan in Buryatia.
Local old-timers say that when the lamas converted the local population to Buddhism, they gathered all the shamans in this place and convinced them to accept the Buddhist faith. All the tambourines and shamanic costumes were burned. Sacred relics and silver coins were placed in the barrel and raised up so that Buddha could see the gifts. The sand at the landing site of Khan Shargai Noyon is considered holy. It is widely believed that sand taken by a man gives him strength.
22. Mount Belukha
Where is? The highest point of the Altai Mountains. Located on the territory of the Ust-Koksinsky district.
What is holiness? Many researchers correlate the highest Altai mountain Belukha with the sacred Mount Meru. In particular, the Russian philosopher Nikolai Fedorov tried to confirm this theory. Based on a map depicting the sacred Mount Meru, dated to the 2nd century BC, Turkologist Murat Adji supplemented the popular hypothesis. At equal distances from Meru were the four then known oceans, and Belukha was equally distant from the Indian, Pacific and Arctic Oceans.
Belukha is considered a sacred mountain among Buddhists; Old Believers came here to escape the world in search of the legendary Belovodye. According to Altai beliefs, the goddess Umai, the supreme female deity, comparable in importance to Tengri, lives on Belukha.
23. Olkhon Island
Where is? Olkhon is the largest island on Lake Baikal. Located 256 km from Irkutsk.
What is holiness? One of the main places of worship is the Shamanka rock. Women and children are prohibited from entering the cave, located in the rock. There was once a Buddhist shrine there. Olkhon is revered not only by Buddhists, but also by representatives of traditional Buryat beliefs. Shamans from all over Russia, and sometimes from abroad, gather on the island to conduct their rites and rituals. At this time, shamans communicate directly with the spirits, and if you’re lucky, you can find out answers to your questions from them. The main thing at this time is not to look the shaman in the eyes, otherwise, according to local beliefs, the spirit may leave his body and move into an unwary petitioner.
24. Mount Barkhan-uula
Where is? Barkhan-Uula or Baragkhan is one of the highest mountains of the Barguzin ridge. The mountain rises near the villages of Baraghkhan and Yarikta, which is 20 kilometers away.
What is holiness? According to the results of the republican-scale competition “Seven Wonders of the Nature of Buryatia”, Baragkhan was recognized as the main Buryat natural wonder. Since ancient times, the mountain has been revered as a shrine by both the Barguzin Buryats and the Mogul-speaking peoples. Buryat mythology tells about the owners of the mountain, the dune baabai and Khazhar-Sagaan-noyon - heavenly lords who descended to earth. There is also a legend that a noble khan from the golden family of Borjigins was buried on Barkhan-Uula.
There is a legend about Soodoy Lama, a great yogi who chose Baraghan for his meditations. It is believed that whoever climbs this mountain will be connected with it. mystical power, and the righteous can see the image of Buddha on its slopes. Climbing the mountain is usually accompanied by monks Ivolginsky datsan, a huge prayer service was written in Sanskrit in honor of Baraghan. On the Tepteehei plateau, at the very top of the mountain, there is an ancient and sacred stone structure called Obo, honoring the spirit of the mountain.
There is also a Lamaist sacred sign here, symbolizing the eternity and infinity of the universe. Nowadays, Buddhist prayers and rituals are held on Barkhan-Uula. Pilgrimage ascents to the top of the mountain take place annually. But not everyone can climb the mountain. To do this, you need to obtain permission from the lama at the Kurumkan datsan. Women are prohibited from climbing Barkhan-Uula.
25. Merkit Fortress
Where is? In the south of Buryatia, in the Mukhorshibirsky district, 110 km from Ulan-Ude on the right bank of the river mouth. Push.
What is holiness? According to legend, it was here that the first battles of Genghis Khan took place with the Merkits, who once inhabited these lands. From 1177 to 1216, the Merkits fought fierce battles against Genghis Khan and Khan Jochi until they were defeated.
The Merkit fortress today is not a fortress in the usual sense of the word. These are rock formations on which elements of former fortifications, recesses for signal lights, a well, and observation platforms have been preserved. In the Merkit fortress there are two so-called “humming stones”, which, according to popular belief, can heal a woman from infertility and bring good luck in love. Pilgrimages are held to the Merkit fortress; shamans and lamas come here. in 2010, Buddhist scrolls and thangka icons were discovered here, which were hidden here by lamas during the years of persecution of religion. Since nothing could be taken from the mountain, the scrolls were examined and returned to their place.
- All the Orthodox shrines and relics of Moscow are countless. There are hundreds of them in the most different temples and monasteries of the city.
- The main place among Orthodox shrines is the miraculous images of the Mother of God.
- Main Orthodox church Russia - Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. Here are the relics of St. Metropolitan Peter of Moscow.
- The Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin contains the relics of Saints Michael and Theodore of Chernigov and the relics of Saint Prince Dimitri Donskoy.
- You will find revered shrines in the Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhov, Danilovsky and Donskoy monasteries and many other temples mentioned in this article.
- There is no information in English in Moscow monasteries and churches.
After the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks in the mid-15th century, the idea arose that Rus' was the last stronghold of Orthodoxy, the “third Rome.” The monk Philotheus famously said: “two Romes have fallen, but there will never be a fourth.” This understanding of purpose Orthodox Rus' became the basis of Russian politics in the Middle Ages. Since the 16th century, Moscow has become the residence of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' and remains so to this day. Therefore, it was here that the most majestic cathedrals and monasteries were built, in which the most valuable Orthodox relics were collected. Among them, one of the main places is occupied by the miraculous and revered images of the Mother of God, who is considered the patroness of Orthodox Russia.
Shrines of the Kremlin cathedrals and St. Basil's Cathedral
The main and most revered shrine of Moscow is Assumption Cathedral Moscow Kremlin. This is the main Orthodox church in Russia, it is dedicated to the Mother of God. For centuries, the cathedral was the tomb of the metropolitans and patriarchs of Moscow and All Rus'. Here rest the relics of St. Metropolitan Peter of Moscow, who moved the once Orthodox metropolitan see from Kyiv. In the Assumption Cathedral also rest the relics of the Metropolitans Theognostus, Cyprian, Photius, Jonah, Macarius of Moscow and Philip, who followed him, as well as the relics of the Holy Hierarch Patriarch Job (the first Russian Patriarch) and the Hieromartyr Patriarch Hermogenes. Many miracles and healings occurred from their holy relics.
In the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin there is the staff of St. Metropolitan Peter, ancient icons of the 14th-15th centuries (Savior “Ardent Eye”, icon of the Holy Trinity, icon of the Dormition of the Virgin). Access to all shrines is possible during infrequent services, which are held with the blessing of the Patriarch. During normal times, the cathedral operates as a museum.
Located on the same Cathedral Square of the Kremlin Archangel Cathedral in the shrine are the relics of Saints Michael and Theodore of Chernigov, as well as the relics of the Holy Blessed Prince Demetrius Donskoy. Representatives of the grand ducal and royal houses traditionally rested in this cathedral. Among the burials, a shrine with the relics of the holy noble prince Demetrius of Uglich stands out. The son of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, who tragically died in 1591, was canonized in early XVII century. In the Orthodox tradition, he is considered the patron saint of children. In the Archangel Cathedral, services are performed on patronal holidays and with the blessing of the Patriarch; the rest of the time the cathedral operates as a museum.
Probably the most famous Moscow temple in the world is considered Intercession Cathedral or St. Basil's Cathedral (Red Square, 2). The cathedral was originally built as a sign of gratitude after the capture of Kazan by the troops of Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century. The temple got its second name from Saint Basil, Christ for the Fool's sake. His relics rest in the chapel of the Intercession Cathedral.
St. Basil early accepted the feat of foolishness - a special path to God, known in Christianity. Wandering, he had neither shelter nor clothing. So he lived for 72 years, prophesying, instructing and correcting people who revered him immensely. Tsar Ivan the Terrible himself carried his coffin to the burial place. Many healings are known from the relics of St. Basil.
Shrines of ancient monasteries of Moscow
Saint Alexy also founded the first convent – Zachatievsky(2nd Zachatievsky lane, 2). Destroyed in years Soviet power, The Conception Monastery was restored in the 21st century. In it you can find the burial places of St. Juliania and Eupraxia - the founders of the monastery and sisters of St. Alexia. 
Its main shrine is the “Merciful” icon of the Mother of God, which is considered miraculous. People resort to her with prayer in sorrows and illnesses. This icon can be found in the main cathedral of the monastery - the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before the restoration of the monastery, the icon was in the neighboring Church of Elijah the Ordinary(2nd Obydensky lane, 6). It is known that during the Soviet era, Kremlin cathedrals and monasteries were closed and turned into museums, and many were completely destroyed. The Temple of Ilya the Obydennogo is the closest Orthodox cathedral to the Kremlin, which continued to operate during the years of Soviet power. During these years, shrines from destroyed neighboring monasteries and churches were secretly collected there. This temple has a special, “praying” atmosphere. The temple shrines are the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” ,
as well as a particle of the belt of the Virgin Mary, particles of the relics of saints, including St. Stefan.
Among the most famous active Moscow monasteries is Pokrovsky (Taganskaya St., 58). It contains relics of St. Matrona of Moscow. From her youth, Matrona had the gift of prophecy; people from all over the area, and later from all over the country, came to her for advice. Her earthly life set as an example of great feat of spirit, compassion, self-denial, love and patience. Matrona died in 1952, and in 1998 her relics were found, which are now in a shrine in the Intercession Church of the monastery. They pray to St. Matrona for a successful marriage and the preservation of the family.
The most ancient Moscow monastery is the stauropegial one (Danilovsky Val, 22). It was founded more than seven centuries ago by the first Moscow prince - St. Prince Daniil of Moscow. It was from here that the revival of Orthodox Moscow began at the end of the Soviet period: in 1983, the ruined monastery was transferred to the Orthodox Church and became the residence of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'. The monastery now houses the Department for External Church Relations and the Synodal Residence.
Several churches have been opened in this ancient monastery, the oldest of which is the Church of St. Fathers of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, in which in the shrine there is part of the relics of St. Prince Daniil of Moscow. They were found incorrupt in the middle of the 17th century. In the Trinity Cathedral there is an ark with particles of the relics of St. Prince Daniel, and in the Intercession Church - icons of St. Prince Daniel with particles of relics. Among other shrines of the monastery is a particle of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, relics of George, the revered icon of the Mother of God “Three-Handed” and others.
Pilgrims should also definitely see the Danilov Bells .
These bells were saved from being melted down in 1930 by American industrialist Charles Crane, who bought them for the price of scrap bronze and donated them to Harvard University. For many years they were installed on the Lowell House student dormitory tower. In 2008, the original bells were returned to Russia, and Harvard now has exact copies of them. The monastery offers guided tours including visits to the bell tower and inspection of the famous bells. There is also a pilgrimage center and a shop at the monastery Orthodox literature and the Danilovskaya Hotel.
One of the famous Orthodox monasteries of the capital is Donskoy Monastery(Donskaya sq., 1-3). In it in 1925, the holy Patriarch Tikhon was buried, who led the Orthodox Church during the years of trials, endured oppression by the Soviet rulers and unwaveringly defended Orthodoxy. His relics were miraculously found in 1992 and now reside in the Great Cathedral of the monastery.
The shrine of the Donskoy Monastery is one of the most revered shrines in Rus' - Don Icon of the Mother of God, who was considered the intercessor of Russian soldiers. It is kept in the State Tretyakov Gallery in Lavrushinsky Lane, house 10, in the hall of ancient Russian art. Every year, on the day of the icon’s celebration, this ancient image is delivered to the Donskoy Monastery and takes part in the solemn service.
Famous icons of the Mother of God in Moscow
In Moscow there are icons that are traditionally resorted to at certain moments in life. For example, Iveron Icon of the Mother of God(Voskresensky Proezd, 1) is considered the intercessor of the city of Moscow. They pray before her when they begin an important, difficult task or a long journey. Her image can be seen in the chapel restored in the 1990s at the Iversky (Resurrection) Gate of Red Square.
On Ordynka Street there is a beautiful classicist church of the Icon of the Mother of God of All Who Sorrow, Joy of All Who Sorrow, built by the architect O. Bove (B. Ordynka Street, 20). Its main shrine is the temple Image of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”. Near this icon they pray for health and healing of the sick. Nearby, in Church of Gregory of Neocaesarea(B. Polyanka St., 29). there is an ark with a particle of the relics of St. Gregory, Bishop of Neocaesarea. He became famous as a fighter against paganism and, according to legend, it was he who wrote down the Creed - the fundamentals Orthodox teaching. It is known that in this temple 
The parents of Tsar Peter I, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich and Tsarina Natalya Kirillovna, got married. The temple is decorated with wonderful tiles and is considered one of the most beautiful in the city.
Icon of the Mother of God “Sovereign” is in Kazan Church on the territory of the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve (Andropova Ave., 39). This icon was miraculously found in this former country royal residence in 1917. According to legend, this happened on the day when Emperor Nicholas II abdicated the throne. In the icon, the Mother of God sits on a throne in the image of the Queen of Heaven with the attributes of royal power - a scepter and an orb. With her appearance, she seems to indicate that after the renunciation of God’s anointed one, she becomes the main intercessor and patroness of Russia.
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In the department of the Tretyakov Gallery - Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi(M. Tolmachevsky lane, no. 9) there is one of the most revered images of Russia - the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God. According to legend, this image was painted by St. Evangelist Luke. In the 12th century, this Byzantine icon was transferred from near Kyiv to St. Vladimir. Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, son of the founder of Moscow, Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. In the 14th century, the icon was solemnly transferred to Moscow. For a long time, this icon was associated with the victories of Russian weapons over the invaders. The Tretyakov Gallery also houses a number of other ancient icons, including the famous “Trinity” of the 15th century by Andrei Rublev.
In the church of St. Trinity in Nikitniki (Nikitnikov Lane, 3) is a revered Icon of the Mother of God "Georgian". It was brought to Russia in the 17th century from Persia, and after a prayer service at this icon in Moscow, the terrible plague epidemic stopped. August 22nd is celebrated every year. miraculous icon.
In the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign (2nd Krestovsky Lane, 17) there is kept a revered copy of the icon, with which numerous miracles have been associated in Rus' since ancient times. This image of the Mother of God "The Sign". His intercession saved Veliky Novgorod during the siege in 1170. Lists of the “Sign” icon are widespread in Russian churches. In the church on Krestovsky Lane there is a list dating back to the 16th century. Also in the temple there is a miraculous image of St. Tryphon with part of the relics. This temple has also never been closed and is famous for its “praying”.
One of the most famous Moscow churches is Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhov(Spartakovskaya St., 15), which during almost the entire Soviet period (since the 1930s) was cathedral Russian Orthodox Church.
In the cathedral there is a miraculous icon of St. Nicholas and the miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. The most revered relic of the cathedral is the relics of St. Metropolitan Alexy. He was the Moscow Metropolitan at a turning point in Russian history, on the eve of the liberation of Rus' from the rule of the Golden Horde. Alexy fought for the unity of the Orthodox Church and was actually the ruler of Muscovite Rus' during the childhood of Prince Dmitry Donskoy. His relics rest openly in a shrine. Interestingly, they were moved to the cathedral in 1947 with the personal permission of Joseph Stalin.
In Moscow Church of the Resurrection of the Word on the Assumption Vrazhek(Bryusov lane, 15/2) there is a miraculous icon “Recovery of the Dead”. This icon is dated 1802. She became famous for her numerous miracles and healings; those who were prone to drunkenness, fell into poverty, or found themselves in difficult life situations turned to her. She is revered by parents who pray in front of this image for happiness and direction to the true path of their children.
And, of course, when visiting Moscow it is impossible to ignore the restored churches of the Orthodox Church. Kazan Cathedral on Red Square (Nikolskaya St., 3) was founded in the 17th century. Completely destroyed in the 1930s, it was restored to its original form in 1993. Using his example, you can imagine the typical decoration and appearance of a Moscow Rus' temple of the 17th century. It stores a list Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.
Shrines of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and other temples
The cathedral church of the Russian Orthodox Church is Cathedral of Christ the Savior(Volkhonka st., 15). It was also restored at the end of the 20th century. The temple that stood on this site, built by the architect K. Ton in memory of Patriotic War 1812, was barbarically blown up by the Bolsheviks in 1931. The current Cathedral of Christ the Savior is one of the largest churches in the world; it can accommodate almost 10 thousand people. Like the original temple, it is richly decorated with valuable finishing materials and paintings. You can take a guided tour of the temple or climb the observation deck upper tier, which offers a wonderful view of the center of Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior contains the most important relics: the relics of St. Philaret of Moscow and other saints, particles of the Robe of the Lord and the Robe of the Mother of God, the Nail of the Cross of the Lord, the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, the icon of the Nativity of Christ and others.
Church of the Resurrection in Sokolniki(Sokolnicheskaya Square, 6) became a place in the east of the capital where shrines were transferred from churches that were destroyed during Soviet times. These are the Iverskaya, Passionate, Bogolyubskaya, Georgian icons of the Mother of God, the image of St. Panteleimon, the ark with particles of the relics of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and other revered shrines.
Saint John the Warrior one of the the most beautiful temples Moscow, (Bolshaya Yakimanka St., 46). People resort to his intercession in everyday troubles. According to legend, the temple was built according to the design of Emperor Peter I himself in memory of the victory over the Swedes at Poltava. This temple also did not close during the entire existence of Soviet power. Its beautiful decoration is an example of Moscow Baroque of the early 18th century. In the altar of the temple there is kept a part of the finger with the ring of St. Great Martyr Barbara.
“Church embassies” are represented in Moscow. These are the courtyards of other Orthodox churches: for example, Serbian(Church of Peter and Paul, Petropavlovsky lane, 4-6), courtyard Orthodox Church in America in Moscow (Church of St. Catherine on Ordynka, Bolshaya Ordynka St., 60/2), patriarchal metochions: Antioch(Arkhangelsky lane, 15a) and Alexandriyskoe(Slavyanskaya sq., 2), etc. Jerusalem Patriarchal Compound(Church of the Resurrection of the Word, Filippovsky Lane, 20) the right hand of St. is kept. Eustathius Placidas, martyr of the 1st century. AD, as well as rare Jerusalem and Akhtyrsk icons of the Mother of God.
Holy places of Russia... Probably, there are not many people who have never heard of such places. Pilgrimages here are made by both Russians and guests from near and far abroad.
But have you ever wondered what is hidden behind the popular tourist destination called “Holy Places of Russia”? Why are travelers drawn there with such force and enviable consistency? Is there really some kind of mystery or mystery in this?
This article will tell not only about the holy places in Russia themselves, the reader will get acquainted with the nuances and details of this kind of travel, and will also find out where to look first when visiting a huge country.
General information and relevance of the issue
Before you go on a trip to the holy places of Russia, it is still worth familiarizing yourself with some information.
There are places on Russian land to which pilgrims are drawn from all over the world. Usually, various holy springs, temples, monasteries, incorruptible relics of holy saints and burials of the righteous are considered as such. By visiting such places, a person is spiritually cleansed and recharged. positive energy, discovers something new for himself and rethinks the essence of life on earth.
It turns out that those who mentally stand on the threshold of spiritual change come to the holy places of Russia. Naturally, one prepares for such a trip in advance.
Pilgrimage to the holy places of Russia
The peculiarities of this kind of tours lie in specific directions. The specificity of pilgrims is determined by the peculiarity religious consciousness believers.
The main motives for making a pilgrimage are the following: the desire to pray, to find grace, to touch incorruptible relics or a miraculous icon, perform the sacrament of confession with a special religious figure in a certain holy place, perform a donation, make a vow, etc.
How do people understand that they will be interested in a trip to the holy places of Russia? The decision to go on a pilgrimage can be made independently or with the blessing of the spiritual father.
As a rule, the intensity and nature of such travel depend on the political and economic situation of a particular country, the level of social and material condition of citizens. The travel patterns of religious pilgrims are influenced by climate and geographical position destinations.
Duration of the pilgrimage tour
Geographically, holy places in Russia are very often located at some distance from populated areas.
All according to duration are divided into multi-day, one-day or “weekend” tours.
Tours to the holy places of Russia rarely last longer than 12 days. The pilgrimage to the most distant regions of Russia (Ekaterinburg, Tobolsk and Altai) takes the most time.
Any route of such a plan must be complete and logical. For example, when a pilgrim wants to see holy places near Tobolsk or Yekaterinburg, it is best for him to go on a comprehensive tour that covers all the main shrines in the Urals. Thus, in one trip he will be able to visit all the shrines of the Central and Northern Urals, as well as cover the path of the Royal Martyrs of the Urals and Siberia.
Where do parishioners most often go?
If we consider tours to the holy places of Russia according to regional characteristics, we can determine the directions of the most visited places in the country.
Most often, pilgrims go to the center and northwest. Many travel along the Golden Ring, visiting Kursk, Diveevo (Nizhny Novgorod region), Zadonsk (Lipetsk region).
The Vologda and Arkhangelsk (Solovki) lands, Karelia (Kizhi and Valaam), Veliky Novgorod, Pskov are of interest. The latter is famous for Pechora and the Pushkin Mountains; many pilgrims visit the Talap Islands.
The main important places for parishioners are the monasteries and hermitages of the Russian Orthodox Church. There are 26 deserts and 313 monasteries on the territory of the state. Excursions to the holy places of Russia are held regularly.
Many cities of the Golden Ring are very closely connected with the history of the spread of Orthodoxy in Rus'. It is there that a large number of shrines are located, so almost all temples and monasteries are objects of pilgrimage. The most visited cities are Alexandrov, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Yaroslavl, Rostov Veliky, Uglich, Kostroma, Sergiev Posad, Tutaev, Vladimir and Suzdal.
Also, many monasteries have recently been opened and restored in Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar and Arkhyz. Pilgrimages to Altai are interesting in connection with the study of local traditions.
How to choose the time to travel?
It can be difficult to identify and anticipate the most favorable period for pilgrimage. As a rule, in the summer it is more convenient and comfortable to make long trips (from 3 to 7-12 days) over long distances.
In spring and autumn, shorter programs (2-3 days) are usually chosen. Only big holidays are an exception, because these days it doesn't really matter whether a holiday falls on that date according to the regular calendar or not.
Holy places of Russia: Valaam
One of the most popular tourist destinations is the world-famous island of Valaam. It is part of a fairly large archipelago, which is located in the north of Lake Ladoga. In total, several hundred people live on the island. The main population of the archipelago are fishermen, forest rangers and monks. Valaam is located on the island, where pilgrims come from all over the world.
The time and history of the spread of Christianity on the island of Valaam are unknown, but there is information that the monastery already existed at the beginning of the 16th century.
In those days, such saints as Arseny Konevsky, St. Abraham of Rostov, Savvaty of Solovetsky, Adrian Ondrusovsky and Alexander Svirsky lived there. To this day, all the monasteries operate here, and there are also several branches of the monastery (about ten).
There is also a weather station and a military unit on the islands. The fame of the high spiritual life of the monastery, the amazing nature of the island, the beauty and severity of the monastic services attracts many pilgrims to Valaam.
Solovki - a famous place of pilgrimage
It is a stauropegial monastery of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is located in the White Sea on deserts and hermitages - on the islands of the archipelago.
The monastery was founded by the monks Zosim, Savvaty and German back in 1436. Many people know that in the 1920s there was a camp for political prisoners at the monastery.
During the Soviet Union, it was also called “Solovki”, or “Russian Golgotha”. The relics of the founders are still kept on the territory of the monastery. Many righteous people lived in this monastery, who after death were canonized.
Today the monastery is a major social and spiritual center. A pilgrimage here has always been considered a feat that few dared to accomplish. Now the Solovetsky Monastery is visited not only by pilgrims, but also by researchers, historians, and scientists.
gaining popularity
In the Sverdlovsk region there is an abandoned Isetsky mine - Ganina Yama. Pilgrims who come to the Urals always try to visit this holy place. It is also called the Temple on the Blood. It was built on the site where the house once stood, in the basement of which on the night of July 17, 1918, Russian Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra Feodorovna, and children Alexy, Tatiana, Olga, Anastasia and Maria were shot along with their servants.
Then the bodies were taken to the Isetsky mine and thrown into a mine near Ganina Yama, and the clothes were burned. On the second day, the unfortunates were reburied in distant mines. 60 years later, this burial was found by a group of searchers. Since the 70s, pilgrims began to visit this place to pay tribute to the holy land in which the royal martyrs were buried.
In 2000, construction of a monastery and several churches began on Ganina Yama. Now there are 7 churches open there, in which pieces of the relics of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky and the relics of the holy martyrs nun Varvara and Grand Duchess Elizabeth are kept.
Holy spring of the village of Talezh
Among the special places in Russia marked by grace, there is the holy spring of St. David in the village of Talezh, Chekhov district, Moscow region. It is located near the Ascension David Hermitage. This is a monastery located in the village of Novy Byt.
Pilgrims have been attracted to Talezh since ancient times spring water which has healing properties. This is a holy source that gives a person vigor, health and joy of life. They say that after touching this clean water, a parishioner feels his soul become lighter.
Near the source, pilgrims have the opportunity to bathe in a well-equipped bathhouse specially built for this purpose. It is believed that sacred water has the power to cleanse and sanctify soul and body.
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