Today Bogoyavlensko-Anastasin Monasterylocated in the heart of Kostroma, near the main attractions. It was founded back in 1426. Then he was on the very outskirts of the city. Nikita Kostromskaya, being a disciple and follower of Sergius of Radonezh, is considered the founder of the monastery. Today the monastery is of great value for the Orthodox world.
Prehistory
A difficult time preceded the founding of the monastery.In the 15th century, Rus was constantly subjected to raids by Mongol-Tatars. The princes fought among themselves. Initially, all the buildings of the monastery were made of wood. It consisted of two cathedrals: the main Bogoyavlensky and Nikolayevsky. In the 16th century, the hegumen of the monastery decided to replace the Epiphany Cathedral with stone ones. This was agreed by the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia Makarii. In 1559 the construction of a new church began due to the generous donations of Ivan the Terrible's cousin Vladimir Staritsky.
It took six years to build the cathedral. Built his master from Rostov. The monastery was consecrated in 1565. At that time it was one of the most majestic and beautiful buildings in the city.
The fate of the new cathedral
After some time after the construction of a newCathedral Staritsky, along with the ministers of the monastery fell under the tsarist massacre. Staritsky, hegumen Isaiah and several other ministers of the monastery were killed according to the royal order. In the basement of the cathedral is still the grave of Isaiah. The troubles did not leave the monastery for a minute. He was repeatedly attacked and plundered by Polish interventionists, who not only robbed, but also killed the inhabitants of the monastery. Over time, all the invaders were expelled from Russia. Kostroma Bogoyavlensko-Anastasin Monastery began to rebuild and expand. In the 17th century, its territory consisted of several stone buildings.
The Epiphany Cathedral is expanding
In 1618 on the territory of the cathedral erectedTrehsvyatitelskuyu fortress. Construction began in 1607. In the building of the fortress there was a refectory, a bakery, a chamber of commerce and warehouses. In 1613 the Bogoyavlensko-Anastasin monastery was surrounded by a gallery and connected to the Trehsvyatitelskaya fortress and the Nikolsky church by a stone isthmus. In the 17th century, in honor of Sergiy Radonezhsky, a belfry was erected and a few more farm buildings were built. Around the monastery was a wooden fence, which was also replaced by a stone fence.
Guriy Nikitin and Sila Savin directed the decorationmonastery wall murals. Today, several frescoes decorate the walls of neighboring monasteries. For example, a painting depicting the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God is in the Smolensk church today. Moreover, this is its main relic.
Difficult times
The 18th century was not an easy one for the Epiphany Monastery.The monastery fell into decay. In the new temples and buildings there was no need. The temple attendants were gradually removed as unnecessary. So, out of a few hundred, only 17 remained. At that time, only a small church of St. Nicholas was built that was built near the grave of MP Saltykov at the expense of his wife. All the fiefdoms belonging to the monastery were also taken away.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the monastery organizedKostroma Theological Seminary. In 1924 one of the towers, decorated with a fresco of the icon of the Smolensk Mother of God, was rebuilt into the Smolensk church, which still functions today.
In 1847 the monastery collapsed againunhappiness. The big fire almost completely absorbed the whole city. The Epiphany Monastery was also severely damaged. The walls remained intact, but everything completely burned inside. Wooden buildings collapsed. In 1848 the monastery decided to close, and in its place to organize a theological seminary. The servants were offered to move to another monastery, located near Kostroma.
In the following decades, the monastery buildingsdealt with the bricks. The Three-Sainted Church was completely destroyed. The same fate befell the belfry, the gallery, and the St. Nicholas Church. The cathedral also had to be destroyed. But local citizens stood up for his defense, and the temple was preserved.
Restoration of the Cathedral
The Epiphany Monastery was decided to merge withAnastasinsky Cross Exaltation. Since then, the cathedral began to be called: Kostromskaya Epiphany-Anastasin Monastery. Bishop Platon, who at that time headed the Kostroma cathedra, and Mother Superior Maria, rector of the Anastasinsky women's monastery, took an active part in the merger of the two monasteries. In 1864, the first monastery was held in the new monastery.
The restoration of the ancient cathedral was not withoutits expansion. In the old temple decided to arrange the altar. In 1869 the new Epiphany-Anastasin Monastery was opened. The first solemn divine service was held there. In the new cathedral there are two altars dedicated to the Epiphany of the Lord and the Great Martyr Anastasia.
Other monastery buildings are also graduallyrestored. A bell tower was built from the western tower. Restored and St. Nicholas Church. And even built several housing buildings for the monastery's servants.
Something from the life of the monastery
In 1887, he was again hit by a fire in Kostroma.Bogoyavlensko-Anastasin Convent, fortunately, practically did not suffer. In 1889, the faithful abbess of the monastery, Maria, passed away. Its tomb is located on the territory of the cathedral.
The temple was frequented by members of the imperial family.In 1913, the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty was celebrated here. In wartime, the walls of the monastery served as a hospital. In 1919 the monastery had to be closed. In its place grew a working village, but the main cathedral continued to work for another 6 years. In 1925 he was transferred to the state archive of Kostroma.
New life of the monastery
In 1990 the monastery began to revive.In 1991, he was given the miraculous Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God. The territory of the monastery was quickly transformed. It built new buildings, rebuilt the monastery wall and even built several hotels for servants and frequent visitors to the monastery. They opened an orphanage. Bogoyavlensky Anastasin nunnery in Kostroma was again filled with life. Hundreds of pilgrims, tourists and just residents of the city came to his walls for God's grace. This is a truly holy place filled with spiritual bliss. Visiting Kostroma, you must also see the monastery. The charge of spiritual energy is provided for a long time.
Shrines of the Epiphany-Anastasia Monastery
During the whole existence of the monastery within its wallsthere were several amazing shrines. Here is a fresco - an icon of the Smolensk Mother of God. A special favor can be obtained by touching the holy relics of the Monk Nikita Kostromsky. Here are the relics of the Monk Timon, Nadeevsky the elder. Particles of the relics of 278 saints are transferred to the Bogoroditsky Igritsky monastery and are buried today in the monastery. Here, the particles of Lord Riza, belts and robes of the Blessed Virgin Mary, transferred from Holy Trinity Ipatievsky monastery are kept. The main shrine is Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God.
Epiphany-Anastasin Monastery (Kostroma)is located on the street. From the public transport there go trolleybuses №№ 2 and 7 and buses №№ 1 and 2. Stops - "Street Pyatnitskaya" or "Factory-kitchen".
