This complex of buildings enjoys tremendouspopular not only among those who live relatively close, but even among foreigners. The Trinity-Sergius Lavra in winter is a fascinating picture of blue and white. But what is hidden behind this beauty?
History
Most Orthodox are at least familiar with the nameSergius of Radonezh. This highly revered saint was repeatedly mentioned in the history of Russia of the XIV century. Among other things, one of his merit, evident today, is the founding in 1334 of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, to which pilgrims and tourists flock to a huge number of cities and cities, even from other countries.
Now it's hard to imagine, but at firstthe monastery had to be very difficult - there was practically no means of subsistence. But difficult times have passed, the farmstead of the Sergius Lavra has grown, and it has become the largest center of culture and spiritual enlightenment. Many active workers of the Russian Church came out of its walls. In difficult times, the walls of the monastery defended its inhabitants from enemies.
Gradually around this spiritual center becameto form smaller ones. With the assistance of local figures, new monasteries and churches in different cities opened. This happened also during Sergius, but after his death the process continued. In addition, already several centuries ago, while still in the status of a monastery, Lavra could already boast of an extensive and rich library, which for the most part has been preserved to this day. Of course, in the walls of the monastery there were many prominent cultural and art figures of their time. So, to perceive the whole complex only as a spiritual center is a bit wrong.
In wartime
It is widely known that in turbulentperiods of history monasteries served as a kind of fortresses and defensive points. Sergius Lavra is no exception. It was regularly attacked by enemies: Poles and Lithuanians (in the 17th century), who tried to dig under its walls; the Germans, after which there was a need for a global restoration, and even the Russians themselves, who during the Soviet period closed or even demolished many churches. The temples of the Sergius Lavra survived in all the most difficult landmarks of history, and this is another reason to admire the dedication of the local inhabitants, who have always defended the interests of the spiritual center of Russia.
Main buildings
Of course, the first thing that comes to mindwhen someone says: "Sergiev Posad Lavra", these are white walls and blue domes with stars. This is the Assumption Cathedral, and although it is neither the largest nor the oldest structure of the ensemble, it invariably attracts much attention. Seeing him in the photo, it is simply impossible to believe that this church really exists - it is so beautiful.
Центральным зданием является Троицкий собор Sergius Lavra. This is the oldest surviving building, built in the years 1422-1425. It is an important monument of architecture, and the painting of its internal walls is truly precious, because the work was performed by world-famous Andrei Rublev. In addition, the main shrine of the Lavra, the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, is kept here.
Assumption Cathedral appeared after a hundred and fifty years- in the 1585th. It was built at the behest of Ivan the Terrible (who, by the way, was baptized in a local monastery) and, perhaps, that is why the building resembles the central Moscow temples of the Kremlin a little. Despite the fact that this religious building in the ensemble was not immediately, it fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape, becoming actually a symbol of the complex, and even Trinitarian Cathedral eclipsed in popularity by the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
The royal palaces date back to the XVII century.Initially, these rooms were intended for the reception of high-ranking guests, but after a short time the building began to be used as an educational building of the Theological Academy.
Еще одной конструкцией, сразу обращающей на себя Attention is the old bell tower, built in the XVIII century according to the canons of classical architecture. It borders the cathedral square from the north, and its height is 88 meters, which is higher than similar buildings in the Novodevichy Convent and the Kremlin.
In total, the ensemble has more than50 different and interesting buildings of various purposes in their own way: the Mikheevskaya Church, Smolensk, which houses the iconostasis from the destroyed church, located on Pyatnitskaya Street in Moscow, etc. By the XIX century, the active construction on the territory ceased, and gradually the species in which we see it now.
Current status
All Sergius Lavra (the whole complex of buildings)Today it is a recognized architectural monument and since 1993 it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List at number 657. At the same time, there are several functioning monasteries on the territory of the ensemble, and development is still ongoing. Perhaps the times when the cloister was flourishing were long gone, but it is also impossible to call the present state of affairs a sunset. Spiritual life continues, now there are a large number of important institutions related to the ROC. For example, the Moscow Theological Academy and the Icon Painting School.
sights
In addition to buildings, there is something else that attractshere visitors. These are the relics of Sergius of Radonezh, located in the Trinity Cathedral. In addition, there are several holy sources on the territory, the queue to which, it seems, never dies out. They drink from them, take water in the same place, in order to take it away with them, in some keys one can even dip.
Shrines such asTikhvin and Chernihiv icons of the Mother of God, the holy relics of Maxim the Greek and Anthony of Radonezh, the famous icon of St. Nicholas. By the way, the famous "Trinity" Rublev was written specifically for one of the temples of the Lavra, even though now it is in the Tretyakov Gallery.
The local bells are also in their own way.unique, some of them even have their own names. In addition, in the territory of the monastery are the graves of Boris Godunov and his family. In fact, for every pilgrim and tourist there will be your favorite and delightful places in their own way. But at the same time, the visitor is not left with a sense of the integrity of the entire ensemble - probably this is what makes the Lavra unique.
Worship services
Sergius Lavra is primarily a complex of existing Orthodox churches. Therefore, it goes without saying that services and other events are regularly held on their territory.
In the Trinity Cathedral, divine services are held everyday: at 5:30 AM the night of the night begins, at 6:30 AM - the average liturgy. On Sundays and public holidays as early as 5 in the morning you can come to the prayer service, starting at 8:30, they are repeated every two hours. Of course, many activities are held in other churches, so almost always in the complex you can get to the service.
Major Holidays
There are many significant dates in the Orthodox calendar.Perhaps every believer has his favorite holidays, which are of particular importance to him. As for the Lavra, all its inhabitants also have such a day, which is one of the most important for them in the year. This is September 25 / October 8 - The Death of St. Sergius of Radonezh. Every year at this time especially solemn services are held, attended by the Patriarch and other high-ranking ecclesiastics.
Еще один праздник приходится на 5/18 июля - Finding the relics of Sergius of Radonezh, one of the main shrines of the Lavra. Various festive events are also scheduled for this date, so these days there are especially many visitors.
Location and route
The relative proximity to the Russian capital is stillone factor that determined the current situation in which the Sergius Lavra is located. You can get here in several ways, each of which has its pros and cons.
The first option is a car.Sergiev Posad is located in the direction of the Yaroslavl highway, about 70 kilometers from the capital, so that the journey will take about one and a half hours. The advantage of this method is mobility - there are several more interesting places not far from the Lavra, which will be more convenient to get by using our own transport.
The second option is a bus. Regularly from the metro stations VDNH and Schelkovskaya depart routes in the direction of Sergiev Posad. You need to get out in the city, and there it will not be difficult to navigate there.
The third option - the train. It is also very easy to get to the Lavra from Yaroslavsky railway station, commuter trains in this direction depart approximately every half hour.
The official address is as follows: 141300, Moscow Region, Sergiev Posad, Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra.
Best time to visit
Sergiev-Troitskaya Lavra looks great inany time of year and day. This is really a very beautiful complex of buildings that you should see at least once with your own eyes. But if you want not only to see, but also to join the spiritual values, it is better to choose one of the church holidays. The Trinity Sergius Lavra is open to visitors daily from 5 am to 9 pm in the winter and summer, and during special dates it receives pilgrims and tourists around the clock.
Но особенно хорошо ансамбль смотрится зимой.Snow-covered Lavra looks simply unreal, as if descended from heaven. According to tourists, winters are generally the best time to visit old Russian temples: at this time there is a special atmosphere. Perhaps it is because of her that St. Sergius-Trinity Monastery receives the same guests again and again. This true tranquility in the midst of noisy bustle makes you sit on a bench and just watch visitors and passers-by going about their business. And this occupation is also in some measure worth coming here.
Infrastructure
Popularity among tourists could not stayunnoticed, so that in recent decades there have been a number of changes that allowed visitors to feel more comfortable. People say that now there are benches everywhere in the complex, you can dine in the refectory, there are church benches and souvenir shops. Forgetful pilgrims can always buy a scarf, a pectoral cross, or something else. Of course, there is a place where you can park the car. And yet, sometimes it pulls up to abandon excessive comfort and just take a ride on an electric train, contemplating Russian beauties sweeping through the window.
Neighborhood
Посетив Троице-Сергиеву Лавру, многие едут в Radonezh, where there is a very famous holy spring, where you can swim. And there is another one nearby - Gremyachiy Klyuch. And although the majority goes to Lavra purposefully, it probably makes sense to go around all the temples located nearby, and take them as a single complex, because, in fact, the way it is. Traveling around Moscow, you can get to the almost provincial, compared with the capital, but no less beautiful Yaroslavl. Excellent examples of Russian architecture can also be seen in Suzdal and Veliky Novgorod. In Russia, there really is something to see, the main thing is to begin.
