Spiritual and moral quests make people go on pilgrimage trips in which they discover not only new pages of history, but also become closer to faith and God.
Nicholas – Ugreshsky Monastery: History of Foundation
Russian land is rich in spiritual monuments - monasteries, churches and cathedrals, bell towers and entire temple complexes. And sometimes it’s very difficult to choose one of them. But those who do not spare time and effort should definitely visit the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery (the city of Dzerzhinsky). This monastery was built at the behest of Dmitry Donskoy in 1380. According to legend, the image of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker appeared to the prince at the site of the future monastery. At that time, Dmitry Donskoy was preparing for a battle with the army of Mamaia and was with his associates not far from Moscow, only 15 km. To the praying prince, the holy icon was sent down by heaven. After the famous historical battle on the Kulikovo field, which ended with the victory of the Russian troops, Dmitry returned to the holy place that had once granted him the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and called him Ugresh. After this, the prince ordered the foundation of a temple here in honor of St. Nicholas, which to this day receives hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world.
It is believed that originally the cathedral was built of wood. It was he who was burned by the Crimean Khan in 1521. The stone building appeared much later, during the reign of Basil the Great.
Holy image journey
From the first days of its foundation, the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery was on special rights. For example, Ivan the Terrible completely freed him from all kinds of duties on necessary goods throughout Russia.
That is why the ministers of the monastery often turned to the generous king for help. Once they asked Ivan the Terrible to restore the very holy image of Nicholas the Wonderworker, which was granted to Dmitry Donskoy before the battle. At the behest of the tsar, the icon was sent to Moscow. The image passed through Vyatka, Kama and Moscow. Saint Macarius himself was engaged in the restoration. At the end of the work, the icon was sent back to the monastery, and an exact copy of it was kept in the capital.
Trouble in troubled times
The troubles for Russia became a time of decadence, confusion, uncertainty in the future. At that time Ugresh became the refuge of liars and their entourage - False Dmitry 1, hiding from the wrath of Boris Godunov; a Tushino thief and Marina Mnishek, who declared her husband the only Russian heir to the throne.
During the period of Polish intervention, the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Stavropegial Monastery was a gathering place for the people's militia led by Minin and Pozharsky.
Thus, the Time of Troubles became a test period for the Ugreshsky monastery, which often suffered robberies even from the Russian militias themselves.
Romanov and Ugresh dynasty
Under the first tsar from the Romanov dynasty Michael, who was elected to the throne in 1613, the monastery was in its heyday. Over the entire period of his reign, the sovereign visited the monastery 9 times, mainly on the day of memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The monastery, having become the spiritual refuge of the tsar, received various privileges from him: the exemption of trade from customs duties, the right to own fishing in Nizhny Novgorod. During his reign, Michael gave the monastery many gifts, in every possible way contributed to its prosperity. His son, Alexei the Quiet, also continued the tradition of his father, going hiking in Ugreshu in the spring and taking every care of the monastery.
Hard times
The period of the decline of the monastery falls on the late 17th - early 18th centuries. This time is marked by the reign of Emperor Peter I. Having long forgotten the traditions of his ancestors, he turns the monastery into a place of detention of criminals and their execution. The appearance of the Synod negatively affects the condition of monasteries, including the Ugreshsky monastery. Left without royal care, it is noticeably impoverished - the number of monks is decreasing, and newcomers who have come again often commit unseemly acts. By the middle of the 18th century, people with physical disabilities and injuries began to be placed in Ugreshu. The temple complexes of the monastery gradually deteriorated, and minimal funds were allocated for their restoration. Particularly difficult for the monastery was the reign of Empress Catherine I, who carried out a reform of the secularization of monastic lands. The general spiritual atmosphere in Ugresh was deteriorating, facilitated by the frequent change of priors, some of which earned notoriety during their viceroyage. It seemed that nothing could help the revival of the sacred monastery, once founded at the request of Nicholas the Wonderworker ...
Like a phoenix bird
The Nikolo-Ugreshsky Stavropegial Monastery began its revival in the 30s of the 19th century after being appointed rector of Ignatius Brianchaninov, who later became a saint. Despite the fact that in fact he did not have time to begin to lead the Ugresh, Ignatius was able to seriously influence her further material and spiritual recovery. According to his recommendation, the abbot of the monastery becomes Abbot Hilarius. Thanks to his active work, spiritual life began to revive. Hilarius carefully monitored the observance of the established ascetic charter and increased the number of monks to 20 people. During his governorship, the monastery acquired several benefactors, whose money was used to expand the Assumption Church, and some buildings were completed.
The reign of Hilaria was really fruitful. After his death, Pimen took the place of abbot, who continued the work of the deceased governor. Rev. Pimen was able to open a school at the monastery for peasant children. During the war, the abbot organized an almshouse on the territory of Ugreshi, in which the wounded were taken from the battlefield. Until the beginning of the 1918 revolution, a quiet and measured life flowed in the monastery.
Test of change
Like many Russian Orthodox complexes, the Nicholas-Ugreshsky monastery in Dzerzhinsky was closed even after numerous attempts by the rector Makarii and the brethren to preserve the monastery. In its place, a shelter for street children was founded. During the war, it was necessary to demolish the bell tower of Nicholas, which could become a good landmark for fascist aircraft. In the 80s, a venereological dispensary was opened on the territory of Ugreshi, which was liquidated in 1990. And a few months later, in December, the first service for these years was performed on the day of memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is from this moment that the rebirth of this Orthodox complex begins.
Monastery Tour
I know the rich history of the monastery, the true pearl and spiritual stronghold of the people, it is doubly interesting to see its sights.
On the territory of the monastery there are 13 temple complexes and more than 20 additional buildings - towers, chapels, buildings, etc. You can start the tour from the central building - the Transfiguration Cathedral. The beautiful temple with 5 domes is an example of 19th century architecture. It was specially built for the 500th anniversary of the monastery. It is in it that the Nicholas-Ugreshsky Monastery holds the relics of the Monk Pimen and the holy image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. In addition, there is an exact copy of the icon of the Mother of God of Fedorov, to the aid of which mothers and women who are preparing for childbirth resort.
St. Nicholas Cathedral is the oldest part of the entire Orthodox complex dating back to the 14th century. It is believed that in its place was a wooden temple built in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker by Prince Dmitry Donskoy. The appearance of a stone building is associated with a fire in which the original cathedral burned down. Now in this temple there is a part of the tree from the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. You can also pray before the list of the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who performed many miracles.
The Assumption Cathedral, distinguished by its majesty, preserves the relics of many saints. In this temple, you can touch the imperishable remains of the great martyr Panteleimon, who is able to heal physical and spiritual diseases through the prayers of people; Sergius of Radonezh, who helps in work and study and any good undertakings; blessed mother Matrona, who continues to help people after her earthly death, Simeon Verkhotursky and many others.
Being on the territory of the monastery, be sure to visit the Cathedral of All Who Mourn the Joy. You can recognize it by 5 domes located on the roof in the form of a tent. Previously, it housed the most ancient icons of the Savior Not Made by Hands and the Blessed Virgin, which, unfortunately, have not survived to our days, since the temple was looted and closed in the 20s.
Passing from this cathedral along the courtyard, you will find yourself near a church built in honor of Our Lady of Kazan. A small complex with 5 domes ending with openwork crosses was erected at the end of the 19th century with the money of benefactors. Like other cathedrals, it was destroyed and then restored only in the early 2000s.
In addition to large complexes, the Ugreshsky Monastery also houses small buildings, for example, a chapel in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Mother of God. And not far from the monastery pond and the cathedral, built in honor of the Monk Pimen, there is a chapel of the Passion of the Lord. This building was erected in the early 2000s according to the idea of one of the inhabitants of the monastery. The chapel was built in the old Russian style. It is located on a small hill, which symbolizes Calvary - the place of the suffering of Jesus. Inside the white stone chapel, a cross was placed reminiscent of the great sacrifice of the Savior.
The Cathedral of Rev. Pimen, located near the reservoir, is very similar to the famous Church of the Intercession on the Nerl - the golden dome rises above the white stone walls, beautiful in their severity.
Also on the territory of the monastery are the Peter and Paul Temple, the Palestinian Wall and other complexes.
How to get to the monastery
If you are interested in the history of Ugreshi and you want to feel the life of a monastery that has endured the difficult test of time, you should definitely visit here. Ugreshskaya monastery is located in the city of Dzerzhinsky, Moscow Region. You can get to the Orthodox complex in the following way: from metro Kuzminki by bus you can reach the city in just 20 minutes, and the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery will open in front of you. How to get there, you now know. In addition, you can visit Sunday or holiday services, such as the feast day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
The role of the Ugreshsky monastery in the life of modern Russia
Many trials failed to break the spiritual stamina of the Ugreshsky monastery. Periods of decline and unprecedented prosperity, complete ruin and further revival entwined the fate of Ugresha. In the new millennium, the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery continues to play one of the main roles in the Orthodox life of our country. Patriarch Kirill himself is incredibly happy about the deep faith of people, thanks to which the monastery ruins turned into a wonderful temple complex of the city of Dzerzhinsky. Nicholas-Ugreshsky Monastery became a real spiritual and educational center of the Moscow region. This is evidenced by the museums located in the temple. For example, those who are interested in the Orthodox culture or the history of the Russian Orthodox Church can visit the sacristy museum, which houses a lot of church utensils and antiques. Here you can see ancient icons in gilded salaries, the gospel in a silver cover and even coins from the time of Ancient Rus. Exhibits were collected thanks to donators. So, for example, the Ugreshsky monastery was able to find a unique collection dedicated to the family of Nicholas II, ranked as a saint. Collected literally in particles - books and photos, services and icons - it miraculously ended up in the monastery. This museum is open to pilgrims.
Significant holidays of the monastery
Like any Orthodox complex, the St. Nicholas Ugreshsky Monastery in Dzerzhinsky honors the memory of many saints at the daily services and Sunday liturgies. But the following days are considered the most significant among them:
- Memory of Nicholas the Wonderworker.
- Icons "Recovery of the dead", "All mourners joy", "Sign", "Blachernae."
- Memory of Vasily the Confessor, Healer Panteleimon, Sergius of Radonezh, Mary of Egypt, etc.
- Transfiguration of the Lord, Ascension and other twelve holy days.
Orthodox, deep-believing people should visit the St. Nicholas Ugreshsky Monastery. Photos that you can take while inside its walls will capture the true beauty of the majestic complex. I need to see the sinful thing firsthand, touching the ancient history of mysterious Russia, to feel the divine atmosphere, to pray in front of the miraculous icon and to venerate the relics of the saints. The monastery is a spiritual sanctuary, therefore, its visit always goes to people only for the benefit. And may the abode of St. Nicholas become for you a spiritual refuge and salvation, a place where you can forget about worldly concerns and difficulties.