The cultural heritage of Russia is unusually rich. Many architectural monuments, such as, for example, the Meshchovsky Monastery, are symbols of past eras and have a rich history. Various temples also belong to such objects, since religion has always played an important role in people's lives.
Title Creation History
St. George Meshchovsky Monastery is one of the oldest buildings. An Orthodox church is located in the Kaluga region in the village of Iskra and was founded in the 15th century. The name comes from St. George the Victorious. The story is connected with the victory over the serpent, which descended to the inhabitants of one ancient city. The hero pierced the monster with a sword, and the inhabitants believed in the power of Christianity and abandoned the old faith, since a miracle happened before their eyes.
The formation of the temple in the early stages
Information about the early period of the Meshchovsky monastery has not been preserved to this day. The first notes about the temple appeared 2 centuries after the foundation. Due to natural disasters and the political situation of the time, the monastery was looted and abandoned. When the troubles subsided, the restoration of the temple was taken up by Tsarina Evdokia, who was originally from the Kaluga region. The monastery was again settled by monks and ministers.
Thanks to patrons and parishioners, the church returned to its former greatness as soon as possible. Finances began to be invested in the development of the monastery, which attracted people who were fond of easy money. A group of robbers robbed the temple and took out all the valuables and treasures. Local residents stood up to protect the inhabitants, who heard the ringing of bells and ran to help. By the end of the 18th century, under the management of the Meshchovsky St. George Monastery, another 3 churches were attached.
Temple development in the 20th century
After 50 years, by imperial decree, the monastery lost its lands, novices and influence. The temple was again in poverty, it became neglected and almost abandoned. The number of monks did not exceed 6 people, and the lack of finances affected even the candles, as there was no opportunity to purchase. Only in the 19th century did the situation begin to improve. Thanks to patrons and virtues, the face of the Sorrowing Mother of God appeared in the Meshchovsky Monastery, which attracted new parishioners.
The emperor of that era appointed government funding for the temple on a regular basis. Also, the mill was returned to the power of the monastery, which allowed the monks to earn their own food, as well as engage in fishing. Patrons and merchants who wanted to help the speedy restoration of the temple, installed an iconostasis with high-quality expensive carvings on the second floor for free. For parishioners who often visited the monastery, they even performed funeral rites.
In the 20th century, the development of the temple continued. On the territory belonging to the Meshchovsky monastery, 2 churches were built in honor of the apostles Peter and Paul. Saints are known in that Peter was one of the closest disciples of Jesus Christ. Paul, in turn, was a pagan, but later converted to Christianity and believed in God.
In the possession of the monastery in the present time there are a large number of shrines, such as the Theodore icon of the Mother of God and the icon of the Sorrowing Mother of God. Initially, parishioners were attracted to the temple precisely thanks to the unique icons donated to the monastery as charity.
Hard times of the 20th century for a shrine
During the First World War, the monastery opened its doors to the children of soldiers who needed shelter. At the end of these events, the temple fell into decline, since the post-war period entailed a political change in the country. In the post-war period, the Soviet government did not restore and restore the heritage of the Meshchovsky monastery. The Russian Orthodox Church in 2001 breathed new life into the church. Funds were allocated for a place like St. George's Church. At the moment, almost all the destroyed chapels and relics of Christianity have been rebuilt.
Temple web page
In order to personally see the beauty of the temple, you need to know the address of the Meshchovsky monastery. This is the Kaluga region, Meshchovsk, st. Monastic. You can find out all the details of interest or ask a question on the official website. At the very top is the current head of the monastery - Archimandrite George. Other social networks are attached to the page if visitors have a desire to familiarize themselves with the charter of the monastery in a convenient application.
Information provided for free use tells about the history of the temple, patrons and saints revered in Christianity. You can also find contacts of religious figures of interest and a guest book, where grateful parishioners show appreciation to the temple. In addition to photographs, tips for the pilgrim and articles on religious subjects, the site offers those who wish to participate in a charity event to help the monastery, because not all elements are still restored.
Thus, regardless of historical background, the temple is still a shrine for many parishioners and tourists. Despite many difficulties, the St. George Monastery regained its influence and expanded opportunities, preserving greatness to this day.