Lavra Sergiev Posad is rightfully considered one of the most important Orthodox shrines in Russia. It is revered and called the heart of the Orthodox world, since throughout its history this monastery has shown unbending strength of spirit and faith. Today it houses the largest Orthodox monastery in the world.
History of the Laurels
The emergence of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra goes back to the distant depths of time, namely, in 1337, when near the city of Radonezh the two brothers Bartholomew and Stefan built a cell and a small church. The latter was consecrated in the name of the Holy Trinity.
After some time, Stefan decided to move to the Epiphany monastery, and Bartholomew remained. The latter took tonsure and began to be called Sergius (later known as Radonezh). The hermit was alone for about two years, then those who wished to receive instructions began to settle near his cell. In total, there were twelve cells, which after some time were surrounded by a fence, and a gate was set.
After some time, he was appointed abbot Mitrofan, who remained in this post until 1344. After the post passed to Sergius of Radonezh himself. He zealously monitored the observance of the order of service, although there was no constant priest. So the future Lavra of Sergius Posad began to form.
During the life of Sergius, a large wooden church was built with the money of Archimandrite Simon. Cells for brothers were also repaired.
Horde invasion of the Russian land and a new era in the life of the Lavra
An important milestone in the history of Russia was the Tatar-Mongol yoke. It was a difficult time for everyone. In 1380, Abbot Sergius, at the request of Prince Dmitry, who honored him, stood in prayer all the while the battle was going on. Thanks to his gift of insight, he saw everything that happened on the battlefield.
In 1392, the future Lavra of Sergius Posad lost the Monk Sergius. He went to another world. Nikon became his successor. Fifteen years after the appointment, the monastery was burned to the ground by an invasion of the horde. It had to be rebuilt.
In 1422, another miracle happened that allowed to discover the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh. This led to new construction, as a result of which the Trinity Cathedral was erected. It was he who became the temple for the relics of the saint.
The cathedral was built of stone. The famous icon painter Andrei Rublev was invited to paint it. Of course, the painting in its original form has not been preserved to this day, as it has been updated several times, and some fragments have been re-made altogether.
The miracle of liberation with the help of Sergius of Radonezh after his death
I would like to say separately about the period in the life of the monastery when it was besieged by Poles and Lithuanians. It began in 1608 and lasted until 1610. The monastery was besieged by a huge army, and there were many times less defenders. At this time, the entire Lavra of Sergius Posad stood in prayer. Thanks to the intercession of the patron saint Sergius of Radonezh, the monastery survived.
At this time, numerous miracles happened and, despite the superiority of opponents, the brothers did not give up and believed. For six weeks, the monastery walls were fired from guns, but the assault did not work. Then, undermining the enemy went, which also did not help to break through the defense.
Protection of the monastery is today an indicator of masculinity. At that time, this feat inspired many not to give up and continue to fight against the invaders.
Monastery during the reign of Peter and obtaining the title of Lavra
The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius at one time more than once served as a refuge for royalty. Thanks to their frequent visits, special chambers were built - the Halls. This building was designed specifically for such visits.
Peter I in 1682 was hiding from the rebellion in the monastery. Seven years later he was there again, but already fleeing the plot. It was here that his “amusing” regiments came to help the future tsar, which allowed him to cope with the conspirators. From this monastery begins a new history of the reign of Peter I.
A seminary was opened in the monastery in 1742, and two years later the monastery received the status of Lavra. In 1747, construction began on the church in the name of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. It lasted until 1767. The style of the church is Baroque, it has a rounded shape, as well as numerous balconies with balustrades.
The formation of the city of Sergiev Posad
The city itself began to be laid back in 1610, when the monastery had a military garrison. At the same time, the first settlements began to appear around him. The lands of the monastery had great benefits, which contributed to the development of crafts, as well as the prosperity of trade. As a result, the settlement grew, as well as an increase in the number of people, which in the future led to the formation of the city of Sergiev Posad. The Trinity-Sergius Lavra actively contributed to this with its buildings.
The monastery received the title of Lavra, as well as the emergence of theological educational institutions, raised it to a special status. Already at the beginning of the 18th century there were a large number of densely populated settlements around the monastery. In 1782, they all received the name Sergiev Posad. He worked fully for the needs of the monastery - servicing a large number of pilgrims who arrived, trade, subsequently hotel business, etc. Everything was connected with the needs of the Lavra. We can say that the city of Sergiev Posad in the Moscow Region was a great continuation of the monastery.
Lavra during the reign of the Soviets
During the formation of Soviet power, the Lavra underwent changes. The numerous property of the monastery was confiscated. In 1918, the Lavra was nationalized, and a year later a blasphemous act took place - the opening of the relics of Sergius of Radonezh. This event made numerous people gather in the monastery and the city of Sergiev Posad in the Moscow Region. The new authorities made concessions to believers - they did not begin to destroy the relics, but simply opened it.
In November 1919 all monks from the monastery were evicted and sent to the Gethsemane monastery, and in May 1920 it was completely sealed and closed.
After these events, there were many institutions in the monastery: a museum, a club, a shooting gallery, and even a pedagogical institute. Some buildings were occupied by residents.
Subsequent years turned out to be very difficult. The church of Filaret, in which the graves of some saints were located, was destroyed. The latter were looted, and the relics were thrown into the garbage pit.
The resumption of worship took place in 1946 at Easter. They returned some of the relics of the saints, and also opened a theological seminary and academy. It was one of the few operating monasteries at that time, difficult for Orthodoxy.
A new era after the collapse of the USSR
Of course, after the Soviets left the political arena, the Orthodox could not hide their faith. In addition to the work of the academy and the seminary, resumed in 1948, now there are two schools there - icon painting and regency. There is also a museum.
The destroyed monastery of the Lavra began to revive, after which solemn services were held in them. The hotel has been reconstructed, which now has all comers with amenities.
Now in the monastery there are about three hundred monks who have various duties. This, for example, publishing and missionary activity, they feed prisoners, and also accept the confession of pilgrims.
The miracles that happened here
The Trinity Lavra (Sergiev Posad) amazes with all the miracles that happened here by the will of God. The protector of the monastery Sergius of Radonezh has repeatedly warned of dashing. This happened for the first time in 1408. He came in a dream to his successor Nikon and warned of danger. All the brothers went to a safe place and did the right thing, since the monastery was burned to the ground.
Another similar vision happened in 1611. Then he appeared three times to Kuzma Minin with a call to gather troops and go to liberate Moscow.
Architecture and buildings of the Lavra
Today, the buildings of the Lavra, which were erected in the 15th-19th centuries, are some textbook on Russian architecture of that time. For example, Pyatnitskaya tower, which appeared in 1640. She is one of the most powerful, and she also has seventy-seven loopholes.
You can enter the Lavra through the Holy Gates, over which the Gate of the Red Tower is located, which has fifty-eight loopholes. The gates themselves are decorated with various frescoes that tell about the life of St. Sergius of Radonezh.
Another interesting architectural composition is the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. It is decorated in the style of Moscow Baroque and is a wonderful decoration of the entrance to the Lavra.
In 1422, the Trinity Cathedral was built in honor of St. Sergius of Radonezh. This is a truly interesting building, which conveys some aspects of the architecture of that time.
Shrines that are in the Lavra
Holy Trinity Lavra (Sergiev Posad) contains many shrines that are important for the Orthodox. Consider each of them:
- the holy relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh (located in the Trinity Cathedral of the Lavra, almost all the time from the time they were found they were at the monastery);
- the holy relics of Anthony of Radonezh (stored in the Spiritual Cathedral of the Lavra);
- the holy relics of Maxim the Greek (stored in the refectory of the Lavra, were acquired relatively recently, in 1996);
- Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God (stored in the Trinity Cathedral of the Lavra);
- Chernihiv Icon of the Mother of God (ibid.);
- Icon of St. Nicholas, which is very honored (stored in the church of St. Sergius).
Help for patients at the Lavra
In the Lavra they practice the cure of diseases that medicine calls mental. In Orthodoxy, this is corruption and raging. Therefore, many sick people spiritually come here, where the city of Sergiev Posad, Lavra. The reprimand is through prayers, which have been a special legacy for this since the fourth century. Anointing with holy oil also occurs, then sprinkling with holy water and overshooting the cross.
Of course, the patients themselves do not behave quite adequately. Obsessed with various demons, the human body makes quite strange gestures. Also, patients make various sounds, inhuman voices, as well as croaking, crying, laughing. Some patients are brought in from other areas related.
One of the most powerful exorcists in the city of Sergiev Posad (Lavra) is Father German (Chesnokov). He carries out such purifications. By the way, this is not a joke at all, and it is better not to be present at the same time. This event is dangerous because an inexperienced and weak person can himself catch some demon. Then he will need a report too.
Where is the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra?
Now consider how to get to the city of Sergiev Posad (Lavra). The address is not complicated at all. It is located in the Moscow region. You can get there from the Yaroslavl station by suburban electric trains that go directly to the station you need. The approximate ride time is one and a half hours. Then directly to the Lavra from the station you can walk or take one bus stop.
In addition to suburban electric trains, buses follow to Sergiev Posad. They come from VDNH very often. The first bus leaves at half past six in the morning, and the last at twenty eleven in the evening. From Sergiev Posad, the first bus leaves at five hours ten minutes in the morning, and the last at nine in the evening.
For a more convenient car trip to the city of Sergiev Posad (Lavra), a map of this area will be your assistant. Get it before your trip and you can easily get there.