Holy Trinity Monastery in Alatyr is an Orthodox male monastery in the Republic of Chuvashia. The monastery was erected at the end of the 16th century, and already at that time there was an unusual cave temple on its territory. About this monastery, its history and features can be found in the article.
History of the cloister
Holy Trinity Monastery in Alatyr begins its history back in 1584, which is officially considered the year of its foundation. According to legend, by order of Ivan IV the Terrible, the monastery was built at the expense of the sovereign's treasury and funds of Alatyr Posad. The monastery from 1615 to 1763 was administered by the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
Since 1764, Holy Trinity Monastery in Alatyr has been attributed to the Nizhny Novgorod diocese. In the future - to the Kazan, later - to the Simbirsk diocese. At the same time, the Klyuchevskaya desert of the Holy Spirit belonged to the monastery.
The buildings of the monastery
On the territory of the monastery, north of the main Trinity Cathedral, from 1801 to 1817 a single-domed church with a refectory was erected. In the period from 1830 to 1848 over the refectory there was a chapel in the name of John the Theologian. In 1849, a chapel was added to the St. Sergius Church in honor of the Kazan Icon of Our Lady - on the north side.
In the Holy Trinity Monastery in Alatyr, near the Kazan chapel, there was a cave temple, which was carved in the breed by monks. However, by the end of the 19th century, services in it were discontinued.
On the territory of the monastery is a bell tower, the height of which is approximately 82 meters. The size of the building allows you to see it from almost anywhere in the city. Also, thanks to the unique acoustics and bells, especially the largest 18-ton bell, ringing is heard even outside the city.
Description of buildings
The main cathedral and the bell tower of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Alatyr were built in the traditional church style, which dates from the 11th-12th centuries. These buildings are very similar to those located in the Moscow Kremlin. The Trinity Cathedral has many architectural elements, similar to those in the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, located in the Kolomenskoye Museum and Reserve.
Until recently, an ancient church with a tent-type bell tower in the name of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God existed in the monastery. It was an unspoken symbol of the city, but, unfortunately, at the beginning of the XXI century it was partially destroyed by fire.
The bell tower and the main cathedral create a single complex of architecture, impressing with its beauty. In these buildings you can see many elements that came to these territories from Byzantium. The walls of the buildings are decorated with a brick, which has a pinkish tint, which goes well with decorative elements made of white marble. Tent pommels crown the domes with gilded crosses.
The bell tower in the Holy Trinity Monastery in Alatyr has several functions. This is clearly expressed in the architectural techniques used in its construction. In addition to the fact that bells are placed in the building, the building was erected in such a way that it is the main entrance to the monastery. Because of this, the bell tower is called the gate. In addition, it houses a temple and access to various buildings of the monastery (museum, library, warehouse and technical premises).
Cloister now
After the revolution, the monastery was closed, and the novices were dissolved. However, in mid-March 1995, the Holy Trinity Monastery in Alatyr was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. Almost immediately, restoration work began, and monastic life was revived. In 1997, the unique cave church of Seraphim was restored and partially reconstructed.
The main cathedral of the monastery was restored and a new dome was built, which was made in the Neo-Byzantine style. Several bells were replaced; temple painting was restored in the churches.
Currently, 80 monks (sometimes more) are constantly living in the monastery. Also in the warm season and on major Orthodox holidays, you can meet a large number of pilgrims and tourists. The monastery has a courtyard called the "Christmas Monastery", it is located 15 km from the monastery. The compound owns over 400 hectares of land on which monks grow grain, legumes, fodder, vegetables and fruit crops. There are more than 120 cows, a house is working, and fish are bred in an artificial pond.
The grown products are sold, and the proceeds are used for charity and for the construction of new churches. So, for example, a temple was recently built in the name of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God.
Arriving in this ancient city, you should definitely visit this unique place, which has an extraordinary energy, giving strength to all who find themselves in the monastery.