Desert Sarovskaya - the place of worship of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Nizhny Novgorod region is proud of its history. There are many unique and even mystical places, one of which is the city of Sarov. For many years it was forbidden even to mention this place. The location of the city was strictly kept secret. Today, crowds of pilgrims are eager to visit such a blessed place and to touch local shrines.

History of the Sarov desert

The Sarov Hermitage was founded by the Hieroschemonch of the Vvedensky Monastery, John. From his generous godfather, he received a donation of three dozen acres of land in the city of Sarov (in the past - Sarov fortification). Immediately he sent a letter to Moscow asking for permission to erect a church on this land. It is difficult to find a better place for such a building. It would seem that nature itself in these places was filled with peace and holiness. Moreover, a good location made it easy to get to Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow and Vladimir.

Soon on this earth the Holy Assumption Sarov desert was formed. A special decree of Peter I permitted the construction of the Church of the Blessed Virgin and its life-giving source where there used to be a Mordvinian fort. Only 50 days went building the church. June 29, 1706 is considered the official date of the foundation of such a monument, as the Holy Assumption Sarov desert.

Caves of Sarov

The construction of the monastery was accompanied by the erection of an underground city, which was also built thanks to Hieroschemonah John. At that time he lived in one of the mountain caves. Then the caves expanded, and they arranged cells for solitude and immersion in prayer. In 1711, under the ground erected the temple of Anthony and Theodosius of the Venerable.

Deserts Sarovskaya filled with life. From all cities came novices and monks. Everyone was given work. Someone was conducting the service, someone was building up new cells, somebody was collecting berries with mushrooms. So gradually around the church formed a whole city, serving as a prototype of the monastery.

At that time, John composed the charter of the monastery, following strict rules. Sarov was known as the Academy of Monasticism. After his stay in the Monastery, the monks-ascetics moved on, spreading Sarov's charter. Almost all of them were later placed by the abbots or treasurers in various monasteries.

Life of Seraphim of Sarov

The Sarov Hermitage was glorified by the greatest Russian saint, Seraphim of Sarov. His father was engaged in the construction of the temple, but his sudden death did not allow him to reach the ultimate goal. After the death of his father, Seraphim (Prohor by birth) and his mother Agafia continued the construction of the cathedral. One day a miracle happened on the construction site. Mother overlooked the little Prokhor, and he fell from a great height, but remained alive. From early childhood, Prokhor sincerely believed in the Lord and honored him. During a severe illness in a dream, he saw the Blessed Virgin, who promised to heal him. Soon it happened.

Since then Prokhor has firmly decided to devote his entire life to the Lord. In 1776 he came to the monastery of the Sarov Hermitage. Eight years after the monastic vows, Prokhor was named Seraphim, which meant "fiery."

Empanelity

A few years later, Seraphim moved to live in the forest near the monastery. He simply dressed, ate what he found in the forest, fasted more often. He spent every day on endless prayers and reading the Gospel. Near his cell Seraphim built a small garden and an apiary.

A few years later, Seraphim of Sarov imposed a penance in the form of a three-year silence. After that he returned to the monastery for a short while, but 10 years later he left again.

This way of life gave Serafim Sarovsky an extraordinary gift of vision and the ability to heal people. Thanks to him, several women's monasteries were opened. The icon "Affection" was the last image that Seraphim saw in his life.

They buried the saint near the Assumption Cathedral.

In 1903, Seraphim of Sarov was ranked as a saint. Since then, the place where the saint lived, sometimes called the deserts of Seraphim of Sarov.

The Holy Assumption Monastery

The Sarov Hermitage is famous for its Holy Assumption Monastery. The construction of the church was laid in 1897, when Seraphim of Sarov was not yet ranked as a saint. Initially, the construction of the cathedral glorified the Most Holy Trinity. As the temple was erected over the cell of the Elder, it was called. After the appointment of Seraphim of Sarov to the rank of saints, the church was immediately consecrated. This is the first cathedral in Russia, St. Seraphim.

Inside the church there was a saint's cell, as the most precious shrine. The iconostasis looked pretty simple. Around the cell it was possible to make a detour and even go inside. Later, the cell was painted and put on it a small dome. It has become a chapel.

In 1927 the cathedral was closed. He was turned into a theater. In 2002, reconstruction work began, and in August 2003 worship services began to take place again in the church.

How to get there?

All pilgrims are advised to visit such a sacred place as the Sarov Hermitage. How to get to this place?

From Nizhny Novgorod there are buses to Diveevo from the bus station Shcherbinka. At the Moscow railway station there is also a stop of minibuses, which also go in this direction. Getting by car, you can at the same time visit the ancient city of Arzamas.

Excursion bus tours are regularly carried out from Nizhny Novgorod to Diveevo. You can book an excursion and learn more about this amazing place.

Today the Sarov region is a museum. Anyone who wants to visit it can visit it in a truly holy place.