Moscow, Epiphany Monastery of the Moscow Diocese: address, description

After the baptism of Prince Vladimir in the territory of Russia, a vast number of Orthodox monasteries were founded and openly. Of course, the monasteries operated in such a significant city as Moscow. The Epiphany Monastery is one of the oldest in the capital. In antiquity, he is second only to Danilovsky.

History of foundation

When exactly this monastery was founded, it was unfortunately impossible for scientists-historians to find out exactly, unfortunately. Presumably, the monastery was founded in 1296, fourteen years after Danilovsky. Prince of Moscow and Vladimir at that time was the youngest son of A. Nevsky Daniil Alexandrovich. It is believed that the laying of the Epiphany Monastery took place precisely on his initiative. The history is silent about who was the first abbot of the monastery. It is only known that, some time after its founding, he became the abbot of the elder brother of Sergius of Radonezh Stephen. The future Metropolitan of All Russia Alexy was appointed rector of this monastery.

Prince Daniel Alekseevich

The founder of the Epiphany Monastery was born in 1261. Actually, Prince Daniel Alekseevich is the ancestor of the Moscow line of the Rurikovich family, that is, all subsequent kings. During his reign, Russia was under the yoke of the Golden Horde. Like all other princes of that time, he took part in internecine wars. However, at the same time he proved himself to be one of the most peaceful rulers. Among other things, Prince Daniel Alexandrovich cared about the faith of people living on its territory. In addition to Bogoyavlensky, he founded the Danilovsky Monastery, as well as the bishop's house on Krutitsy. Like many Russian princes, he was canonized by the church (in 1791). This saint is revered as a faithful Daniel.

It is conditionally believed that the Epiphany Monastery was founded in 1296, because it was at this time that Daniel Alekseevich took the title of Prince of Moscow.

Successful location

The place for the construction of the Epiphany Monastery "behind Torg" was not chosen by chance. Firstly, the main Moscow road to Vladimir and Suzdal passed nearby. And secondly, in the immediate vicinity was the Kremlin. So Prince of Moscow and Vladimir Daniel was very convenient to go to worship. In addition, in the immediate vicinity the Neglinka River flowed , which greatly facilitated the monks holding the Jordan and the organization of the procession for the feast day.

Since around the monastery in the village there were mostly artisans and merchants, originally it was called "what is behind Torg". In the future, a more accurate expression was used: "what is behind the Reticular series", as in the immediate vicinity of the monastery were the counters of fur traders.

Fires

At the time of the founding of the wooden abode there was practically all of Moscow. The Epiphany Monastery was also originally built from a log. And, of course, in a short time, during one of the local fires, the monastery burned down. When exactly this happened, it is not known. The first years of the monastery's life are in general shrouded in mystery for the historians. However, there are reports that in 1340 the son of Prince Daniel, Ivan Kalita, laid on the territory of the monastery the first stone church - a single-domed Epiphany Church on four pillars and a high foundation. Thus, this cathedral became the first stone structure erected outside the Kremlin.

The second time from the fire, the Epiphany Monastery suffered in 1547. This misfortune happened six months after the wedding of the kingdom of Ivan the Terrible. During the reign of the latter, the monastery, like all of Rus, was going through hard times. Within the walls of the monastery were many disgraced boyars, princes and clergymen. In particular, it was here that Metropolitan Philip was imprisoned, who publicly condemned the tsar for organizing oprichnina.

There were fires in the monastery and in subsequent years - in 1551, 1687, 1737. During the Time of Troubles, the monastery was completely plundered and burned by Poles (1612). This time the monastery was rebuilt by the tsars of the Romanov dynasty. Subsequently, Patriarch Filaret was very concerned about the Epiphany Monastery.

Another fire that destroyed the monastery, was Moscow in 1686 Restored the abode this time the mother of Peter the Great Natalia Naryshkina. For the new Epiphany Cathedral one of the baroque architectural trends was chosen. Now this style is called Naryshkin.

School of the Likhud brothers

Of course, very little attention has been given to educating the common people in those distant times. The children of artisans and peasants were taught only by certain religious monks. Moscow was not an exception in this respect either. The Epiphany Monastery became one of the few in which the school was organized. Taught in it very educated for the time, invited from Greece, the brothers Likhuda. Later, their school was moved to the Zaikonospassky Monastery. Later it was transformed into the famous Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy.

The rich monastery

This abode was burning, so very often. However, like all of Moscow. The Epiphany Monastery, meanwhile, was restored almost always quickly. This monastery throughout its history was one of the richest in Russia. Already immediately after the founding of the monastery's brethren began to receive large donations from the Moscow princes and boyars. Favored this holy place and the kings. So, for example, in 1584 Ivan the Terrible donated a large sum of money to the Epiphany Monastery for the commemoration of the murdered disgraced. In 1632, the monastery received the right of duty-free alloy of building materials and firewood.

On the territory of the monastery there were once stables and a forge operated. Also, monks received profit from renting out premises. In different years of the Epiphany monastery, land was also donated by noble people. So did Prince Vasily III, Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, Sheremetyev, and others. In 1672 the boyar Konstantin Repnin monastery was given possession on Nikolskaya street. Thus the second court of the monastery was formed. From the first it was separated by residential stone chambers.

Cathedral of the Epiphany Monastery in Moscow: architectural features

The main temple of the monastery includes two churches - the upper and lower. The first was illuminated sometime in the name of the Epiphany. The lower church is the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. In this temple in the times of the Romanovs there was a large necropolis with tombs of the most notable families of Russia - the Sheremetyevs, Golitsyns, Saltykovs and others.

The Church of the Epiphany is oriented vertically - on the quadrangle there is an octagon, in turn, crowned with a head, also having 8 faces. Even today the tower of the Epiphany Church rises majestically above the modern buildings of Nikolskaya Street. The facades of the cathedral are richly decorated with carvings. Particularly impressive are the casings of windows with combs and figured columns. Above the western entrance to the cathedral a bell tower with a spire is built. Between the refectory and the four-story church there is a gallery with additional chapels. In addition to icons, the interior is decorated with sculptural compositions "Christmas", "Coronation of the Virgin" and "Epiphany."

Other churches of the monastery

In addition to Epiphany, two other Orthodox churches once functioned on the territory of the monastery. The first was consecrated in the name of the Nativity of John the Baptist. This gate church was dismantled in 1905 for the sake of building an apartment house. The second gate church remained standing until the revolution. It was destroyed in the 1920s.

Abode in Soviet times

Closed monastery was in the first years of the reign of the Bolsheviks. The services in the Epiphany Cathedral were discontinued in 1929. The premises of the monastery were adapted to hostels for students of the Mining Academy, as well as Metrostroi's offices. Later, metalworking shops operated on the territory of the monastery.

During the Second World War the monastery was almost destroyed. A German bomber fell right next to her. The houses on the next street collapsed. Falling, the plane took down the head of the cathedral. It was restored in the 90s by the Moscow Diocese.

In the 1980s, historical explorations and archaeological excavations were carried out on the territory of the monastery . The monastery was given to believers in 1991.

Preserved buildings

Unfortunately, the monastery was restored even after the transfer of the ROC was not. At the moment, in its territory, in addition to the Epiphany Cathedral, only monastic cells and parish chambers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries have been preserved. Also in the monastery there is a building of modern construction - the administrative building erected in the 50s of the last century. Today, the diocese of Moscow conducts restoration works on the territory of the complex.

Address

Today, believing Christians have an excellent opportunity to visit the most beautiful Epiphany Cathedral for prayer, and tourists - to explore the territory of one of the most ancient monasteries in Russia. The monastery is located at: Moscow, Epiphany Lane, 2. In the immediate vicinity of it there is an entrance to the metro station "Revolution Square".

Today, in the monastery, as before, religious services are held. As before, the Epiphany Monastery (Moscow) is visited by believers. Sacrament, baptism, wedding - all these rituals can be held in his only temple. Next to the monastery there is another attraction, this time a modern one, a memorial to the enlighteners of the Likhud brothers. This monument was installed in Bogoyavlensky Lane in 2007.

Epiphany Monastery (Moscow): Schedule of Divine Services Today

Of course, it is better to visit the territory of the monastery at a time when divine services are taking place in its temple. Their schedule may vary depending on the church holidays. On May 1, 2016 (Easter), it looked, for example, like this:

• 00:00 - Easter Matins.

• 2:00 - Early liturgy.

• 9:00 - Confession.

• 9:30 - Late liturgy.

• 10:45 - The procession.

• 14:00 - Easter Supper.

The exact schedule of services on this or that day can be found on the official site of the Epiphany Church in Moscow.