Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery, the city of Dzerzhinsky

Spiritual and moral searches force people to go on pilgrimage trips, in which they discover not only new pages of history, but also become closer to faith and God.

Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery: the history of the foundation

Russian land is rich in spiritual monuments - monasteries, churches and cathedrals, belfries and entire temple complexes. And sometimes it's very difficult to choose one of them. But those who do not spare time and energy, it is necessary to visit the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery (the city of Dzerzhinsky). This monastery was built on the orders of Dmitry Donskoy in 1380. According to legend, on the site of the future monastery, the prince was the image of St. Nicholas the Wonder-worker himself. At that time, Dmitry Donskoy prepared for battle with the army Mamaia and was with his associates near Moscow, only 15 km. To the praying prince the holy icon was sent down by the heavens. After the famous historic battle on the Kulikovo field, which ended in the victory of the Russian troops, Dmitry returned to the holy place that once gave him the icon of Nicholas the Wonder-worker, and called it Ugreshaya. After that, the prince ordered to establish a temple here in honor of St. Nicholas, which to this day takes hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world.

It is believed that originally the cathedral was built of wood. It was he who was burned by the Crimean Khan in 1521. The stone building appeared much later, already during the reign of Basil the Great.

The journey of the holy image

From the very first days of the foundation the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery was on special rights. For example, Ivan the Terrible completely freed him from all sorts of duties on the necessary goods throughout Russia.

That is why the servants of the monastery often turned to the generous king for help. Once they asked Ivan the Terrible to restore that holy image of Nicholas the Wonder-worker, which was given to Dmitry Donskoy before the battle. At the behest of the tsar, the icon was sent to Moscow. The image passed through Vyatka, Kama and Moscow. The restoration was carried out by Saint Macarius himself. Upon completion of the work, the icon was sent back to the monastery, and its exact copy was kept in the capital.

Ugresh in troubled times

Troubles for Russia became a time of decadence, confusion, uncertainty in the future. In that period, Ugresh became the refuge of the liars and their confidants - False Dmitry, who was hiding from the wrath of Boris Godunov; Tushinsky thief and Marina Mnishek, who declared her husband the only Russian heir to the throne.

During the Polish intervention, the Nikolo-Ugreshsky stauropegial monastery was the place of gathering of the militia under the leadership of Minin and Pozharsky.

Thus, the Time of Troubles became a period of testing for the Ugresh monastery, which often suffered plunder even from the Russian militia themselves.

Dynasty of the Romanovs and Ugresh

Under the first tsar from the Romanov dynasty Michael, elected to the throne in 1613, the monastery experienced a flourishing stage. For all time of the board the sovereign visited a monastery 9 times, basically in day of memory of Nikolay Miracle-worker. The monastery, having become the spiritual shelter of the tsar, received from him various privileges: the release of trade from customs fees, the right to own fishing in Nizhny Novgorod. During his reign, Michael presented the monastery with many gifts, in every way contributed to its prosperity. His son, Alexey Tishayshy, also continued his father's tradition, going on foot hikes to Ugresh in the spring and taking every possible care of the monastery.

Hard times

The period of decline of the monastery is at the end of the 17th - early 18th centuries. This time is marked by the reign of Emperor Peter I. Having long forgotten the traditions of his ancestors, he turns the abode into a place where criminals are kept and their executions. The appearance of the Synod has a negative impact on the state of the monasteries, including the Ugresh monastery. Left without royal care, it diminishes noticeably - the number of monastics decreases, and newly arrived novices often commit unseemly acts. By the middle of the 18th century, insane persons and people with physical disabilities and injuries began to be placed in Ugresh. Temple complexes of the monastery gradually deteriorated, and funds for their restoration were minimal. Especially difficult for the monastery was the reign of Empress Catherine I, who reformed the secularization of monastic lands. The general spiritual atmosphere in Ugresh deteriorated, which was facilitated by the frequent replacement of the abbots, some of whom deserved fame during their vicegerency. It seemed that nothing could help the revival of the holy abode, once founded by the will of Nicholas the Wonder-worker himself ...

Like a Phoenix bird

Its revival Nikolo-Ugreshsky stauropegial male monastery began in the 30s of the 19th century after the appointment of the rector Ignaty Brianchaninov, later ranked as a saint. Despite the fact that in fact he did not manage to get down to the leadership of Ugreshes, Ignaty could seriously affect her further material and spiritual recovery. On his recommendation abbot Hilarion becomes abbot of the monastery. Thanks to his active work, spiritual life began to revive. Hilary carefully followed the observance of the ascetic statute and increased the number of monks to 20 people. During the period of his viceroyalty, the monastery acquired several benefactors, for the money of which the Assumption Church was expanded, and some buildings were completed.

The period of Hilary's reign was really fruitful. After his death, Pimen took over the place of the abbot, who continued the work of the deceased viceroy. The Monk Pimen was able to open a school for the peasant children at the monastery. During the war, the abbot organized an alms-house in the territory of Ugreshi, in which the wounded were taken from the battlefield. Until the beginning of the 1918 revolution, a quiet and measured life flowed in the monastery.

The Test of Change

Just like many Orthodox complexes in Russia, the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery in Dzerzhinsky was closed even after numerous attempts by the abbot of Makarii and the brethren to preserve the monastery. In its place was founded a shelter for street children. During the war, I had to demolish the bell tower of Nicholas, which could become a good reference point for fascist aircraft. In the 1980s, a venereological dispensary was opened on the territory of Ugreshi, which was liquidated in 1990. A few months later, in December, the first for these years service on the day of the memory of Nicholas the Wonderworker was performed. It is from this moment the second birth of this orthodox complex begins.

Excursion to the monastery

I know the rich history of the monastery, the true pearl and the spiritual bulwark of the people, it's doubly interesting to see its sights.

On the territory of the monastery there are 13 temple complexes and more than 20 additional buildings - towers, chapels, buildings, etc. You can start the tour from the central building - the Transfiguration Cathedral. A beautiful temple with 5 domes is a sample of architecture of the 19th century. It was specially built for the 500th anniversary of the creation of the monastery. It is there that the Nikolo-Ugresh monastery preserves the relics of St. Pimen and the holy image of Nicholas the Miracle-Worker. In addition, there is an exact copy of the icon of the Fedorovskaya Mother of God, to which mothers and women preparing for childbirth come running.

St. Nicholas Cathedral is the oldest part of the entire Orthodox complex, dating back to the 14th century. It is believed that it was in its place was a wooden temple, built in honor of Nicholas the Miracle-Worker Prince Dmitry Donskoy. The appearance of a stone building is associated with a fire in which the original cathedral burned down. Now in this temple there is a part of the tree from the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Also you can pray before the list of the icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker, who performed many miracles.

The Assumption Cathedral, distinguished for its majesty, preserves the relics of many saints. In this temple you can kiss the imperishable remains of the Great Martyr Panteleimon, who is able to heal physical and spiritual illnesses through the prayers of people; Sergius of Radonezh, who helps in work and study and any good endeavors; Blessed Matrona Matrona, who continues to help people after her earthly death, Simeon Verkhotursky and many others.

Being on the territory of the monastery, be sure to visit the Cathedral of "All the Afflicted Joy". You can recognize it by 5 domes, located on the roof in the form of a tent. Earlier it contained the most ancient icons of the Savior and the Virgin, which, unfortunately, did not survive until today, as the temple was looted and closed in the 1920s.

Passing from this cathedral along the farmyard, you will find yourself near a church built in honor of the Kazan Mother of God. A small complex with 5 domes, ending with openwork crosses, was erected in the late 19th century with the money of benefactors. Just like other cathedrals, it was destroyed, and then restored only in the early 2000s.

In addition to large complexes, Ugreshsky monastery also keeps small buildings, for example, chapels in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Mother of God. And near the monastery pond and cathedral, built in honor of the Monk Pimen, there is a chapel of the Passion of the Lord. This building was erected in the early 2000s on the idea of one of the monastery's inhabitants. The chapel is built in the Old Russian style. It is on a small hill, which symbolizes Golgotha - the place of suffering of Jesus. Inside the white stone chapel was placed a cross, reminiscent of the great sacrifice of the Savior.

The Cathedral of St. Pimen, located near the pond, is very similar to the famous Church of the Intercession on the Nerl - the golden dome rises above the white-stone walls, beautiful in their severity.

Also on the territory of the monastery are the Peter and Paul Church, the Palestinian Wall and other complexes.

How to get to the monastery

If you are interested in the history of Ugresh and you want to feel the life of a monastery that has endured hard times, you should definitely visit it. Ugreshskaya monastery is located in the city of Dzerzhinsky, Moscow region. You can reach the Orthodox complex in the following way: from the metro station Kuzminki by bus you can reach the city in just 20 minutes, and before you open the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery. How to get there, you now know. In addition, you can visit Sunday or festive services, such as the patronal feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

The role of the Ugresh monastery in the life of modern Russia

Many tests failed to break the spiritual stamina of the Ugresh monastery. Periods of decline and unprecedented heyday, utter ruin and further rebirth have woven the fate of Ugreshi. In the new millennium, the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery continues to play one of the main roles in the Orthodox life of our country. Patriarch Kirill himself is incredibly pleased with the deep faith of people, thanks to which the monastery ruins turned into a beautiful temple complex of the city of Dzerzhinsky. Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery has become a true spiritual and educational center of the Moscow region. This is evidenced by the museums on the territory of the temple. For example, those who are interested in Orthodox culture or the history of the Russian Orthodox Church can visit the sacristy museum, in which many church utensils and antiques are kept. Here you can see ancient icons in gilded salaries, the Gospel in a silver cover and even coins of the times of Ancient Rus. The exhibits were collected thanks to the graffiti. So, for example, Ugreshsky monastery could find a unique collection devoted to the family of Nicholas II, ranked as a saint. Collected literally by particles - books and photos, sets and icons - she miraculously got to the monastery. This museum is open for visiting pilgrims.

Significant holidays of the monastery

Like any Orthodox complex, the Nikolo-Ugresh Monastery in Dzerzhinsky honors the memory of many saints on daily services and Sunday liturgies. But the most significant among them are the following days:

• The memory of Nicholas the Wonderworker.
• Icons "The Execution of the Dead", "Joy of All Who Sorrow", "The Sign", "Vlakherna".
• The memory of Basil the Confessor, Healer Panteleimon, Sergius of Radonezh, Mary of Egypt, and others.
• The Transfiguration of the Lord, the Ascension and other twelve great feasts.

Orthodox, profoundly believing people should visit the Nico-Ugresh monastery. Photos that you can make while inside its walls, will capture the true beauty of the majestic complex. Ugresh needs to be seen first hand by touching the history of the mysterious Russia, to experience the divine atmosphere, to pray before the miraculous icon and to join the relics of the saints. The monastery is a spiritual hospital, therefore its visiting always goes to people only on advantage. And may the abode of St. Nicholas be your spiritual refuge and salvation, a place where you can forget about worldly worries and difficulties.