What was the typical medieval monastery? Famous Orthodox churches

Monuments of architecture, examples of magnificent painting, frescoes, records of historical chronicles - all this is a medieval monastery. Those who want to touch the past and learn about the events of bygone days must begin their journey with the study of ancient temples, as they remember much more than pages of annals.

Cultural and economic centers of the Middle Ages

In the Dark Times monastery communes begin to gain strength. They first appear in the territory of Western Europe. The progenitor of this movement can be considered Benedikt of Nursia. The largest medieval monastery of this period is the monastery in Montecassino. This is a world with its own rules, in which every member of the commune had to invest his share in the development of the common cause.

At this time the medieval monastery was a huge complex of buildings. It included cells, libraries, refectory, cathedrals and economic buildings. The latter included barns, warehouses, pens for animals.

Over time, monasteries turned into the main centers of concentration of culture and economy of the Middle Ages. Here they chronology of events, conducted debates, evaluated the achievements of science. Developed and improved such teachings as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine.

All the physically hard work was provided to novices, peasants and ordinary monastic workers. Such settlements were of great importance in the sphere of storage and accumulation of information. Libraries were replenished with new books, and old publications constantly corresponded. Also the monks themselves conducted historical chronicles.

The history of Russian Orthodox monasteries

Russian medieval monasteries appeared much later than European ones. Initially, the monks-hermits lived apart in the deserted places. But Christianity spread quickly enough among the masses, therefore stationary churches became necessary. From the 15th century until the reign of Peter the Great, there was a widespread erection of temples. They were practically in every village, and large monasteries were built in cities or in holy places.

Peter I conducted a number of church reforms, which his successors continued. The ordinary people negatively perceived the new fashion for the Western tradition. Therefore, under Catherine II, the construction of Orthodox monasteries is resumed.

Most of these religious buildings did not become a place of pilgrimage for believers, but some Orthodox churches are known throughout the world.

Miracles of the myrrh

The banks of the Great River and the Mirozhka River flowing into it. It is here that many centuries ago the Pskov Spaso-Preobrazhensky Mirozhsky Monastery appeared.

The location of the church made it unprotected from frequent raids. All the blows she took first of all on herself. Constant robbery, fires pursued the monastery for many centuries. And with all this around him, never built a fortress wall. Surprising is that, despite all the troubles, he kept the frescoes, which still delight with their beauty.

For many centuries the Mirozhsky Monastery preserved in itself an invaluable miraculous icon of the Mother of God. In the XVI century, it became famous for the miracle of mirotocheniya. Later, miracles of healing were laid on her.

In the collection, which was stored in the library of the monastery, a record was found. It is dated 1595 according to the modern calendar. It contained a story of the miraculous miraculation of the icon. As the record says: "Tears flowed from the eyes of the Most Pure, like streams."

Spiritual heritage

Several years ago the monastery of Djurdjevi Stupovi celebrated his birthday. And he was born neither more nor less, but eight centuries ago. This church became one of the first Orthodox in Montenegrin land.

The monastery survived many tragic days. Over its centuries-old history, it was destroyed by fire 5 times. In the end, the monks left this place.

For a long period the medieval monastery was in devastation. And only at the end of the XIX century the project for the reconstruction of this historical object began. Restored not only architectural structures, but monastic life.

There is a museum on the territory of the monastery. In it you can see fragments of surviving buildings and artifacts. Now the monastery of Djurdjevi Stupovi lives a real life. Permanent charitable actions and collections are held for the development of this monument of spirituality.

The Past in the Present

Today, Orthodox monasteries continue their active work. Despite the fact that the history of some has exceeded one thousand years, they continue to live in the old way and do not seek to change anything.

The main occupations are the maintenance of the household and the service to the Lord. Monks try to comprehend the world according to the Bible and teach this to others. In their experience, they show that money and power are passing through. Even without them you can live and be absolutely happy at the same time.

Unlike churches, monasteries do not have a parish, however people willingly attend monks. By giving up everything in the world, many of them receive a gift - the ability to treat illnesses or help with words.