Epiphany Monastery
Epiphany Monastery, also known as Bogoyavlensky Monastyr, is the oldest male Orthodox monastery in Moscow, located in the Kitai gorod district near the Kremlin. Traditionally founded around 1296 by Prince Daniel of Moscow, it has a long history marked by royal patronage, significant fires, and periods of both prosperity and closure. The monastery's surviving Epiphany Cathedral is a notable example of Muscovite Baroque architecture.
Key Facts
- ›Considered the oldest male monastery in Moscow.
- ›Legendary founding attributed to Prince Daniel of Moscow around 1296.
- ›First stone church founded in 1342.
- ›The current Epiphany Cathedral was consecrated in 1696 and is in the Muscovite Baroque style.
- ›Closed down after the October Revolution and reopened in 1991.
- ›The monastery has experienced numerous fires throughout its history.
Muscovite Baroque
Epiphany Cathedral, Medieval Sepulchres, Monk Cells, Abbot's Chamber
Bogoyavlensky Monastyr, Theophany Monastery
Daniel, Prince of Moscow, Metropolitan Alexis, Stefan, Ivan the Terrible, Vasili Iii
- Sacked By Tokhtamysh's Horde
- Suffered An Outbreak of Pestilence
- Survived Numerous Fires
- Became A Collection Facility For Metayage, Quitrent, and Fodder
- Home To A School of the Likhud Brothers
- Monastic Real Estate Confiscated
- Proclaimed A Residence of the Vicarian Bishop
- Closed Down After the October Revolution
- Services Stopped In the Cathedral
- Restored and Returned To the Russian Orthodox Church
About Epiphany Monastery
The Epiphany Monastery, also known by its Russian name Bogoyavlensky Monastyr, stands as Moscow's oldest male monastic institution. Situated in the historic Kitai gorod district, it lies just a short distance from the Moscow Kremlin. While legend attributes its founding to Prince Daniel of Moscow around 1296, historical records indicate the establishment of its first stone church in 1342, marking a significant presence from the early 14th century.
Throughout its existence, the Epiphany Monastery has been under the consistent patronage of Russia's grand princes and tsars, receiving donations and grants that supported its operations. It has weathered numerous challenges, including devastating fires in 1547, 1551, 1687, and 1737, as well as periods of looting, such as by Tokhtamysh's horde in 1382. The monastery also played a role in education, briefly hosting the school of the Likhud brothers, which later evolved into the Slavic Greek Latin Academy.
The monastery's architectural centerpiece is the Epiphany Cathedral, consecrated in 1696. This structure is a notable example of the Muscovite Baroque style and houses important medieval sepulchres. Following the confiscation of monastic real estate in 1764, the monastery's community size diminished, and its buildings were at times rented out for commercial purposes.
After the October Revolution, the Epiphany Monastery was closed, and its facilities were secularized, serving various purposes including student housing and industrial use. The cathedral, belltower, and monastic cells were the only structures to survive. In 1991, the monastery was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church and has since been restored, resuming its function as an active monastic community.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Epiphany Monastery founded?
According to legend, Epiphany Monastery was founded by Daniel, the first prince of Moscow, around 1296. The first stone church at the monastery was established in 1342, indicating continuous development from the early 14th century.
What is the architectural style of the Epiphany Cathedral?
The now-existing Epiphany Cathedral, consecrated in 1696, is described as a splendid specimen of the Muscovite Baroque style. It incorporates notable medieval sepulchres within its design.
What happened to Epiphany Monastery after the Russian Revolution?
After the October Revolution, Epiphany Monastery was closed down, and services in its cathedral ceased in 1929. The monastic facilities were repurposed for student housing, subway construction workers, and later as metalworks. An office building was constructed on part of the site in the 1950s.
Is Epiphany Monastery still active?
Yes, Epiphany Monastery was restored and officially returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in May 1991, indicating its current active status.
Who were some notable figures associated with Epiphany Monastery?
Stefan, the older brother of Sergii Radonezhski, was the first recorded hegumen. A would-be metropolitan Alexis is also believed to have been a monk there. Ivan the Terrible and Vasili III were among the grand princes and tsars who patronized the monastery.
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