Monastery of the Caves
The Pechersky Ascension Monastery is a significant Orthodox Christian monastery located in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. Founded around 1328-1330 by Saint Dionysius, it initially featured cave dwellings, inspired by the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Although the original site was lost to a landslide, the monastery was rebuilt and continues to be the principal monastery of the Nizhny Novgorod Eparchy, serving as the seat of its bishop.
Key Facts
- ›Founded circa 1328-1330 by Saint Dionysius.
- ›Initially featured cave dwellings on the Volga shore.
- ›Destroyed by a landslide in 1597 and rebuilt upstream.
- ›The belfry of the Ascension Cathedral is noticeably out of plumb.
- ›Reopened in 1994 after being closed by the NKVD in 1924.
Ascension Cathedral, Church of Dormition of Our Lady, Church of Saint Venerable Euthimios of Suzdal, Church of Ss Peter and Paul, Belfry of the Ascension Cathedral
Pechersky Voznesensky Monastery, печёрский вознесенский монастырь
Saint Dionysius
Destroyed By Landslide, Rebuilt After Landslide, Closed By Nkvd, Reopened
About Monastery of the Caves
Pechersky Ascension Monastery
The Pechersky Ascension Monastery is a prominent Orthodox Christian monastery situated in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. It holds the distinction of being the principal monastery of the Nizhny Novgorod Eparchy and serves as the official seat for the Bishop of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas.
History and Origins
Tradition holds that the monastery was founded around 1328-1330 by Saint Dionysius. He journeyed to Nizhny Novgorod from the renowned Kiev Pechersk Lavra, bringing with him other monks. Their initial settlement involved excavating cave dwellings on the steep Volga shore, located approximately three kilometers southeast of the city. At this original site, Saint Dionysius established a monastery and a church dedicated to the Resurrection of the Lord.
However, the early monastery faced a natural disaster. On June 18, 1597, it was destroyed by a landslide. In the same year, the monastery was rebuilt at a new location, about one kilometer upstream (north) of its original site. While the modern monastery does not feature caves, the name 'Pechersky' has been retained, signifying its historical connection to the cave monasteries and specifically to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, from which its appellation is derived.
Architectural Features and Later History
The monastery's principal buildings include the Ascension Cathedral, the Church of Dormition of Our Lady, the Church of Saint Venerable Euthimios of Suzdal, and the Church of SS Peter and Paul. A notable architectural feature is the belfry of the Ascension Cathedral, which also functions as a clock tower. This belfry has been noticeably out of plumb, leaning almost since its original construction.
During its history, the monastery has experienced periods of closure and reopening. It was closed by the NKVD in 1924. Following a period of dormancy, the monastery was reopened in 1994 and has since resumed its active monastic life and ecclesiastical functions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Pechersky Ascension Monastery founded?
The monastery is said to have been founded around 1328-1330. Saint Dionysius is credited with its establishment, drawing inspiration from the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
What is the significance of the name 'Pechersky'?
The name 'Pechersky' derives from the Russian word 'pechery,' meaning 'caves.' This refers to the monastery's original cave dwellings dug by its founder, Saint Dionysius, on the Volga shore, linking it to the tradition of the Kiev Monastery of the Caves.
What happened to the original monastery site?
The original monastery was destroyed by a landslide on June 18, 1597. It was subsequently rebuilt in the same year at a new location approximately 1 kilometer upstream from the old site.
Are there still caves at the modern monastery?
Despite its name, the modern Pechersky Ascension Monastery does not feature caves. The appellation 'Pechersky' has been retained to honor its historical origins and its connection to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
What is the current status of the Pechersky Ascension Monastery?
The monastery was closed in 1924 by the NKVD but was reopened in 1994. It currently serves as the principal monastery of the Nizhny Novgorod Eparchy and is the seat of the Bishop of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas.
Related Monasteries
Simonov Monastery
Simonov Monastery, established in 1370 by Feodor, a disciple of St. Sergius of Radonezh, rose to become one of Moscow's wealthiest and most renowned monastic institutions. Originally located on land belonging to the boyar Simeon Khovrin, who took vows as Simon, the monastery was later relocated and became a significant fortified complex. Despite its abolition and demolition by the Communist government in 1923, parts of the monastery have been transferred back to the Russian Orthodox Church, with restoration efforts underway since the 1990s.
St. Andronik Monastery
The Andronikov Monastery of the Saviour, located on the banks of the Yauza River in Moscow, is a significant historical and religious site. Established in 1357, it is renowned for housing the oldest extant building in Moscow, the Saviour Cathedral, and the Andrei Rublev Museum of Old Russian Art. The monastery was a center for book copying and later served various purposes, including a penal colony, before being declared a national monument and partially returned to the Russian Orthodox Church.
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.