New Jerusalem Monastery
The New Jerusalem Monastery, also known as the Resurrection Monastery, is a significant Russian Orthodox monastery founded in 1656 by Patriarch Nikon. It was conceived as a representation of the Holy Land, with the Istra River symbolizing the Jordan and its buildings mirroring sacred sites in Jerusalem. Despite periods of closure and damage, the monastery has undergone extensive restoration and is now an active religious community and a popular destination for visitors.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1656 by Patriarch Nikon as a representation of the Holy Land.
- ›The Istra River near the monastery represents the Jordan River.
- ›Closed in 1918 and repurposed as a museum before suffering damage during World War II.
- ›Re-established as a religious community in the 1990s.
- ›Underwent a large-scale restoration from 2010 to 2016.
- ›Features a rotunda katholikon patterned after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Naryshkin Baroque
Katholikon of the Resurrection, 17th-Century Belltower, Patriarch Nikon's Residence, Stone Wall With Towers, Church of the Holy Trinity, Majolica and Stucco Moulding
Resurrection Monastery, Voskresensky Monastery
Patriarch Nikon, Tsarevna Tatyana, Regent Sophia, Ioann Shusherin, Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, Vincenzo Bernardacci, Karl Blank, Konstantin Thon, Yakov Bukhvostov
- Founded In 1656
- Building Overseen By Tsarevna Tatyana and Regent Sophia After Nikon's Death
- Consecration In 1685
- Secularization In 1764
- Closed In 1918
- Museums Established On Premises In 1920
- Ransacked By German Army In 1941
- Belfry Destroyed By German Army In 1941
- Re-Established As A Religious Community In the 1990s
- Restoration Decree Signed In March 2009
- Large-Scale Restoration Completed In 2016
About New Jerusalem Monastery
The New Jerusalem Monastery, also officially known as the Resurrection Monastery (Voskresensky Monastery), stands as a prominent monastic complex within the Moscow Oblast of Russia. Founded in 1656 by Patriarch Nikon of the Russian Orthodox Church, the monastery was conceived with a unique spiritual and architectural vision: to replicate the sacred sites of Jerusalem in the Russian landscape. The nearby Istra River was designated to represent the Jordan River, and the monastery's structures were designed to mirror the holy places of Jerusalem, creating a 'New Jerusalem' on Earth.
History and Development
Patriarch Nikon envisioned the monastery as a representation of the multinational nature of Heavenly Jerusalem, inviting monks from various backgrounds. Despite this ambitious plan, the monastery remained unfinished at the time of Nikon's death in 1681. Subsequent work was overseen by Tsarevna Tatyana and Regent Sophia, leading to the final consecration of the main cathedral in 1685. During the 17th century, the New Jerusalem Monastery amassed a substantial library, reportedly containing some 13,000 volumes by the time of its secularization in 1764.
The monastery faced significant disruption in the 20th century. It was closed in 1918, and its buildings were subsequently repurposed for museums. In 1941, during World War II, the German army ransacked the monastery, destroying its iconic great belfry and causing severe damage to the cathedral's vaults and iconostasis. The site lay in disrepair for decades, with a museum reopening in 1959.
Restoration and Current Status
Beginning in the 1990s, the New Jerusalem Monastery was re-established as an active religious community. A comprehensive, large-scale restoration project was initiated following a presidential decree in March 2009, with significant work completed by 2016. This restoration effort revitalized the main cathedral, rebuilt the historic great belltower, and renovated other key structures within the walled circuit.
Today, the New Jerusalem Monastery is a functioning monastic site and a popular destination for visitors, attracting thousands daily. Its architectural ensemble, including the rotunda katholikon designed after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the 17th-century belltower, Patriarch Nikon's residence, and the Naryshkin Baroque-style stone walls, showcases significant examples of Russian religious architecture.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the New Jerusalem Monastery founded?
The New Jerusalem Monastery was founded in 1656 by Patriarch Nikon. It was intended to serve as a patriarchal residence and a symbolic representation of the Holy Land.
What is the historical significance of the New Jerusalem Monastery?
Its significance lies in its unique concept as a spiritual replica of Jerusalem, with the surrounding landscape mirroring biblical locations. It was envisioned to represent the multinational Orthodoxy of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
What happened to the monastery during the 20th century?
The monastery was closed in 1918 and its premises were used for museums. It suffered significant damage during World War II, including the destruction of its great belfry and parts of the cathedral.
Has the monastery been restored?
Yes, a large-scale restoration was carried out between 2010 and 2016. This extensive work aimed to revive the monastery's structures and its function as a religious site.
Is the New Jerusalem Monastery open to the public?
Yes, the monastery is open to visitors and is actively serving as a religious community. It attracts many thousands of visitors daily, particularly on holidays.
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