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.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1370 by Feodor, a nephew and disciple of St. Sergius of Radonezh.
- ›The monastery's original location is commemorated by the old Simonov church, marking the burial site of warriors from the Battle of Kulikovo.
- ›It was one of the richest monasteries in Moscow by the 15th century.
- ›The monastery was heavily fortified in the 1640s to defend Moscow's southern approaches.
- ›Abolished in 1923, most of its buildings were demolished; surviving structures date from the 17th century.
- ›Restoration efforts began in the 1990s, with the first service held in 1992.
Naryshkin Baroque
- Original Location Commemorated By Old Simonov Church
- Site of Burial For Warriors From the Battle of Kulikovo
- Six Major Churches
- Fortified Complex
- Multi-Storied Bell-Tower
- Three Surviving 17th-Century Towers With Cannon-Like Appearance
симонов монастырь
Feodor, St. Sergius of Radonezh, Simeon Khovrin, Job, Vassian Patrikeyev, Maximus the Greek, Alexander Peresvet
- Established In 1370
- Relocated In 1379
- Burial Site For Warriors From the Battle of Kulikovo
- Enlarged By Ivan the Terrible
- Fortified In the 1640s
- Abolished and Buildings Demolished In 1923
- Reconstruction Efforts Began In the 1990s
- First Service After Restoration Held In 1992
About Simonov Monastery
Simonov Monastery, located in Moscow, traces its origins to 1370 when it was founded by the monk Feodor, a disciple of the revered St. Sergius of Radonezh. The monastery quickly grew in stature, becoming one of the wealthiest and most significant monastic complexes in Moscow. Its initial site was on land previously owned by the boyar Simeon Khovrin, who later took monastic vows as Simon, lending his name to the cloister. A significant event in its early history was its relocation in 1379 to a new site a quarter mile to the northeast, with the original location being consecrated as a burial place for warriors fallen in the Battle of Kulikovo, including Alexander Peresvet.
During the 15th century, Simonov Monastery was recognized as the richest cloister in Moscow. It was home to learned monks such as Vassian Patrikeyev and Maximus the Greek. The complex featured multiple churches, with a notable white-stone cathedral erected in 1405 and later expanded by order of Ivan the Terrible. Recognizing its strategic importance in defending the southern approaches to Moscow, the monastery was heavily fortified in the 1640s. The architectural ensemble was further enhanced by the addition of a large, multi-storied bell tower, designed in emulation of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower within the Moscow Kremlin.
In 1923, the monastery's operational life was brought to an end by the Communist government, leading to the demolition of most of its structures to clear land for an automobile plant. The few surviving buildings date from the 17th century and include distinctive towers with a cannon-like appearance, alongside auxiliary structures in the Naryshkin baroque style. In recent times, the Moscow government has initiated plans for a comprehensive reconstruction of the historic cloister. Beginning in 1990, parts of the former monastery were transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church, and an Orthodox community of deaf people commenced restoration work. The first religious service following these efforts took place in 1992, marking a revival of spiritual life at the site.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Simonov Monastery founded?
Simonov Monastery was established in 1370. It was founded by the monk Feodor, who was a nephew and disciple of the prominent St. Sergius of Radonezh.
Why is it called Simonov Monastery?
The monastery is named after Simeon Khovrin, a boyar of Greek extraction who formerly owned the land. He took monastic vows in the cloister under the name Simon, and many of his descendants are buried there.
What happened to Simonov Monastery during the Soviet era?
The monastery was abolished by the Communist government in 1923. Subsequently, most of its buildings were demolished to make way for an automobile plant.
Is Simonov Monastery still active?
Yes, part of the former monastery buildings were transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1990. Restoration and reconstruction began, and the first service after the restoration was held in 1992, indicating an active religious community.
What notable figures are associated with Simonov Monastery?
Notable figures include its founder Feodor, St. Sergius of Radonezh as his mentor, and Simeon Khovrin. Later, Job, who became the first patriarch of Russia, served as abbot. Learned monks like Vassian Patrikeyev and Maximus the Greek also lived and worked there.
What is the architectural style of the surviving buildings?
The surviving structures from the 17th century include three towers and auxiliary buildings. These are noted for their cannon-like appearance and are described as being in the Naryshkin baroque style.
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