Zaikonospassky monastery
The Zaikonospassky Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Holy Mandylion, is an Orthodox monastery located in Kitai-gorod, Moscow, near the Kremlin. Founded in 1600 by Boris Godunov, it became a significant center of learning in the late 17th century, hosting Russia's first secondary education institution, the Slavic Greek Latin Academy. Although it faced closure and repurposing after the October Revolution, the monastery was reopened by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1992, and its belltower was subsequently rebuilt.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1600 by Boris Godunov.
- ›Served as the location for the Slavic Greek Latin Academy from 1687 to 1814.
- ›Mikhail Lomonosov was a notable student at the academy hosted by the monastery.
- ›The katholikon of the Holy Mandylion was rebuilt multiple times, with surviving structures dating to the 17th and 18th centuries.
- ›Reopened by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1992.
- ›Its distinctive belltower was rebuilt in 2014.
Baroque
Katholikon of the Holy Mandylion, Slavic Greek Latin Academy
Monastery of the Holy Mandylion, Saviour the Old
Boris Godunov, Symeon of Polotsk, Sylvester Medvedev, Mikhail Lomonosov, Karion Istomin
- Founded By Boris Godunov
- Hosted Slavic Greek Latin Academy
- Bell Tower Demolished After October Revolution
- Reopened By Russian Orthodox Church
- Bell Tower Rebuilt
About Zaikonospassky monastery
The Zaikonospassky Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Holy Mandylion, is an active Orthodox monastery situated in the Kitai-gorod district of Moscow, remarkably close to the Kremlin. Its establishment in 1600 by Boris Godunov marked the beginning of its rich history. Initially named "Saviour the Old," the monastery later acquired its distinctive current name, which translates to "the Saviour behind the icon shops," referencing its location.
Historical Significance and Education
In the late 17th century, under the guidance of learned figures like Symeon of Polotsk and Sylvester Medvedev, the Zaikonospassky Monastery evolved into a significant hub of intellectual activity. From 1687 until 1814, it served as the home for the Slavic Greek Latin Academy, recognized as Russia's first institution of secondary education. This period saw many influential scholars and figures pass through its doors, including Mikhail Lomonosov, who would later found Moscow University. The importance of the academy waned after Lomonosov's establishment of the university in 1755.
Architecture and Later History
The surviving architectural elements of the monastery include the Baroque katholikon of the Holy Mandylion, originally constructed in the mid-17th century and subsequently rebuilt. Other notable structures include 17th-century chambers and a former school building from 1822. Following the October Revolution, the monastery's belltower was dismantled, and its buildings were allocated to the Moscow State Institute for History and Archives. The Russian Orthodox Church successfully reopened the Zaikonospassky Monastery in 1992, initiating a period of renewed spiritual life, though it has also been engaged in legal disputes over property with the institute's successor. In a significant restoration effort, the monastery's belltower was meticulously rebuilt in 2014 to its original design.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Zaikonospassky Monastery founded?
The Zaikonospassky Monastery was founded in 1600 by Boris Godunov. It was initially named "Saviour the Old" before acquiring its current name.
What was the historical significance of the Zaikonospassky Monastery for education?
In the late 17th century, the monastery was transformed into a center of learning. Between 1687 and 1814, it housed the Slavic Greek Latin Academy, which was Russia's first secondary education establishment.
Who was a famous student associated with the Zaikonospassky Monastery?
Mikhail Lomonosov, a prominent Russian scientist and writer, was a famous student of the Slavic Greek Latin Academy hosted by the monastery. A memorial plaque honors him there.
What is the current status of the Zaikonospassky Monastery?
The Zaikonospassky Monastery was reopened by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1992. It has been involved in legal proceedings regarding ownership of its former assets.
What architectural styles are present at the Zaikonospassky Monastery?
The surviving buildings include the Baroque katholikon of the Holy Mandylion. Other structures date from the 17th century, and a former school building dates to 1822.
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