This complex of buildings enjoys a hugepopularity not only among those who live relatively close, but even among foreigners. The Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra in winter is a fascinating picture of blue and white. But what is hidden behind this beauty?
Most Orthodox have at least a familiar nameSergius of Radonezh. This highly revered saint was repeatedly mentioned in the history of Russia in the 14th century. Among other things, one of his merits, evident even today, is the foundation in 1334 of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, to which pilgrims and tourists flock from a huge number of cities and races, even from other countries.
Now it is difficult to imagine, but at firstthe monastery was very difficult - almost no means of livelihood. But difficult times have passed, the Sergius Lavra metochion has grown, and it has become the largest center of culture and spiritual enlightenment. Many active figures of the Russian Church came out of its walls. In difficult times, the walls of the monastery protected its inhabitants from enemies.
Gradually around this spiritual center of steelto form smaller ones. With the assistance of local leaders, new monasteries and churches were opened in different cities. This happened even under Sergius, but even after his death the process continued. In addition, several centuries ago, while still in the status of a monastery, the Lavra could already boast of an extensive and rich library, which for the most part survived to this day. Of course, within the walls of the monastery were many prominent figures of culture and the arts of his time. So to perceive the entire complex only as a spiritual center is a bit wrong.
It is widely known that in troubledperiods of history monasteries served as original fortresses and defensive points. Sergius Lavra was no exception. It was regularly attacked by enemies: Poles and Lithuanians (in the 17th century) who tried to dig under its walls; Germans, after which there was a need for a global restoration, and even the Russians themselves, who, during the Soviet period, shut down and even demolished many churches. The temples of the Sergius Lavra have stood up in all the most difficult milestones of history, and this is an extra reason to admire the selflessness of the local inhabitants who have always defended the interests of the spiritual center of Russia.
Of course, the first thing that comes before the eyes,when someone says: "Sergiev Posad Lavra" - these are snow-white walls and blue domes with stars. This is the Assumption Cathedral, and although it is neither the largest nor the oldest structure of the ensemble, it invariably attracts a lot of attention. Seeing him in the photo, it's just impossible to believe that this church really exists - so beautiful she is.
The main building is the Trinity CathedralSergius Lavra. This is the oldest surviving building, built in 1422-1425. It is an important monument of architecture, and the painting of its interior walls is truly precious, because the work was performed by the world-famous Andrei Rublev. In addition, it is here that the main shrine of the Lavra is preserved - the relics of Sergius of Radonezh.
The Assumption Cathedral appeared in a hundred and fifty years- in 1585-m. It was built at the behest of Ivan the Terrible (which, by the way, was baptized in a local monastery) and, perhaps, that is why the building is a bit like the central Moscow temples of the Kremlin. Despite the fact that this cult structure appeared on the territory of the ensemble not immediately, it perfectly blended into the surrounding landscape, becoming in fact a symbol of the complex, and even eclipsed by popularity Trinity Cathedral of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
The royal palaces date back to the 17th century.Initially, these rooms were intended for reception of high-ranking guests, but in a short time the building began to be used as an academic building for the theological academy.
Another design that immediately reverses itselfattention, is an old bell tower, built in the XVIII century according to the canons of classical architecture. It limits the cathedral square from the north, and its height is 88 meters, which is higher than similar buildings in the Novodevichy Convent and the Kremlin.
In total, the ensemble has more50 different and in their own interesting buildings for different purposes: Mikheevskaya Church, Smolenskaya, in which there is an iconostasis from the destroyed temple, located in Moscow on Pyatnitskaya Street, etc. By the XIX century, active construction on the territory ceased, and gradually Lavra came to the kind in which we see it now.
All Sergiev Lavra (the whole complex of buildings)today it is a recognized architectural monument and since 1993 is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the number 657. At the same time, several functioning monasteries are located on the territory of the ensemble, and the development is still going on. Perhaps, the times when the monastery experienced its heyday, long ago passed, but it's impossible to name the current state of affairs in the sunset either. Spiritual life continues, now there are a large number of important institutions related to the ROC. For example, the Moscow Theological Academy and the Icon Painting School.
In addition to buildings, there is something else that attractshere visitors. This is the relics of Sergius of Radonezh, located in the Trinity Cathedral. In addition, the territory is several holy sources, the queue to which, it seems, does not dry out ever. They drink from there, they also collect water to take it away, some of them can even be dipped.
There are also such sacred places asTikhvin and Chernigov icons of the Mother of God, the holy relics of Maxim the Greek and Antony of Radonezh, the famous icon of St. Nicholas. By the way, the famous "Trinity" Rublev was written specifically for one of the temples of the Lavra, although now she is in the Tretyakov Gallery.
The local bells are also different in their own wayunique, some of them even have their own names. In addition, on the territory of the monastery there are the graves of Boris Godunov and his family. In fact, for each pilgrim and tourist there are their favorite and in their own delightful corners. But at the same time the visitor does not lose the sense of integrity of the whole ensemble - probably, this is what makes the Lavra unique.
Sergius Lavra is primarily a complex of functioning Orthodox churches. Therefore, it goes without saying that services and other activities are regularly conducted on their territory.
In the Trinity Cathedral services are held eachday: at 5:30 midnight begins, at 6:30 mid-liturgy. On Sunday and holidays, at 5 am you can come to the prayer service, starting at 8:30, they are repeated every two hours. Of course, many events are held in other churches, so that almost always on the territory of the complex you can get to the service.
There are many significant dates in the Orthodox calendar.Perhaps, every believer has his favorite holidays, which are of special importance for him. As for the Lavra, all its inhabitants also have a day that is one of the most important for them in the year. This is September 25 / October 8 - Reformation of St. Sergius of Radonezh. Every year at this time, especially solemn services are held, to which the Patriarch and other high-ranking clergymen come.
Another holiday falls on 5/18 July -Discovering the relics of Sergius of Radonezh, one of the main shrines of the Lavra. On this date, also various festive events are appointed, so that these days there are a lot of visitors.
Relative proximity to the Russian capital - moreone factor that determined the current situation in which Sergius Lavra is located. You can get here in several ways, each of which has its pros and cons.
The first option is a car.Sergiev Posad is in the direction of Yaroslavl highway, about 70 kilometers from the capital, so the journey will take about an hour and a half. The advantage of this method is mobility - not far from the Lavra there are some more interesting places, which will be more convenient to get by using your own transport.
The second option is a bus. Regularly from metro stations VDNKh and Shchelkovskaya depart routes in the direction of Sergiev Posad. You need to leave in the city, and it will not be difficult to navigate there.
The third option is an electric train. From the Yaroslavl station to get to the Lavra is also very easy, suburban trains in this direction depart about every half hour.
The official address is as follows: 141300, Moscow Region, Sergiev Posad, Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra.
Sergiev-Troitsk Lavra looks great inany time of year and day. It is really a very beautiful complex of buildings, which is worth seeing at least once with your own eyes. But if you want not only to see, but also to join spiritual values, it is better to choose one of the church holidays. The Trinity-Sergius Lavra in winter and summer is open to visitors daily from 5 am to 9 pm, and during special dates it takes pilgrims and tourists around the clock.
But the ensemble looks especially good in the winter.The snow-covered Lavra looks simply unreal, as if descended from heaven. According to tourists' reviews, winters are generally the best time to visit the ancient Russian churches: at this time there is a special atmosphere. Perhaps, it is because of her that the Sergius-Trinity Lavra takes the same guests again and again. This true tranquility in the midst of a noisy bustle makes you sit on a bench and just watch the visitors and passers-by going on their business. And this activity is also in some way worth it to come here.
Popularity among tourists could not remainunnoticed, so that over the past decade there have been a number of changes that have allowed visitors to feel more comfort. People say that now on the territory of the complex there are benches everywhere, you can eat lunch in the refectory, there are church shops, souvenir shops. Forgetful pilgrims can always get a handkerchief, a cross or something. Of course, there is a place where you can park the car. Still, sometimes it pulls to give up excessive comfort and just ride on the train, contemplating the Russian beauty rushing past the window.
Visiting the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, many travel toRadonezh, where there is a very famous holy spring, in which you can swim. And nearby there is one more - Gremyachy Klyuch. And although most go to the Lavra purposefully, it probably makes sense to go round all the temples located nearby, and perceive them as a single complex, after all, in fact, so it is. Having traveled around the Moscow region, you can get to almost provincial, in comparison with the capital, but no less beautiful Yaroslavl. Excellent examples of Russian architecture can also be seen in Suzdal and Veliky Novgorod. In Russia, there really is something to see, the main thing is to start.
