Holy places of Russia. Holy Springs of Central Russia

Baptism is one of the most beloved church winter holidays. Since ancient times, people have attached special importance to it, also because on this day you can get rid of physical and spiritual ailments. Especially, people revere Epiphany water , because on this great holiday all the water becomes healing. Not in vain, on Epiphany, many people plunge into the hole in order to improve their health and feel a surge of vigor. However, you can go to the temple for holy water, which gives strength to the spirit and body, at any time, not only in winter. So the springs can be reached at any time of the year.

One of these places is source of Sergius of Radonezh, near Sergiev Posad. It is believed that the source helps to heal people with cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

Also, the Moscow region can be proud of another healing source of St. Sergius. There is a source in Borisovo, next to Pavlov Posad. Water from these places helps relieve fatigue and heals wounds.

In the Ivanovo region, not far from Pestyakov, there is a well-known " spring ring". It represents dozens of springs with a wide variety of healing and useful properties. Each of them has its own specific and peculiar taste, helps with various ailments of the body and soul. However, you can come to the "Spring Ring" not only for recovery, but simply to have a good rest and admire the beauty of nature. Especially good in these places in the summer.

The next amazing healing spring is located in the Moscow region in the village of Talezh. Therapeutic spring of saint david and a font in which you can bathe, have made this region a place of pilgrimage for people with various diseases, especially with problems of the stomach and intestines. In Talezh, next to the source, there is a whole complex in which visitors who come to recover in a holy place live. Many travel hundreds of thousands of kilometers just to take home healing water, because it has special features and can not deteriorate for more than a month.

The unique place is the holy source of Panteleimon the healer in the village of Removka, Donetsk region. The fame of the source grows from year to year, attracting more and more pilgrims to its healing waters. The spring water is rich in minerals and silver. Scientists took samples and came to the conclusion that this water is incredibly useful. The taste of the source of the healer Panteleimon is inimitable, Peter I himself could once appreciate it.

The sources of the Leningrad region have unusual healing properties. One of these places is the village of Tervenichi. In it, at the convent, there is a spring that can heal people suffering from asthma and allergies.

Another holy place in the Leningrad region is the monastery of Alexander Svirsky. People come here mainly with diseases of the joints and problems of the musculoskeletal system.

In the Perm region in the Verkhne-Chusovskie towns there is a source that heals from heartache, anxiety and sadness. Holy water will help heal spiritual wounds from unrequited love, the loss of a loved one, and many other spiritual torments.

No other country in the world has such a quantity of Christian values ​​as in Russia. We will begin our “filing of materials” from the capital. The holy places of Moscow are a prominent page in the list of famous churches in Russia. There are also miraculous icons, and healing relics, and the healing water of holy springs. To touch these shrines, people come not only from other regions, but even countries. In this article we will talk about the most famous and most revered holy places in Moscow.

Temples of Russia: Temple of Sergius of Radonezh.

KYIAN CROSS

An exact copy of the Cross on which Christ was crucified. Made from Palestinian cypress and lined with gold, silver and precious stones.

But for Christians, the main value of this holy place is that particles of the relics of almost four hundred saints are hidden inside the cross.

Interesting detail: after the revolution, the cross was for a long time in the anti-religious museum in the Solovetsky camp.

What helps

People come to this Cross with all their troubles. And they also touch it to gain strength not only spiritual, but also physical.

Where is

Church of Sergius of Radonezh, Krapivensky lane, 4 (metro station "Pushkinskaya" or "Chekhovskaya").

Monasteries of Russia:Danilov Holy Trinity Monastery.

THE RELIGIONS OF NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER

Parts of the remains of the most revered saint in Russia are kept in the Danilov Holy Trinity Monastery in a silver reliquary. Many miracles are known that took place thanks to these relics. But the mere fact that they have not been touched by decay for many centuries, even scientists consider it a phenomenon.

What help

Nicholas the Wonderworker is prayed for help to sailors, travelers and prisoners. In poverty and need. Coming to this holy place, they ask for peace in the family and the intercession of widows and orphans.

Where are

Danilov Holy Trinity Monastery, Danilovsky Val, 22 (metro station "Tulskaya").

Temples of Russia:Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God.

THE NAILS OF THE LORD

One of the main Christian shrines. It is believed that this nail is one of those that nailed Christ to the Cross. It is stored in the Assumption Cathedral in a silver ark.

What helps

For believers, touching such a shrine means strengthening their faith. This holy place is a blessing for Moscow, as it is believed that the cities in which such nails are stored receive strong protection from epidemics and wars.

Where is

Kremlin, Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God (metro station "Borovitskaya" or "Alexander Garden").

Temples of Russia:Church of the Resurrection.

RESTORIES AND ICON WITH THE HOLY PANTELEIMON

After the martyrdom, the relics of Panteleimon dispersed in parts throughout the world. In Moscow there are two churches with relics and miraculous icons.

What help

The saint was recognized as a great healer during his lifetime. And since then, prayers have been addressed to him for various illnesses.

Where are

Church of the Resurrection of Christ, Sokolnicheskaya Square, 6 (metro station Sokolniki).

Church of the Great Martyr Nikita, st. Goncharnaya, 6 (metro station "Taganskaya" or "Chistye Prudy").

Some holy springs are very reminiscent of chapels.

HOLY SPRINGS OF MOSCOW

There are about 30 holy springs in Moscow. The most famous - Kholodny - is located in Teply Stan, not far from the Konkovo ​​metro station. It has long been believed that the water of the holy spring, if you drink it from the Cold on an empty stomach in the morning and evening, helps to quickly cleanse the kidneys and liver. And this water quickly relieves headaches.

Another no less famous holy spring is located in the Tatar ravine, near the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. The water in it is the purest of all the springs of the capital. It cures many ailments, even mental disorders.

There are more than 20 keys in Kolomenskoye. One of them - Kadochka - beats next to the famous Church of the Ascension. According to legend, it was this water of the holy spring that saved one of the wives of Ivan the Terrible from infertility.

There are also healing holy springs near the Voykovskaya metro station, in the Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo forest park, in Filevsky Park, St. Danilov Monastery, Neskuchny Garden, Serebryany Bor, Bitsevsky Forest Park, Kuntsevo, Medvedkovo and Tsaritsyn.

However, even confessors advise caution when drinking the water of holy springs.

With today's ecology, no one can vouch for the purity of the keys, - explains Archpriest Nikolai (Remzovsky). - Therefore, before drinking from a healing holy spring, draw water from it and consecrate it at a prayer service in the temple.

How is it decided that the relics or the icon are miraculous

The ruling bishop, either himself or through authorized persons, not only collects information about miracles, but also conducts their examination. It also provides the commission with documentary evidence of the former miracle (whether it be medical documents or eyewitness testimony in front of the Cross and the Gospel).

MIRACULOUS ICONS

MIRACULOUS ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD OF VLADIMIR

It is believed that the apostle Luke wrote it. The icon saved Russia more than once: both during the raid of Tokhtamysh, and during the atrocities of Batu's soldiers. And even when the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir burned down during the fire, the icon lay on the ashes intact and unharmed.

What helps

This icon is considered one of the symbols of Russia, so it is customary to turn to it not only with personal requests. Many come to intercede for the well-being of the whole country (especially officials, especially in front of television cameras).

Where is

In the church of St. Nicholas (by the way, the most famous icon of Rublev "Trinity" is also here). Maly Tolmachevsky per., 9 (metro station "Tretyakovskaya").

MIRACULOUS ICON "MERCIOUS"

It is stored in the Zachatievsky Monastery - it was erected in 1584 by the childless Tsar Fedor Ioannovich and his wife Irina Godunova. Soon they had a daughter. Since then, the icon “Merciful” has been considered the main shrine here (it was in front of her that the queen prayed for the birth of a child).

What helps

Childless people come to this icon from all cities to ask for help in conceiving.

Where is

2nd Zachatievsky per., 2 (metro station "Kropotkinskaya" or "Park Kultury").

MIRACLE-WORKING ICON "THE Tsaritsa"

It is stored in the temple of the Novospassky Monastery, built in the 13th century.

What helps

She is prayed for for drug addicts and cancer patients.

Where is

Peasant Square, 10 (metro station "Proletarskaya" or "Krestyanskaya Zastava").

MIRACULOUS ICON "SEARCH FOR THE DEAD"

For a long time, the place of her "registration" was the Church of the Nativity. When it was destroyed in 1937, the icon was saved. Now it is located in one of the oldest Moscow churches - the Resurrection of the Word.

What helps

Brides turn to her when they get married. They also pray for those who suffer from drunkenness and poverty and perishing children.

Where is

Bryusov lane, 15/2 (metro station "Okhotny Ryad").

MIRACULOUS ICON OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

A few years ago, in the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the face of Christ suddenly appeared on the glass of the iconostasis. Here is the icon of John the Baptist.

What helps

This saint is addressed for various pains. And especially if you have a headache.

Where is

Petropavlovsky per., 4 - 6 (metro station "Kitay-Gorod", "Chistye Prudy").

MIRACULOUS ICON "UNEXPECTED JOY"

Previously, there were three such icons in Moscow, and all were considered miraculous. But after the revolution, one disappeared without a trace.

What helps

The icon is prayed for the health and happiness of children. Asking for help to fix the problem.

Where is

* Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy", st. Sheremetyevskaya, 33.
* Temple of Elijah the Prophet, 2nd Obydensky per., 6 (metro station "Kropotkinskaya").

MIRACULOUS ICON "QUICK MY SORRY"

She became famous in Moscow for many miracles, especially during the plague of 1771. In the church of Nicholas the Wonderworker, where the icon is still kept, there are even written testimonies of its miracles.

In Moscow there are four more holy lists (full copies) from the icon: in the churches of St. John the Baptist on Pokrovka; St. Apostles Peter and Paul on Basmannaya; St. Tikhon of Amaphuntsky at the Arbat Gate and in the Church of St. Sergius.

What helps

They pray to her during life's adversities and misfortunes.

Where is

Church of the Prelate on Pupyshi, Vishnyakovsky per., 157 (metro station "Paveletskaya", "Novokuznetskaya").

MIRACULOUS ICON OF "JOY OF ALL SORRY"

The first high-profile miracle associated with this icon happened at the end of the 17th century. Patriarch Joachim's sister suffered from a terrible disease: she had a deep wound on her side. The girl turned to the icon and was soon healed. Since then, the Orthodox annually celebrate the day of the icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (October 24 / November 6).

What helps

Survive major surgeries and skin diseases. It has been testified more than once that after praying to her, wounds healed faster.

Where is

Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow", st. B. Ordynka, 20 (metro station "Tretyakovskaya").

Holy places - Monasteries in Moscow

Monasteries have always been an integral part of the image of Moscow. Among the architectural monuments preserved in Moscow, monasteries occupy a special place. They spread along the Moscow streets, hid behind high-rise buildings and green trees, they continue to lead their quiet, holy life.

Monasteries(from the Greek monasterion - a hermit's cell), a community of monks (monastery) or nuns ( convent), adopting uniform rules of life (charter). The first Christian monasteries arose as settlements of hermits (III - IV centuries in Egypt). Monasteries contributed to the spread of literacy, book business. In Russia, the largest male monasteries are called laurels.

How old are the monasteries?

It's believed that Danilov Monastery- the first monastery in Moscow. It was founded at the end of the 13th century younger son Alexander Nevsky, Prince Daniel of Moscow, later canonized as a saint. Here he was buried in 1303. The Epiphany Monastery was also founded at the end of the 13th century. Extensive monastic construction unfolded in Moscow in the second half of the 14th century. It was at this time that such monasteries as Andronikov, Chudov, Rozhdestvensky, Simonov, Sretensky were built. The main part of the Moscow monasteries was founded in the XVI-XVII centuries.

In Russia, the role of monasteries in the life of the people has always been significant. They were the centers of spiritual life. Usually a suburban monastery was turned to face (by a wall in which the Holy Gates with a gate church were built) to the main road leading to the capital. The role of the central road was often performed by a navigable river or lake.

The monasteries of Moscow are a place of prayerful appeal to the saints and wonderworkers of Moscow. They contain the relics of St. blgv. book. Daniel of Moscow, St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, St. Andronicus and Savva of Moscow, St. icon painter Andrei Rublev and others. The monastic necropolises of our city are unique historical monuments not only of Moscow, but of the entire Fatherland. Over the course of seven centuries, more than fifty monasteries were erected on Moscow land, of which only a few have survived to this day. Their doors are open to those who want to enter the fertile world of Orthodox Moscow.

Monasteries of Moscow:

• Andreevsky Monastery
  • Address: Andreevskaya emb., 2
• Epiphany Monastery
  • Address: Bogoyavlensky per., 2
• All Saints Monastery
  • Address: sh. Enthusiasts, 7
• All-Sorrowing Monastery
  • Address: Novoslobodskaya st., 58
• Vysokopetrovsky Monastery
  • Address: Petrovka st., 28/2
• Danilov Monastery
  • Address: Danilovsky Val, 22
• Donskoy Monastery
  • Address: Donskaya sq., 1
• Zaikonospassky Monastery
  • Address: Nikolskaya st., 7-
• Conception Monastery
  • Address: 2nd Zachatievsky lane, 2
• Znamensky Monastery
  • Address: Varvarka street, 8-10 (cathedral - 8a)
• Ivanovo Monastery
  • Address: M. Ivanovsky per., 2
• Kazan Golovinsky Monastery
  • Address: Kronshtadsky boulevard, 29-
• Nikolo-Perervinsky Monastery
  • Address: Shosseynaya st., 82
• Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery
  • Address: Dzerzhinsky, St. Nicholas Square
• Nikolsky Monastery
  • Address: Preobrazhensky Val, 25
• Novo-Alekseevsky Monastery
  • Address: 2nd Krasnoselsky lane, 7
• Novodevichy Convent
  • Address: Novodevichy pr., 1
• Novospassky Monastery
  • Address: Krestyanskaya sq., 10
• Intercession Monastery
  • Address: Taganskaya st.
• Nativity monastery
  • Address: Rozhdestvenka street, 20
• Simonov Monastery
  • Address: Vostochnaya st., 4
• Spaso-Andronikov Monastery
  • Address: Andronyevskaya sq., 10
• Sretensky Monastery
  • Address: B. Lubyanka st., 19, building 1

Men's monasteries in Moscow:

• Novospassky Stauropegial Monastery
  • Address: Krestyanskaya sq., 10. (m. Proletarskaya).
• St. Danilov Stauropegial Monastery
  • Address: st. Danilovsky Val, 22. (m. Tulskaya).
• Sretensky Stauropegial Monastery
  • Address: st. Bolshaya Lubyanka, 19. (m. Turgenevskaya).
• Donskoy Stauropegial Monastery
  • Address: Donskaya sq., 1. (m. Leninsky Prospekt).
• Nikolo-Ugreshsky Stauropegial Monastery
  • Address: R.p. Dzerzhinsky, st. Dzerzhinskaya, d.6.

Women's monasteries in Moscow

• Mother of God-Christmas Stauropegial Convent

Address: st. Rozhdestvenskaya, 20. (metro station Kuznetsky most).

• Zachatievsky stauropegial convent

Address: m. Park Kultury

• Intercession Stauropegial Convent (former Ubozhedomsky)

Address: m. Taganskaya

• John the Baptist Convent

Address: m. Kitay-gorod

• Martha and Mary Convent of the Sisters of Mercy

Address: m. Tretyakovskaya

Some Holy Springs of the Moscow Region

Moscow is not just a capital and an economic center. Moscow is the Orthodox center of a huge state. And, if you have never visited the holy places of the Moscow region, this gap in spiritual education must be urgently filled.

Why is it important?

For a Russian person, religion has traditionally been something more than just a ritual. Russia is a believing land. The whole history of Russia as a state is closely connected with Orthodoxy. People suffered and died for religion, wars were waged for religion, they relied on religion in difficult days. We inherited many historical monuments, monasteries, holy places from the past. The holy places of the Moscow region are incredibly popular places in terms of visiting. Why? Apparently, even now, people find answers, soothe the soul and heart, coming there.Orthodoxy begins with water. Water cleanses and invigorates. It is believed that holy water cures diseases. I don’t know what the secret is here, either in faith in a miracle, or indeed, water from holy places has a certain medicinal effect. It is only known for certain that, according to GOST, the water supplied to apartments through the water supply can contain up to 600 bacteria. In water from holy springs, bacterial contamination is zero. In addition, this water has a high biological activity. That is, speaking in everyday language, strengthening forces, energy-giving properties. That is why the holy springs attract so many people. There are more than 100 holy springs on the territory of the Moscow region.

The most visited consecrated springs of the Moscow region.

Chekhov region.

• Desert of David - Talezh. refers to the Holy Ascension David's hermitage.

Podolsk region.

• Source "Erinskiy". Brick chapel of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa over a spring with a font. Located near the sanatorium "Erino".

Leninsky district.

• Holy spring of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia. A wooden chapel over a spring with a font next to the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God in the village. Desna-Petrel.
• Holy spring "Ilyinsky". A small overhead chapel of Elijah the Prophet in a ravine next to the Church of the Nativity in the village. Conversations.Dmitrovsky district.
• Holy spring of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God. Chapel over a spring with a font near the Church of the Nativity in the village. Ilinskoe.
• Holy spring of the holy martyr Kharlampy. It is located near the Church of the Resurrection of the Word near the village. Karpovo. It is named after Harlampy of Nicomedia, the chapel of which existed in the church. You can find it by the worship cross near the temple, which usually marks the beginning of the path to the source.

Pushkin region.

• Holy spring "Gribanovo". Chapel of Peter and Paul above the spring. Located at the village. Gribanovo.
• Holy spring "Muranovo", aka "Barsky well". It is located in the museum-estate of the Tyutchevs. When clearing the spring, they found that water breaks through in 12 places. There is a font over which a chapel is built.
• Holy spring "Sofrino". Located on the territory of the Sofrino health complex, the former estate of the Gagarins, near the Church of St. John the Warrior.

Mozhaisk region.

• Holy Spring of the Miraculous Icon of the Mother of God of Kolotskaya. Above the spring there is a wooden chapel. There is no font, but there is a place and buckets for dousing. Located next to the Assumption Monastery near the village. Kolotskoye.
• Holy spring of St. Ferapont. It is located right in front of the Luzhetsky Monastery in Mozhaisk, on Brykina Gora. A wooden chapel above the spring, which was called the "well of St. Ferapont."

Sergiev Posad region.

• Holy spring of St. Sergius of Radonezh in the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra. Located on the territory of the monastery.
• Holy spring of John the Baptist. Located next to the Church of the Assumption Holy Mother of God in Sergiev Posad.
• Holy spring of Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is located next to the Lavra, on the banks of the Kelar Pond.
• Holy spring of Savva Storozhevsky. Located next to Lavra.
• Holy spring of St. Sergius of Radonezh "Gremyachiy" Located at the village. Vzglyadnevo. The source is surprisingly similar to a waterfall. There is a tub and a shower room.
• Holy spring "Radonezh". Located in the village of the same name near the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
• Holy spring of the Chernihiv skete. In the underground temple of Michael the Archangel, a vein of living water beats.

Schelkovsky district.

• Holy spring of the Passionate Icon of the Mother of God. Located at the village. Bones. Before the revolution, there was a chapel above it. Now only the spring remains.
• Holy Spring of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa. Located behind the vil. Kostyshi, on the road to Fryanovo. It was considered healing, the water from it helped to treat eye diseases.

Stupinsky district.

Each of these places carries an amazing story.

1. Desert of David - Talezh. By car - Along the Simferopol highway, 80 km south of Moscow. By train - Kursk railway station to Chekhov station, then by bus number 25 to the turn to Talezh, from there walk 1.5 km. The monastery was founded on May 15, 1515 by the Monk David from the family of princes Vyazemsky. Not far from the monastery, in the village of Talezh, there is a desert courtyard. There, a spring comes out of the ground, consecrated in the name of St. David. A whole spring complex was built next to it: the temple of St. David, a belfry and two indoor baths - male and female. It is believed that healing from diseases of the eyes and liver takes place at the source.
2. Holy springs of the Sheremetev estate. By car - along Novoryazanskoe highway, turn left at the Small Concrete Ring. On the public transport- from the metro station "Vykhino" by bus number 402, 403 to Malin, then by bus number 34. Many sources. The most famous two. The first is "Joy of All Who Sorrow." Be at the bottom. The uniqueness of the spring is in the concentration of silver, which is 20 times higher than the norm. The second is the ancient miraculous source of the prophet of God Elijah. This source is a witness and custodian of the events of the 18th century. Mentioned in many historical descriptions.
3. Holy spring of St. Sergius of Radonezh "Gremyachiy" 14 km southeast of Sergiev Posad. (near the village of Vzdglyadnevo). By car - by Yaroslavl highway. Then follow the signs. At the 65th km from the Moscow Ring Road, turn right. The name "Gremyachiy" arose due to the fact that the springs hit from a height of 25 meters. Among the people, each of the key streams has its own name - Faith (heals heart disease), Hope (nervous system), Love (heals women's diseases). In its composition, the water resembles the springs of Kislovodsk, so you should not get carried away and drink it often. The water contains healing radon, which in moderate doses has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, helps to cope with chronic diseases. Especially indicated for diseases of the cardiovascular cycle and the musculoskeletal system. Helps to cope with stress. Bathing in the spring is not recommended for pregnant women.

Traveling to holy places is a rest for both soul and body. Remember that the holy springs are still not a beach, and you should not come there to swim. You have to go with a special mood, with peace in your soul, and then you will also believe in the miraculous power of water.

HOLY PLACES OF MOSCOW REGION

Serpukhov - Zachatievsky - David's Hermitage - Talezh

Acquaintance with the city of Serpukhov: Cathedral Hill: Trinity Cathedral and the remains of the white stone walls of the Serpukhov Kremlin of the 16th century, Vladychny Vvedensky Convent and Vysotsky Zachatievsky Monastery. Voznesenskaya Davidov Hermitage, founded in 1515. Davyd, a student of Pafnuty Borovsky. Not far from the monastery, in the village of Talezh, there is a courtyard of the desert, where a plentiful source of spring water, consecrated in the name of St. David, springs from under the ground.

Sergiev Posad - Trinity-Sergius Lavra

Excursion to the Trinity-Sergeev Lavra. The relics of St. Sergius are kept in the Trinity Cathedral (1422), it was for this cathedral that Andrei Rublev's "Trinity" was written. The decoration of the cathedral contains fresco paintings of the 17th century and a copy of Rublev's Trinity.

Zvenigorod - Savino-Storozhevsky monastery

Acquaintance with the city of Zvenigorod: the Church of the Assumption on the gorodets - the most valuable monument in the Moscow region (XII century), Savvino - Storozhevsky Monastery - the most beautiful monastery of the XVII century, most of the buildings of which were created by order of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich

Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery - Bykovo

Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery is an active male monastery. It was founded on the vow of Dmitry Donskoy in the XIV century. False Dmitry was hiding in the monastery, Archpriest Avvakum was imprisoned, and Polish troops were standing. The unique Jerusalem Wall, the St. Nicholas Church of the 18th century, the Spassky Cathedral of the 20th century, the chapel on the site of the tent of Dmitry Donskoy have been preserved.
Bykovo - manor palace, reminiscent of a Gothic English castle. Temple Vladimir icon Mother of God - according to the original three-dimensional composition, it has no equal.

New Jerusalem

Historical and architectural museum and a functioning monastery. The monastery on Istra near Moscow, built by Patriarch Nikon, embodies the Russian Holy Land. Nikon gave biblical names to the surrounding places: the Jordan River, the Garden of Gethsemane.

Conversations - Ostrov - Znamensky Skete

Acquaintance with the tent temples of the south-east of the near Moscow region. The Church of the Nativity in the Conversations and the Transfiguration of the Lord in the village of Ostrov is a unique architectural monument of the times of Ivan the Terrible.
A visit to the Serafimo-Znamensky Skete, the decoration of which is a hipped-roof temple of the Art Nouveau style, built at the beginning of the 20th century. In the village of Bityagovo - a white-stone church of the 17th century, a source.

Radonezh - Khotkovo - Chernigov Skete

Exaltation Church, Church of the Transfiguration, the place where the youth of St. Sergius of Radonezh passed, the monument of V. Klykov to St. Sergei of Radonezh. Khotkovo: Intercession Convent, place of tonsure of the parents of Sergei Radonezh. The history of the foundation of the Chernigov Skete, the Gethsemane Skete, the famous caves - a place of solitude for the monks of the Trinity - St. Sergeyev Lavra, an underground temple with a miraculous source. Isakovskaya grove.

Sukhanovo - Catherine's Hermitage

Sukhanovo: the territory of the Volkonsky estate, an external examination of the main house with two outbuildings, a park, the Volkonsky family mausoleum. Men's active monastery Catherine's Hermitage. In the middle of the last century, the infamous "Sukhanovka" was located here - one of the most terrible execution prisons.

Vinogradovo - Nikolo-Peshnoshsky Monastery - Medvedev Hermitage

With. Vinogradovo: Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, necropolis of the Benckendorff family c. Kiovo-Spasskoye: Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands; Nikolo-Peshnoshsky Monastery of the Medvedev Hermitage: Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, St. source; With. Ozeretskoe: St. Nicholas Church.

HOLY SOURCES:
HISTORY OF HONOR AND PERSECUTION

Holy water has powers
to the sanctification of the souls and bodies of all who use it.
Set. Dimitry Khersonsky

Water... Without it, a person is doomed to death. It is no coincidence that many peoples already in ancient times developed special cults associated with wells, streams, and rivers. The pagans worshiped the "spirits of the springs." The Egyptians revered the Nile sacred, the Hindus the Ganges, the Germans the Rhine. The deity of water was one of the main in pagan religions. He had to be appeased by sacrifices, and then the deity provided moisture to the crops and did not destroy the livestock, and when people had to trust their fate to water, they safely let them go to land.
So it was everywhere - among the Assyrians and Persians, among the Chinese and American Indians. Only one people we will not find such an attitude to the water, only one people did not pray to the spirits of the springs, and, oddly enough, it was among them that there were people who were given power over the capricious elements.

And the children of Israel, all the congregation, came to the wilderness of Sin in the first month, and the people stopped in Kadesh ... And there was no water for the congregation, and they gathered against Moses and Aaron, and the people murmured against Moses and said: Oh, if they died then we too, when our brothers died before the Lord! why did you bring the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, so that we and our livestock might die here? and why did you bring us out of Egypt, to bring us to this unprofitable place, where there is no sowing, no fig trees, no grapes, no pomegranates, not even water to drink? And Moses took the rod from the presence of the Lord, as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the people to the rock, and he said to them: Listen, you rebellious ones, shall we bring water from this rock for you? And Moses raised his hand and struck the rock with his rod twice, and much water flowed, and the congregation and its cattle drank (Numbers 20:1-11).

Yes, in Greek myths you can find a story about Poseidon, who, having hit the ground with a trident, brought out a source from under it. But Poseidon was revered by the Greeks as a god, but Moses was not. Never before have people attributed power over the water element to a mortal! The Old Testament tells how the rod of the prophet, which hit the river, made it undrinkable, and the hand of Moses, stretched out over the sea, made the waves part...
And yet, a curious detail catches the eye: at the time Old Testament there were almost no springs whose water would give healing. The Bible mentions only one such source - the Sheep Font. However, over the centuries after the birth of Christ, hundreds and even thousands of holy springs became famous! From their waters came great amount miracles, many people were healed... But there is no riddle here. These miracles became possible after the coming of Christ. God came to earth, God became man. God was baptized in the waters of an earthly river.

In those days, John the Baptist comes and preaches in the wilderness of Judea... And they were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins... Then Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan to John - to be baptized by him. John held Him back and said: I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me? But Jesus said to him in answer: leave it now; for thus it behooves us to fulfill all righteousness... And having been baptized, Jesus immediately went up out of the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and John saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and descending upon Him (Matt. 3:1-16).

The baptism of Christ sanctified the very nature of water. On the day when Jesus of Nazareth stepped into the waters of the Jordan River, a great miracle happened. And this miracle has been going on for almost two thousand years. It manifests itself, for example, in the fact that the water that is consecrated in the church does not deteriorate, it stays for years and even decades. This water has amazing properties, helps in various ailments and diseases. Even those who are far from believing in God know this; it is no coincidence that on the feast of Epiphany (January 19) the churches are overflowing with people, people stand in queues for many hours for holy water. Not a man, not a priest sanctifies the water on this day - it is sanctified by the Lord Himself. That is why at midnight on Epiphany you can draw water from a river, from a lake, from a well, from any source - and it will have the properties of holy water.
God gave the Jews water through the prayer of Moses. As we have already seen, after the advent of Christ into the world, many received the gift of opening springs and controlling the streams of water. Here are two more examples - from our Orthodox history.
XVI century. The Monk Alexander of Svir (1533), at the request of the brethren, decides to build a mill. To do this, you need to dig a channel from the upper lake to the lower one. (The latter was located at a distance of "two arrow flights" from the monastery.) During the work, water suddenly rushes down with a huge noise, right on the monastery. Monks in horror await the flooding and destruction of the monastery. But Saint Alexander, kneeling down and calling to God, depicts a cross against the aspiration of water. Immediately its flow stops.
XIX century. Reverend Herman of Alaska (1837) stops the flood at the request of the Aleutian Indians. He places the icon on the shore, having determined the limit through which the water should not pass, and rises to pray. And the water does not reach the sacred boundary.

The English writer Clive Staples Lewis wrote: “There is one religion in the world, at least the only one I know of, with which one thing cannot be done. For example, miracles attributed to Gautama Buddha can be removed from Buddhism and nothing is lost. By the way, these miracles are described in later Buddhist texts, but before they were not mentioned, which did not interfere with the practice of Buddhism. In the same way, in Islam, in essence, nothing will change if you remove miracles from it. On the contrary, the image of a prophet who convinces people with just one word would only benefit from this. But all this cannot be done with Christianity, because Christian history is the history of a great miracle.”
It's hard to say better. Yes, our history is “the history of a great miracle”. There are many languages ​​in the world and many religions and beliefs. And yet, no country and no people can present as many wondrous miracles as there are to this day among Christians. Where else have people been healed near the remains of the dead? Where simple images on a canvas or a board did not burn in fire, appeared in the air, exuded myrrh? And where did a person stop the flood and bring springs of healing water out of the ground? And where else was the spring that gave people as many miraculous healings as the Life-giving spring near Constantinople?

In addition to these values, our region is rich in places where the soul of a believing Christian aspires to go. The path to them will never overgrow, here you can feel an amazing atmosphere that can charge a person with energy, give him strength, aspiration, strengthen his spirit and open up a lot of new knowledge for him.

Only one road leads to such places - Vera.

What is a pilgrimage

Generally speaking, a pilgrimage is a trip to holy places. However, this is not the whole deep meaning that lies in this word. In fact, this is the road to God. Everyone has their own, someone wants to thank for the miracle, for whom this is the last stronghold of hope. Indeed, often the road to God goes through torment, suffering, hopelessness, despair. People come to holy places in search of a miracle and receive it. Here they are not judged by clothes, mind, on holy land we are all equal.

The Fourth Destiny of the Mother of God on earth - Diveevo

In the Nizhny Novgorod region there is an old village founded in 1559 - Diveevo.

How to get there

From Moscow, you can get to the Nizhny Novgorod region by train. Several times a week, a train departs from the Kazansky railway station, going to the Arzamas-2 station. There is a bus station not far from the station. From it every 1.5 hours there are buses to the village. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. You can also get to your destination by taxi or by minibus.

Owners of their own car will be able to get there on their own, along the E-22 / M-7 highway. The journey will take up to 7 hours on average.

What is the area famous for?

Diveevo Monastery among believers is the last lot of the Mother of God. The relics of Seraphim of Sarov are kept on its territory. The holy elder healed the lost souls of people during his lifetime, opening the way to God for them. Many come here to venerate the holy relics.

The ditch is a must visit place for pilgrims. It was dug by Seraphim of Sarov in 1829. According to legend, if you walk along it and read the prayer to the Mother of God 150 times, then she will be heard.

About a 20-minute walk from the temple there are holy springs, if you dip in them three times, you can get mental and physical healing.

Optina Pustyn

One of the spiritual centers of Russia is the Monastery of Optina Hermitage, founded in early XVI century, it is located in Kaluga region. The Optina elders have been distinguished for their wisdom over the centuries. They were ready to support the weakened, raise the stumbled and help to find peace for the lost soul.

How to get there

Every day, a bus departs from Moscow from the Yugo-Zapadnaya station, on a flight to Kozelsk, from there it will be possible to get to the place by bus or taxi. Approximate distance 3 km. The golden domes of the temples are visible from afar, so it is impossible to pass the desired stop.

What is the strength

The history of Optina is still shrouded in mystery; according to some sources, it was founded at the beginning of the 15th century. The elders were endowed with special power; according to rumors, they controlled people from various classes. Dostoevsky, Gogol, Tolstoy were frequent guests in the skete.

There are seven temples on the territory of the monastery. The main complex is the Vvedensky Cathedral. It contains the relics, as well as one of the revered icons - the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

Nilo-Stolobenskaya Hermitage

The picturesque island of Seliger is famous not only for its picturesque nature, but also for its places of power. One of them is the monastery of Nil's Desert. It was built by prayer hermits. A secluded place is saturated with faith, helps to find peace with oneself.

How to get there

Buses depart from the Tushinskaya station from Moscow to Ostashkov. Travel time 6 hours. Having reached the village, you will need to transfer to the bus going to Svetlitsa. Please note that transport in these areas runs on Fridays and Sundays. If you arrive on another day, you can use the taxi service.

Shrines of the monastery

The main shrine of the temple are the relics of St. Nil Stolobensky. Pilgrims come here to pray for the health of their loved ones and ask for spiritual cleansing.

A masterpiece of architecture - Kizhi

Kizhi is a unique place where an atmosphere of amazing calm reigns. Many pilgrims come here to gain strength, strengthen their spirit and faith. Local nature, architectural treasures and the holy land contribute to this in every possible way.

How to get there

To Petrozavodsk from major cities There are regular flights to Russia. From there, you can get to Kizhi by meteor or comet.

main shrines

Kizhi is not only a temple, it is a masterpiece of wooden architecture. The main temple is the Kizhi churchyard and the temple of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Not a single nail was used in its construction. During the pilgrimage, you can visit the entire ensemble, as well as see the ancient iconostasis. Despite the dilapidation of time, this incomparable tale of domes has come down to us, retaining all the magic. After the tour, you will be able to feel unearthly lightness and strength.

Halo of Holiness - Solovetsky Monastery

One of the cultural heritage of the Solovetsky Islands is the monastery of the same name.

How to get there

There are flights to Arkhangelsk from Sheremetyevo Airport several times a week. From there, the island can be reached by boat, stopping at the quay of the Bay of Prosperity.

main shrines

This center of spiritual life is a prime example image of the city of heavenly Jerusalem on our earth. Earthly beauty symbolizes spiritual beauty. Even in the times of paganism, the ancient Sami considered the local lands to be holy. The monastery was built in the XV century, and almost immediately became the largest spiritual center. Despite the years of hard times, a special atmosphere has been preserved here. During the pilgrimage you will be able to visit the Skete of St. Sergius, the Skete of Trinity, the St. Andrew's Hermitage, as well as the Stone Labyrinths.

Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra - the spiritual center of Russia

Trinity-Sergius Lavra - located on the territory of Sergievsky Posad. The complex was founded in the XIV century. Throughout its history, it has witnessed more than one large-scale event. Currently, about 200 monks live in the monastery. Due to its architectural appearance, the monastery was included in the List world heritage UNESCO.

How to get there

You can get to the place by train, which departs from the Yaroslavl railway station. You will need to get to Sergiev Posad station. From the station to the monastery, the distance is short, you can walk in about 5 minutes.

In addition, there is a bus number 388 from the VDNH metro station to Sergiev Posad. Travel time will take an average of 1.20 minutes.

main shrines

Having made a pilgrimage to this fertile place, be sure to visit the Trinity Cathedral, the Assumption Cathedral, as well as the Bell Tower of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. The history of the monastery is closely connected with the history of Russia itself. It was here that Dmitry Donskoy received a blessing for the Battle of Kulikovo, and the future Tsar Peter I took the oath of the boyars here. Throughout history, various icons have been preserved here, old manuscripts can all be seen during the tour.

Ancient place of power - Pskov-Caves Monastery

One of the oldest monasteries in Russia is Pskov-Pechersk. It was founded in 1473 and to this day is a place where numerous pilgrims from all over Russia come for help.

How to get there

The monastery is located 50 km from the city of Pskov. Therefore, it is most convenient to get to the Pskov bus station, and then take the 207 bus and take it to Pechora.

What is holiness

The monastery is the oldest on the territory of Russia. In 1473, the Church of the Assumption was consecrated here, from this event the history of the holy monastery began. Pilgrimage here will give you the opportunity to visit various monuments that have Christian significance. Main Feature is that, despite all its long life The monastery has never been closed.

Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery - a sacred fortress

The largest monastery in Europe is the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery. Numerous pilgrims from this country come here to enjoy the greatness, bow before the might and gain spiritual strength.

How to get there

The best time to visit the monastery is during river cruises. A bus to Kirillov departs from the Goritsa pier. You can also first get to Vologda, and from here on any transport to the very place.

What is holiness

The Kirillo-Belozersky monastery is one of the most significant in our country. Sovereign Ivan the Terrible invested considerable funds in the monastery. During your visit, you can feel a strange energy here, and complete peace. Not far from the complex there are two more holy pearls: the Ferapontov Monastery, which is famous for its ancient frescoes, and the Goritsky Monastery, which was founded by nuns from noble families.

Verkhoturye - the greatest cathedral of the Russian Empire

There is an amazing place on the Tura River. Where many holy places are concentrated - Verkhoturye. Here you can plunge into complete silence, which is occasionally broken by the ringing of bells. They say that after a pilgrimage to these parts, Grigory Rasputin himself became an "elder".

How to get there

The easiest way to get to the holy place is by car from Yekaterinburg. In this case, you must follow the Serovsky tract, to the sign "Verkhoturye", and drive another 30 km. The total travel time will take about 4 hours.

Buses depart from both stations in Yekaterinburg to the very place. Travel time will be 5 hours.

In addition, electric trains run from Yekaterinburg several times a day to Verkhoturye station.

What is holiness

Numerous domes, shimmering in the rays of the sun, spiers of bell towers, cutting through the blue of the sky, cause awe in any visitor. First of all, you should visit the smallest Kremlin, located on the territory of Russia. It was the Trinity Cathedral that became mainly during the construction of the temples of Siberia.

The third largest church in Russia is the St. Nicholas Monastery. Within its walls, the relics of St. Simeon of Verkhoturye, the patron saint of fishermen, are kept.

In addition, during the trip you can visit the local museum and several other buildings.

Valaam - monastic republic

Amazing Valaam is one of the 10 holy places in Russia. In this corner of our vast country, a special atmosphere is felt. Here you can find balance between thoughts, soul, and body.

How to get there

Trains run from large cities to Sortavala. From there you need to transfer to a ship or a meteor and get to Valaam.

Place Features

The first mention of the monastery dates back to the 16th century. Despite such a time line, monastic traditions and foundations have been preserved here. During the pilgrimage, you can visit various church buildings, see rare icons and iconostases. The relics of the founders of the holy venerable fathers Herman and Sergius of Valaam are kept on the territory of the temple. In addition, you can bow before the miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Valaam. Many pilgrims ask the icon of the holy righteous Anna to heal infertility.

Pustozersk - the origins of the Far North

The first Russian city that was founded beyond the Polar North is Pustozersk. It is located 20 km from the city of Naryan-Mar.

How to get there

Getting to it will not be difficult. AT summer time numerous boats go to the place, and in winter you can use a snowmobile.

Feature of the place

In the vast Far North, this piece of land is the largest monument of Russian history. It was founded in 1499 by order of Ivan III. It went down in history as the place where Archpriest Avvakum was sent into exile. Sitting in an earthen hole for 15 years, he created "The Life of Archpriest Avvakum, Written by Himself", which is the first Russian novel. Therefore, this place is not only the Old Believer Golgotha, but also the birthplace of Russian literature. This place has healing powers. Every year many people come here to make the Old Believer pilgrimage.

Rogozhskaya Sloboda - the spiritual center of the Russian Old Believers

Another spiritual center where the traditions of the Old Believers have been preserved is Rogozhskaya Sloboda.

How to get there

Rogozhskaya Sloboda is located in Moscow. From the station "Ploshchad Ilyicha" a minibus departs with the inscription "Shopping center" City ". You don’t need to get out near the center, you need to drive a little more, and the high bell tower will immediately become visible.

The holiness of the place

In 1771, the Rogozhskoe cemetery was founded here, as well as a hospital, quarantine and a small chapel. At the beginning of the 19th century, two cathedrals were erected: Rozhdestvensky and Nikolsky. Over time, other places were built, including a chapel, almshouses, cells, etc. for two centuries, the cathedral was the largest in the capital, it could simultaneously accommodate more than 7,000 believers. Many come here to make a pilgrimage. This place, lost in time, has a special power that gives the parishioners peace and tranquility. Every word spoken in the temple will be heard and prayers fulfilled.

Great Bulgars - ruins in the Holy Land

The ancient city of Bulgary is located on the banks of the Volga, it attracts the attention of vacationers with its beauty and magnificence. In addition, here is a large number of Muslim shrines, and this place is sacred.

How to get there

Buses to Bolgar depart from the central bus station and the Yuzhny bus station in Kazan. Departure time and fare must be specified on the spot.

What is the feature

The medieval city of Bulgar is one of the popular places for Muslim pilgrimage. On the territory of the city, some buildings and ancient ruins have been preserved. One of the central objects is the Northern and Eastern mausoleums, as well as the White Mosque. Walking through these places, you can feel the presence of the Spirit. Solitude and silence allows you to be alone with yourself.

Aulia spring - healing power in Faith

One of the picturesque places in Russia, which has healing properties, is the source of Auliya. It is located on Mount Aushtau in Bashkiria.

How to get there

The easiest way is to drive from Verkhneuralsk or Beloretsk in the direction of Miass, before reaching Kuuram, turn left onto Polyakovo and Starobalbukovo.

What is the feature

The name of the source from the Bashkir is translated as "Holy". According to many, the local water has life-giving power. Many pilgrims come here to get rid of their ailments. In addition, during the trip, you can visit the graves of three Islamic missionaries, as well as feel the amazing atmosphere of this ancient place.

Mausoleum of Hussein-Bek - the creation of Tamerlane

One of unique places Bashkiria is the mausoleum of Hussein-Bek, which was built in honor of the first imam in the XIV century by order of Tamerlane.

How to get there

From Ufa, you should go to the village of Chishma, it is located about 2 kilometers from the capital. Then you need to drive about 1 more kilometer towards Akzirat cemetery.

What is the shrine

During the pilgrimage, you will be able to see several unique tombstones that have preserved inscriptions on Arabic. You will have a tour of the main mausoleum, as well as the opportunity to visit the ancient complex - the tomb of Turukhan. According to some sources, he is a direct descendant of Genghis Khan.

Pilgrimage to the places of Russia will allow you to know the unknown worlds and understand the truth ordinary life. Each pilgrim has his own way to God, but the beginning is the same for all - Faith.

What holy places have you been to?

This book is the fourth in a series about the shrines of Russia. From the first chapter, you will learn about the history of the veneration of holy springs and about the unprecedented persecution of them in Soviet time. The second and third chapters tell about the most famous sources of Russia - those associated with the apparitions of the Mother of God or with the names of great saints. The holy wells will be discussed in the fourth chapter, in the fifth - about the holy springs. The sixth chapter is devoted to the holy water of the lakes.

Chapter 1
Holy springs: a history of veneration and persecution

Consecrated water has the power to sanctify the souls and bodies of all who use it.

St. Dimitry Khersonsky

Water... Without it, a person is doomed to death. It is no coincidence that many peoples already in ancient times developed special cults associated with wells, streams, and rivers. The pagans worshiped the "spirits of the springs." The Egyptians revered the Nile sacred, the Hindus the Ganges, the Germans the Rhine. The deity of water was one of the main in pagan religions. He had to be appeased by sacrifices, and then the deity provided moisture to the crops and did not destroy the livestock, and when people had to trust their fate to water, they safely let them go to land.
So it was everywhere - among the Assyrians and Persians, among the Chinese and American Indians. Only one people will not find such an attitude towards water, only one people did not pray to the spirits of the springs, and, oddly enough, it was among them that there were people who were given power over the capricious elements.

And the children of Israel, all the congregation, came to the wilderness of Sin in the first month, and the people stopped in Kadesh ... And there was no water for the congregation, and they gathered against Moses and Aaron, and the people murmured against Moses and said: Oh, if they had died then and we, when our brothers died before the Lord! why did you bring the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, so that we and our livestock might die here? and why did you bring us out of Egypt, to bring us to this unprofitable place, where there is no sowing, no fig trees, no grapes, no pomegranates, not even water to drink?<…>And Moses took the rod from the presence of the Lord, as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the people to the rock, and he said to them: Listen, you rebellious ones, shall we bring water from this rock for you? And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod, and much water flowed out, and the congregation and his cattle drank.

(Numbers 20:1-11).

In those days, John the Baptist comes and preaches in the wilderness of Judea... And they were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins... Then Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan to John - to be baptized by him. John held Him back and said: I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me? But Jesus answered and said to him, Leave it now; for thus it behooves us to fulfill all righteousness... And having been baptized, Jesus immediately went up out of the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and John saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and descending on him

(Matthew 3:1-16).

The English writer Clive Staples Lewis wrote: “There is one religion in the world, at least the only one I know of, with which one thing cannot be done. For example, miracles attributed to Gautama Buddha can be removed from Buddhism and nothing is lost. By the way, these miracles are described in later Buddhist texts, but before they were not mentioned, which did not interfere with the practice of Buddhism. In the same way, in Islam, in essence, nothing will change if you remove miracles from it. On the contrary, the image of a prophet who convinces people with just one word would only benefit from this. But all this cannot be done with Christianity, because Christian history is the history of a great miracle.”
It's hard to say better. Yes, our history is “the history of a great miracle.” There are many languages ​​in the world and many religions and beliefs. And yet, no country and no people can present as many wondrous miracles as there are to this day among Christians. Where else have people been healed near the remains of the dead? Where simple images on a canvas or a board did not burn in fire, appeared in the air, exuded myrrh? And where did a person stop the flood and bring springs of healing water out of the ground? And where else was there a spring that gave people so many miraculous healings as the Life-Giving Spring near Constantinople?

Sheep Font and Life-Giving Spring

These two sources are probably the most famous in the history of mankind. One of them refers to the times of the Old Testament, the other to the period of the New.
The Apostle John the Theologian tells about the miraculous source in the Gospel.

There is a pool in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate, called in Hebrew Bethesda (House of Mercy), in which there were five covered passages: in them lay a great multitude of sick, blind, lame, withered, waiting for the movement of water; for the angel of the Lord went down from time to time into the pool and disturbed the water, and whoever first entered it after the disturbance of the water, he recovered, no matter what disease he was possessed. There was a man here who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus, seeing him lying down and learning that he was already lying for a long time, says to him: do you want to be healthy? The patient answered him: so, Lord; but I have no man to lower me into the pool when the waters are troubled; but when I arrive, another is already descending before me. Jesus tells him to get up, take up your bed and walk. And he immediately recovered, and took up his bed, and went

(John 5:2-9).

Let's move on to another source - the New Testament. We will see a spacious temple with four porticoes, with a dome "beautiful as the sky and shining like fire." The vault of the temple is decorated with gold, the walls are lined with mosaics. The light entering the temple through the vaulted windows is reflected by the vaults and walls and illuminates it entirely. Inside the dome, the miracles of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary are depicted, and in the very middle of it, the Life-Giving Spring and the Mother of God with the Eternal Child in her arms are depicted. The face of the Mother of God, facing the water, is reflected in the source itself, as in a mirror. This source is in the middle of the temple. Twenty-five steps lead to it; a beautiful marble lattice prevents those who go down from falling. At the top of the spring, a depression is made in the marble, into which water flows. Through the wells, it rushes into a magnificent marble pool. At the altar there is a stone bowl, from where people scoop life-giving moisture with a ladle ... This is the Church of the Life-Giving Spring in Balaklia, in the vicinity of Constantinople. Its miraculous spring has truly been an inexhaustible source of miracles of the grace of God for many centuries. And everyone who went to it every day - first, second, or even last - received healing according to their faith.
The history of the temple goes back to the first centuries. Once in those parts there was a place dedicated to the Mother of God, surrounded by cypresses and plane trees. In the middle of it was a spring, from the water of which many miracles were performed. But there was no temple in this place for a long time; Gradually, the source became clogged, and the place died out from bushes and accumulated mud, which prevented the flow of water.
Tradition says that in 450 a Roman soldier named Leo passed through here. He saw a blind man wandering in impassable places. A feeling of compassion forced him to give the unfortunate hand and lead him onto the path, but the blind man was exhausted from fatigue, heat and unbearable thirst and could not stand on his feet. The warrior put him under a tree, and he went in search of water for the blind man. For a long time he was looking for at least some source, but did not find it, and suddenly he heard a voice: “Do not bother, Leo, look for water far away: it is near you.” Frightened by the wonderful voice, he began to look around the place to find the indicated water. She wasn't there. And again a voice was heard: “Lion King, enter this dense grove, take water and quench the thirst of the afflicted, and anoint his eyes with mud from the source. You have to build a temple on this site, and I will heed the prayers of those who come here and submit all petitions. In the grove, Lion really found a spring and, taking water and mud from it, hastily found a blind man. Born blind, having anointed his eyes with slime, he received his sight and went to the city without a guide, glorifying the Mother of God.
After Markian, Leo Makellus was elevated to the Byzantine throne and became Emperor Leo I. He ordered to clean the miraculous spring and erected on it a temple in the name of the Mother of God, calling it the temple of the Life-Giving Spring. According to the surviving testimonies, healing from inflammation, fractures, dumbness and deafness, cancer, leprosy, paralysis took place in the source. There were cases when dead people, washed with the holy water of the spring, were resurrected...
A hundred years after the founding of the Temple of the Life-Giving Spring, Emperor Justinian received healing. He suffered severely from a stone disease, but the Mother of God, appearing to him in a night vision, sent him to Her source. Healed, he decorated the temple even more and founded a monastic monastery here.
Several centuries later, Emperor Leo the Wise revived the ancient temple in all its splendor and established a celebration Updates of the Temple of the Life-Giving Spring. The miracles performed here were so numerous that the Orthodox Church ancient time established on Friday of Bright Week to celebrate in honor of the Mother of God - in remembrance of the healings performed at Her Life-Giving Spring.
But about a thousand years have passed since the appearance of the Mother of God at the source. In 1453, Byzantium fell under the blows of the Turks. The Temple, which had witnessed many great miracles, was razed to the ground. His treasures went to the decoration of the Sultan's mosque. Under the ground and debris, the very foundation of the temple disappeared. The blooming neighborhood of the Life-Giving Spring turned into the valley of death - into the cemetery of Muslims. The source itself almost died out under a pile of stones, Turkish sentries did not let Christians through to it.
Gradually, the severity of this prohibition disappeared, and the Greeks were allowed to build a small church here. The pilgrimage resumed, miraculous healings began to happen again, even among the Gentiles. But in 1821 the church was destroyed, and the source was covered up. And once again the Christians raked the ruins and cleared the source. Later, a board was found here, half-decayed from dampness and time, with a record of ten miraculous healings that occurred from 1824 to 1829.
But other times have come. Under the patronage of the Russian Empire, the Greeks began to free themselves from Turkish slavery. During the reign of Sultan Mahmud, the Orthodox got the opportunity to perform services. For the third time they erected the Temple of the Life-Giving Spring, and again water flowed over the marble slabs. In 1835, the Ecumenical Patriarch consecrated the church, which stands to this day, with a confluence of a huge number of people. A hospital and an almshouse were built nearby. It is impossible to list all the miracles. They are performed to this day, and healing is received not only by the Orthodox, but also by Catholics, Gregorians, and Turks. Muslims in these places especially revere the Mother of God - "great among women, Holy Mary" and the temple itself, the water from which they call "the water of St. Mary."

Veneration of sources in Russia

“Oh, bright and beautifully decorated Russian land! You are glorified by many beauties: many lakes, rivers and local sources! .. "- this is how the famous “Word about the destruction of the Russian land” begins. The springs here are in the first row of the beauties of Russia, they are spoken of in their abundance and reverence. Of course, in pagan times, the Slavs, like other peoples, worshiped the sources. But then faith in idols was replaced by Christianity, Russia from pagan gradually became St. Already in the first centuries after the Baptism of Russia, holy images of the Mother of God began to be found - often in difficult places, forests, swamps, often - above the sources. Thus, the veneration of the Mother of God, Her icons, was inextricably part of the life of the people, along with the veneration of Her holy springs.
Zhirovitskaya icon

... In the first half of the XII century, the sovereign prince Simeon lived in the city of Mstislavl. Suddenly, the prince was struck by blindness. Simeon prayed a lot for healing from an illness and one night he saw in a dream a certain source. The prince recognized the places shown to him in a dream vision, and in the morning he ordered to be taken there. He was brought to the source; the prince washed his eyes with water from it and received his sight. Raising his head, he noticed an icon in the foliage of a shady linden tree growing over a spring. Thus was acquired miraculous icon Mother of God Pustynskaya, which for many centuries was the main shrine of the Pustynsky Assumption Monastery.
... In 1191, an icon appeared in the town of Zhirovitsy, not far from the city of Slonim. She was found standing on a pear tree by the shepherds of the Lithuanian nobleman Alexander Soltan. The tree grew above the source. Soltan built a temple on the site of the apparition, and later the Assumption Monastery arose here. Pilgrims who came to the monastery to venerate the miraculous Zhirovitskaya icon stocked water from a miraculous spring for many centuries in a row.
... In 1295, a resident of the city of Rylsk was hunting along the banks of the Tuskara River and suddenly saw an icon in the forest at the root of a tree. He picked it up, and at the same moment a spring gushed out of the ground. At the place of acquisition miraculous image a chapel was erected, then a monastery was built in its place, and under the mountain, near the river, they built the Church of the Life-Giving Spring.
Healing springs were found in Russia in later times.
... At the beginning of the 19th century, the icon of the Mother of God "Appeared" was discovered in the Tambov diocese. The peasant found her in a dense forest, in a tract called Lepyagi, on a tree, from under the roots of which a spring flowed. Subsequently, Dimitrievsky Troekurovsky Monastery was placed here. A special well was built at the site of the apparition, from which the pilgrims drew healing water.

In addition to the Mother of God, other sources were also venerated in Russia: the icons of saints that arose or already existed at the site of the appearance of the icons of saints (for example, Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, St. Nicholas); brought out of the ground by the saints; received grace-filled power through the prayers of the clergy of the Church. Spring worship was included in the annual cycle church calendar. Processions to the springs and prayers for the blessing of water were very fond of the people. The days when water blessing is performed became January 5/18 ( Epiphany Christmas Eve), January 6/19 (Holy Theophany), Friday of Bright Week (celebration of the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring"), Mid-Pentecost (Wednesday of the fourth week after Easter), August 1/14 (Origin of the Honest Trees Life-Giving Cross Lord's). In addition, in many parishes, the custom arose to perform water blessing on the days of temple holidays or on the days of memory of especially revered saints, for example, the prophet Elijah (July 20 / August 2), Panteleimon the Healer (July 27 / August 9), Nicholas the Wonderworker (May 9 / 22 , December 6/19), Paraskeva Fridays (October 28 / November 10), Basil the Great (January 1/14), Seraphim of Sarov (January 2/15, July 19 / August 1).
Chapels and temples were placed over especially revered springs. Inexplicable, instantaneous healings of people in the springs convinced them that the grace of these shrines is by no means imaginary. The latter was also confirmed by the fact that the possessed near the holy springs began to rage in exactly the same way as in churches, near holy relics and icons. It often happened that during bathing, the demon, unable to withstand the holiness of the waters of the ancient spring, left the body of the possessed, and the person was healed ...

Icons and temples of the Life-Giving Spring

Miraculous events in Balaklia inspired icon painters to create special image. This is how the icon “Life-Giving Spring” appeared.
Of the Russian icons of this type, the image of Simon Ushakov is the most famous. The famous icon painter created his "Life-Giving Spring with Miracles" in 1688. In sixteen hallmarks, he depicted the miracles that took place from the source. Before the revolution, the miraculous and locally venerated icons of the "Life-Giving Spring" were in the Sarov Hermitage of the Tambov diocese, in the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow, in the Akatov Alekseevsky Monastery in Voronezh.

Of the temples, the cathedral of the Sarov Desert was the most famous. At the beginning of the 18th century, Elder Isaac came here. He brought with him the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring". On April 28, 1706, Isaac founded the church, and fifty days later it was ready for consecration. Subsequently, a stone cathedral was erected on the site of the wooden one. The Winter Church of the Life-Giving Spring of the Most Holy Theotokos occupied a central place in the monastery and was main beauty Sarov. S. V. Bulgakov wrote in 1913: “Among the temples of the monastery, first of all, the wonderful five-domed temple of the Life-Giving Spring attracts attention. It is very beautiful both outside and inside. The altar is separated from the temple by a carved gilded iconostasis with columns. Behind the kliros are the same carved and gilded icon cases in which icons are placed: behind the right kliros is the icon of the Life-Giving Source of the Mother of God, which, according to legend, was brought by the first founders of the hermitage, in front of which Father Seraphim often prayed and from which many received healing, praying before her on the advice of the Monk Seraphim; behind the left - the Assumption of the Mother of God. The huge dome, in which the Holy Trinity and the Cathedral of All Saints is written, rests on 4 pillars, 2 of which are in the temple, and the other 2 are in the altar, behind the iconostasis.
Another famous Church of the Life-Giving Spring was erected in the Tikhonov Hermitage near Kaluga. The beautiful Church of the Life-Giving Spring (wooden, in the Byzantine style) was built in 1887 over the well of St. Tikhon. The Church of the Life-Giving Spring adorned the Root Nativity of the Mother of God hermitage near Kursk. Even on Solovki there was a temple of the Life-Giving Spring. He stood in the Philippovskaya monastery, two versts from the Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery.

Muslim Turks were among the first to persecute Orthodox shrines. They destroyed the temple of the Life-Giving Spring near Constantinople and tried to destroy the spring itself. Something similar, only in incomparably large sizes, already in the XX century experienced Russia. The sources then shared the fate of temples, holy relics and icons, they became the object of persecution and abuse.

The first wave of persecution of holy springs

Already the first years of Soviet power were marked by persecution of the Church. The relics of saints and icons were confiscated or destroyed. The holy springs were a little more fortunate - it was impossible to requisition them and place them in a museum, and their destruction required effort and expense. Sometimes the Bolsheviks were content with destroying churches and chapels with baths; sources continued to make their way to people and give them their living water. However, it happened differently.
Before the revolution, pilgrims heading to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra often stopped at Intercession Monastery in Khotkovo- bow to the relics of Saints Cyril and Mary, parents of Sergius of Radonezh, and quench your thirst from the deep wells of the monastery. In the early 1930s, the monastery was closed, marble from the cathedrals was used to decorate the Komsomolskaya station of the Moscow Metro. The Bolsheviks collected church utensils and threw them into wells, and the wells themselves were covered up and laid with cement slabs.
AT Alexander Svirsky Monastery For many centuries, near Lodeynoye Pole, a well was famous, dug up once by the Monk Alexander himself. The water in it was healing, a stone chapel stood above the well. And so the blasphemers set up a gas station in it, for many years they filled everything around with gasoline and diesel fuel. The very ground within a radius of several meters from the chapel was poisoned.
Near Novgorod there was once a famous Nativity monastery(Peredki village). Once the monks discovered a spring with very clear water under the cathedral, and the icon of the Mother of God "Tenderness" floated in it. There were many miracles both from the icon and from the source. In 1935 the communists closed stone temple(since then the icon has disappeared), and the holy spring was covered up.
The most famous spring in Russia at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries was source of St. Seraphim(Tambov province). Here, in the nearby hermitage of St. Seraphim, a huge number of miraculous healings took place. Many bathed in the spring famous people. The sovereign Nikolai Alexandrovich himself with his wife Alexandra Feodorovna took a bath in the waters of the holy spring. It is not surprising that the Bolsheviks demolished all the buildings on the hermitage of the reverend, and the springs were thoroughly filled with concrete. After that, the water, finding no way out, went deeper, the Sarovka and Satis rivers became very shallow.

Second wave of persecution

The most terrible acts of vandalism against Orthodox shrines were undertaken in the 1930s. During the Great Patriotic War and after it, there was no longer enough time and energy to destroy temples: it was necessary to defend the country, and then restore it from ruins. And in the late 50s, Soviet power began to reap the benefits great war, during which there was a mass return of the Russian people to God. “Strengthening scientific-atheistic work” did not bring the desired effect, and the screws had to be tightened again. But very soon they realized that the biggest problem of the God-fighting authorities was not a few hundred operating churches, but millions of Orthodox throughout the country. Special commissioners sent reports from the most remote places of the Union, and the result of these reports was disappointing - people lived according to customs Orthodox Church: celebrated holidays, made religious processions, prayed near the walls of the destroyed temples. There were also unpleasant surprises for the communists. It turned out, for example, that in the Novgorod region there are many holy springs, highly revered and visited by the people.