Unlike many monasteries that arose in the habitats of hermits, the Alexander Nevsky Lavra was formed by the followers of the church. The name of this holy place is associated with important events in the history of Russia. In 1240 Grand Duke and commander Alexander Yaroslavovich won a major victory in the war with the Swedes on the Neva River, for which he was named Nevsky. Later canonized by the Orthodox Church as the Holy Patron of Russia.

Today, the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra, whose opening hours are very convenient for visiting, is a very popular place for both Russian tourists and foreigners.

The reign of Peter I

The official date of foundation of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra is March 25, 1713 - the day of the consecration of the first wooden Church of the Annunciation. According to historical information, the famous Emperor Peter I was the founder of the Nevsky Monastery. It was he who in 1702 ordered construction to begin at the place where the Black River (the real name of the Monastyrka) flows into the Neva. Archimandrite Theodosius supervised the construction and arrangement of the monastery. The main buildings were designed by Domenico Trezzini, an Italian architect and engineer. In his view, the future Alexander Nevsky Lavra was seen as a whole ensemble of stone buildings located between the Black River and the Neva. The implementation of Trezzini's plans dragged on for many years. During this time, in addition to the main monastic buildings, a whole town appeared here with houses, gardens, stables, a mill, a smithy. Here it was opened church school, which was later transformed into a theological seminary, and then into an academy. were solemnly transferred from Vladimir to the new capital of Russia on September 12, 1724 by decree of Peter the Great. This day is still celebrated in Russian. Great commander became the patron of the newly minted Russian capital, but the massive silver sarcophagus was relocated in Soviet times to the Hermitage, where it remains (without relics) today.

Synodal period

After that, Ivan Starov became the chief architect of church buildings, who redid a lot at his own discretion, significantly expanding the construction area. In 1797 the monastery was elevated to the rank of Lavra. At that time, the Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra (Petersburg) was not only the largest in the country, but also one of the richest.

During the revolution, the People's Commissar for Social Security A. M. Kollontai wanted to transform the monastery into a haven for war invalids. A group of sailors who went there on January 19, 1918, were met by an angry mob of parishioners. The Bolsheviks had to retreat. As a result, an order was issued to stop funding the church from the state budget. The apogee of these events was the decree on In 1922, the monastery was practically "legally plundered" in favor of the starving. The silver shrine, where the relics of Alexander Nevsky were kept, was opened and transferred to the Hermitage, and the relics themselves were transferred to the fund of the State Museum. From that moment on, the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg continued to operate until 1932, until all the monks were arrested. A year later, the monastery was closed and reorganized into a church parish, and in 1936 services completely ceased. For the next 20 years, various secular institutions were located on the territory of the monastery, and only in 1957 services were resumed. The relics of the commander were returned to their rightful place only at the end of the 80s.

Necropolis of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Lazarevsky cemetery

Lavra in St. Petersburg is famous for its necropolis, where many famous people last century - writers, commanders, scientists. Initially, there was one cemetery here - Lazarevskoye, founded during the reign of Peter I. Only rich or famous people in the country were honored to be buried here. To date, all tombstones, monuments, sarcophagi are of great historical value. The family crypt of the famous Count Sheremetyev is also located here.

Tikhvin cemetery

Over time, the Lazarevsky cemetery became too cramped, and it was decided to open another one, which was called Novo-Lazarevsky. It acquired clear boundaries only at the end of the 19th century, when it was surrounded by a stone fence. Around the same time, the new cemetery of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra was renamed Tikhvin. This was due to the construction of a tomb in the name of the icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God on the territory of the cemetery. Burials in the new cemetery are also associated with the names of famous figures of culture, art and the scientific world. Toward the middle of the 20th century, burials at the Tikhvin cemetery ceased, and it was reconstructed into a memorial park.

Nikolskoye cemetery

The third cemetery on the territory of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra was opened in 1863. Since the St. Nicholas Church was located on the territory of the necropolis, the cemetery itself was called Nikolsky. The new cemetery is somewhat different from its counterparts. Firstly, there are many chapels built in the Old Russian style on its territory. Secondly, in addition to the usual monuments and crypts, there are many bronze statues and busts of buried people. Thirdly, it is the only one in the Lavra that has not received the status of a museum. It operates to this day, but only a few of the most honored to rest in this holy land.

Every year many tourists and pilgrims come to St. Petersburg. The purpose of their arrival is the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Opening hours are very convenient for everyone who wants to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this place. The cathedral is open from 6.00 to 20.00, the territory of the Lavra from 5.30 to 23.00.

History and modernity

The revival of church life and worship within the walls of the Lavra began in the second half of the 1990s, and in 2000 all buildings were transferred to the diocese. On the territory of the monastery are two churches, designed by the father and son Trezzini in 1717-1722 and 1742-1750, respectively; the majestic Neoclassical Cathedral, built in 1778-1790 according to the design of Ivan Starov and dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and many smaller structures. Lazarevskoye is also located here and where the richly decorated tombs of Mikhail Lomonosov, Alexander Suvorov, Nikolai Karamzin, Modest Mussorgsky, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Karl Rossi and other famous people are preserved. Today, the Nevsky Monastery is a popular place for tourists and pilgrims. Orthodox guides will tell the history of the emergence of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra for everyone. On the territory of the monastery there is a refectory and a tea room, where you can order hot meals for both pilgrimage groups and individual pilgrims. Three hotels have also been built here, where you can rent cozy and inexpensive rooms. Today, there is a pilgrimage service in the Lavra, which is responsible for organizing excursions both on the territory of the Lavra itself and on the churches and temples of St. Petersburg.

Birthday of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra

In 2013, the Orthodox Church celebrated the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg. The countdown of this event began on March 25, 1713, namely, from the first Divine Liturgy within the walls of the temple. During the celebration, all the brethren, led by the vicar of the church, made procession. The parishioners listened to the congratulations of Metropolitan Vladimir, who urged people to keep this Holy place, which is the spiritual center of all Rus'.

Like any ancient place, the Nevsky Monastery is shrouded in secrets and mysteries. Here are just a few interesting facts associated with the history of the emergence and development of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

1. Due to the fact that the monastery was formed on the spot where Alexander Nevsky defeated the Swedes, it was originally called "Victoria".
2. The Orthodox Academy in St. Petersburg originates from a school built on the territory of the Lavra and intended at one time exclusively for the children of clergy.
3. The relics of Alexander Nevsky, which were transported to the territory of the monastery during the reign of Peter I and are stored there at the present time, during the years of the revolution were taken out and transferred to the State Museum.
4. In the difficult post-revolutionary times, many clergy suffered at the hands of the Bolsheviks - they were either shot or arrested.
5. In 1918, the government decided to seize the territory of the Lavra and use it for its own needs. However, the sent detachment met unprecedented resistance from the parishioners and was forced to retreat. After these events, divine services continued for another 15 years.
6. One of the temples of the Lavra is still not included in its possession and is a city museum.
7. The construction of this historical complex lasted almost a hundred years. Many well-known architects and builders of that time participated in the process of designing and erecting temples and churches.

Latest events

Most recently, on September 12, 2016, the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg organized the Nevsky Zvony festival within its walls. The celebrations were timed to coincide with the day of the transfer of the relics of Alexander Nevsky and began with a traditional common prayer. The best bell ringers of Russia and neighboring countries took part in the festival and pleased those present with their skill. In addition, a film about bells was presented to the attention of those present. In the final part of the holiday, anyone could not only ring the bell on their own, but also receive a master class from the best bell ringers.

Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

One of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of St. Petersburg, the Alexander Nevsky Lavra is an adornment of the Northern capital and a symbol of its spirituality.

Pilgrims and tourists from all over the world flock here to see the beauty of the temples, visit the current monastery and bow our heads before the outstanding figures of Russia, rested here.

Historical reference

At the beginning of the 18th century, it was believed that at the place where the Black River (Monastyrka) flows into the Neva, the famous Neva battle with the Swedes of the squads of the young Novgorod prince Alexander took place in 1240, in honor of the victory he received the honorary nickname Nevsky.

The struggle for the Baltic coast between Russia and Sweden did not end there, it continued for several centuries. The final point in the confrontation was put by Peter I. As a result of the victorious battles, Russia received the long-awaited access to the Baltic Sea and the opportunity to create the Northern Fleet. Realizing this potential even during the war, which dates back to 1700-1721, on the reclaimed lands, starting from 1703, fortifications were erected, a city was founded and a monastery was started to be built.

Unlike most monasteries that arose where hermit monks lived, the decision to establish a monastery on the site of a historic victory over the Swedes and give it the name of Alexander Nevsky belongs to the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great. It had great spiritual and political significance in the conditions of war, since Alexander Nevsky was considered as the patron saint of Orthodox Russians in the fight against the eternal enemy - Sweden and was canonized as the Holy Patron of Russia. Thanks to the brilliant victories of the great commander in the West and his wise policy in the East, it was possible to defend the identity of Rus' in the difficult time of the Tatar yoke.

The construction of the monastery began in 1710, and in 1724, by order of Peter I, the relics of Alexander Nevsky, who became the patron saint of St. Petersburg, were transferred here from Vladimir.

The tsar-reformer conceived the main male monastery of the capital as a kind of center for the service of monasticism to the world. Here they placed a hospital, a printing house, an almshouse, a school for the children of clergy, from which the existing higher educational institution, the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, originates.

The construction of the complex lasted for more than a hundred years. The initial project was developed by the Italian architect Domenico Trezzini, then the chief architect was Ivan Starov. Many famous builders participated in the construction of temples and churches.

Interesting Facts:

• The Alexander Nevsky Lavra celebrates its birthday on March 25. In 2013, the 300th anniversary of the monastery was solemnly celebrated.
• August 30 - religious holiday in honor of the transfer of the holy relics of Alexander Nevsky to the monastery. In 1753, on this day, by decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, a procession from the Kazan Cathedral to the monastery was established.
• In the territory modern Russia there are two laurels: Trinity-Sergius and Alexander Nevsky. Lavra - the highest status of an Orthodox monastery, is assigned exclusively to the largest male monasteries, which have a special historical and spiritual significance. The Alexander Nevsky Lavra received its title in 1797.
• The Trinity Cathedral of the Lavra from the day of its consecration is a capitular, that is, an order church of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. Historically, it so happened that the Order of Alexander Nevsky became the only award that existed in award systems. Russian Empire, Soviet Union and RF.
• In 1918, the People's Commissar for Social Security Alexandra Kollontai decided to transform the monastery into a home for the disabled. However, a detachment of sailors sent there met a fierce rebuff from the parishioners and was forced to retreat. Divine services continued for another fifteen years.
• Since 1936, the cathedrals of the Lavra have been systematically closed and various institutions have been placed on its territory. The revival of the monastery dates back to the second half of the 1990s.

Sights of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra

The fortress-like monastery occupies an entire island formed by the Neva, the Monastyrka River and the Obvodny Canal. Immediately after entering the Lavra, on both sides there are two ancient cemeteries, where each surname is the history of Russia. Both necropolises are among the main world-famous sights of the Lavra and are included in the Museum of Urban Sculpture, which organizes their excursion service.

The Lazarevskoye cemetery, founded back in the time of Peter I, was called the Necropolis of the 18th century. Initially, only the richest or most famous citizens of the country were buried here with the permission of the emperor. Here are the graves of the great scientist M. V. Lomonosov, writer D. I. Fonvizin, K. Rossi, D. Quarenghi and other architects and sculptors, whose creations created the unique image of St. Petersburg.

To the right of the entrance is the Necropolis of Masters of Arts, which appeared in the 20th century on the site of the Tikhvin cemetery. Writers N. M. Karamzin, F. M. Dostoevsky, I. A. Krylov, composers of The Mighty Handful, P. I. Tchaikovsky, artists, artists, famous statesmen are buried here.

After the burial in 1966 of the People's Artist of the USSR Nikolai Cherkasov (the creator of the image of Alexander Nevsky in our cinema, his face was captured on the Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky), the cemetery was closed. The exception was the reburial of the ashes of the composer Alexander Glazunov in 1972 and the funeral in 1989 of Georgy Tovstonogov, the legendary director of the St. Petersburg Bolshoi Theater.

Near the bridge over the Monastyrka is the Church of the Annunciation, which served as a tomb for members of the imperial family and statesmen. On one of the tombstones there is a laconic inscription “Here lies Suvorov”.

The oldest church in St. Petersburg, which has survived to this day, was built in the Russian Baroque style. Later, the Fedorovskaya Church and corner towers in the same style appeared, soon the ensemble was supplemented by a gate church in the name of the icon. Mother of God"Joy of All Who Sorrow."

Behind the bridge you can see the majestic Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. The temple, built in 1776-1790 by the architect Starov, is the central one. The single-dome building with two bell towers was built in the style of early classicism, with a portico and columns, decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures.

Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

It is here that the relics of the Lavra are kept:

• the relics of St. Alexander Nevsky;
• Icon of the Mother of God "Neva Skoroshlushnitsa".

It is currently an active temple.

In front of the cathedral is the so-called Communist site, or Cossack cemetery. The first burials date back to 1917, when Cossacks died during the dispersal of the demonstration. The cemetery was officially founded in 1919. Participants in the defense of Petrograd in the Civil War were buried here, they found their last resort victims of the Kronstadt rebellion. In 1920-1930 they began to bury old party members, participants October revolution, civil war, Chekists, policemen. Then a new name appeared. The cemetery has acquired a status character. For the years of the Great Patriotic War came the next wave of burials - the defenders of Leningrad. In 2005, a monument was erected to all those who died for Orthodox faith, and in 2009 its former name returned - Cossack.

In the Lavra there are graves dating back to our time. Anatoly Sobchak, the first mayor of St. Petersburg, who returned the historical name to the city, is buried at the St. Nicholas Cemetery located behind the Trinity Cathedral. Currently, the Nikolskoye cemetery is the only active burial place in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

Today, a pilgrimage service operates in the Lavra, which organizes excursions to the holy places of Russia and abroad.

With the resumption of church service, the original crafts returned to the monastery: icon painting, miniature, jewelry and woodcarving. Souvenirs can be purchased at church shops.

The Lavra has its own museum, a Sunday school and a spiritual and educational center that holds concerts, meetings, the Nevsky Domes festival, and awards the annual Alexander Nevsky Literary Prize.

Penetrating the special atmosphere of the Necropolises, so close to, and at the same time - so far from the bustle of the city, admiring the marvelous beauty of the temples, you can dedicate long hours stay in the Lavra. Then relax and refresh yourself in the refectory. And with the onset of twilight, hearing bell ringing, hurry to Vespers.

Where is it located and how to get there

Nevsky Prospekt leads to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, which not only bears her name, but was also conceived and built as a road connecting the Admiralty shipyard (the center of the modern city) and the monastery.

The most convenient way to get there is by metro to the station "Alexander Nevsky Square". On the square bearing the name of the great commander, there is an entrance to the Lavra.

The Alexander Nevsky Lavra is located in the center of St. Petersburg, organically blending into the urban landscape, which has been formed for a long time after construction.

IN THE NAME OF PRINCE ALEXANDER

Alexander Nevsky Lavra (full name - Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra) is an architectural monument of world importance in St. Petersburg and a functioning cenobitic monastery of the St. Petersburg diocese. It is located at the end of Nevsky Prospekt, between Alexander Nevsky Square and the Obvodny Canal, at the confluence of the Monastyrka River with the Neva. It was founded as "the Monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity and the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky" by decree of Tsar Peter I in memory of the holy Prince Alexander Nevsky at the mouth of the Black River, today called the Monastyrka.

It is generally accepted that the monastery was founded in memory of the Battle of the Neva in 1240, in which the Novgorod army under the command of Prince Alexander Yaroslavin defeated the Swedish army that invaded Rus'. At the same time, Alexander Yaroslavin received the honorary nickname "Nevsky" for his victory and personal courage. But the battle, as is commonly believed, took place not at the mouth of the Black River, but at the mouth of the Izhora River - several tens of kilometers up the Neva.

Most likely, the legends combined this battle with another one that took place near the location of the Lavra in 1301. Then the Novgorodians, led by Prince Andrei, the son of Alexander, also defeated the Swedes.

Tsar Peter chose the site for the monastery in the spring of 1704, but construction began a few years later. Both continuous swamps and dense forests interfered, as well as the war with the Swedes for dominance at the mouth of the Neva. In June 1710, the Swedes surrendered the fortress of Vyborg, nothing threatened St. Petersburg, and in July 1710 the tsar indicated where "there was certainly a place for the Monastery."

The exact day and month of the commencement of work are unknown, but the official date of foundation of the monastery is the date of consecration of the first wooden Church of the Annunciation - March 25, 1713 "in the presence of the Tsar's Most Serene Majesty with his high synclite." The church stood until 1787 and was dismantled, but for now more and more wooden monastery buildings appeared around it, where pilgrims rushed from the city.

Tsar Peter I saw the monastery as a place of monastic service to the world, as a charitable, correctional, educational and medical institution, however, most of these plans were not implemented. In 1720, a printing house appeared in the Alexander Nevsky Monastery, where, according to the tsar’s decree, “a church printing station with 7 artisans” was transferred from the St. Petersburg printing house. In 1721, a school was founded at the monastery, everyone was admitted to it without regard to gender and rank. In 1726, on the basis of the school, the Slavic-Greek-Latin Seminary was created, where they gave a serious general and theological education for those times, and which in the 19th century. was transformed into the St. Petersburg Theological Academy.

In 1723, the relics of the Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky were solemnly transferred to the Alexander Nevsky Monastery from the Vladimir Nativity Monastery to the stone Alexander Nevsky Church of the Annunciation.

In 1797, by decree of Emperor Paul I, the monastery was renamed Lavra. Under Soviet rule, since 1922, all churches in the Lavra were closed, the monastery was abolished. During the siege of Leningrad, bombing and shelling inflicted significant damage on the architectural complex of the Lavra. In 1956, the Trinity Cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, since 1987 the St. Nicholas (cemetery) church has been opened.

The official date of the revival of the monastery is 1996.

THROUGH THE THORNS TO THE LAUREL

The construction of such a large and complex architectural complex as the Alexander Nevsky Lavra took decades and faced many obstacles.

Initially, the creation of the monastery was conceived by Peter I precisely as the main monastery of the new capital - St. Petersburg, as a church stronghold for the protection and dissemination of the Christian faith and culture, as a new spiritual center of the country, opposing Moscow rich in Orthodox antiquities.

The construction of the stone structures of the monastery began in 1717 according to the project of the architect Domenico Trezzini, approved by Peter I, who at the same time appointed the most trusted person, Alexander Menshikov, to “supervise” the construction.

Construction proceeded slowly: the architect Trezzini designed main entrance to the cathedral from the side of the Neva - from the east, where church canons there must be an altar. The project had to be revised, Trezzini moved away from the construction of the monastery, other architects were already completing it.

The building of the double Annunciation Apexandro-Nevsky Church is the first stone structure of the ensemble, one of the most characteristic monuments of St. Petersburg architecture of the early 18th century.

The construction of the central cathedral church began during the life of Peter I, in May 1722, after the death of Emperor Peter I, the construction slowed down, often led by random people. Only after the accession of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, from the end of 1741, did the new period in the construction of the monastery.

Currently, the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra is a huge ensemble in the form of a square of several buildings surrounding a trapezoidal courtyard with buildings in the form of towers in the corners, with several temples. Despite the significant alterations of the original project, the frequent change of architects and supervisors of construction, the ensemble of the Lavra is an organic combination of Russian baroque of the 18th century. (picturesque scope of galleries, high roofs) with forms of early classicism of the late 18th century.

Restoration work is constantly being carried out on the territory of the Lavra.

In the center of the ensemble is the Holy Trinity Cathedral. The originally built building turned out to be fragile, in the 1750s. it was dismantled and rebuilt in 1774-1790.

In 1790, the relics of St. Alexander Nevsky were transferred here, and a silver shrine, made in 1750 by decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, was placed over them. Currently, the cancer is in the State Hermitage.

Bas-reliefs on the facades and sculptures of apostles and prophets inside the cathedral are made according to the samples of the outstanding sculptor of the 18th century. Fedot Shubin (1740-1805), the paintings were made according to the sketches of Giacomo Quarenghi (1744-1817), in the marble iconostasis and on the walls - paintings by famous artists Johann Mettenleiter and Grigory Ugryumov.

From the day of its consecration, the Alexander Nevsky Monastery (and later the Lavra) became the first important tomb, where persons of the imperial family, clergymen, prominent statesmen, and generals are buried. The necropolis of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra is located on both sides of the road, which leads from the gate to the Lavra and consists of the Lazarevsky and Tikhvin cemeteries.

Scientist and poet Mikhail Lomonosov, commander Alexander Suvorov, historian Nikolai Karamzin, fabulist Ivan Krylov, composers Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Modest Mussorgsky, writers Fyodor Dostoevsky and Denis Fonvizin are buried here. Over their graves there are tombstones made by world-famous sculptors - Ivan Martos, Mikhail Kozlovsky, Fyodor Gordeev.

SIGHTS OF ALEKSANDRO-NEVSKY LAVRA

The complex of buildings of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra:

■ Church of the Righteous Lazarus of the Four Days (1835-1836).

■ Spiritual Corps (1820-1822).

■ Annunciation Alexander Nevsky Church (1724).

■ Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (1725).

■ Fedorovskaya church (1840-1842).

■ Fedorov Corps (1840-1842).

■ Seminar (Southern) Corps (1756-1761).

■ Library (South-West) tower (1756-1761).

■ Metropolitan Corps (1756-1764, restructuring in the middle of the 19th century).

■ North-Western Tower (Riz-nichnaya, 1761-1771).

■ Northern (Prosphora) Corps (1761-1771).

■ The Gate Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” (1786).

■ The building of the former almshouse (1783-1789).

■ Collegiate Church in the name of St. Life-Giving Trinity(Holy Trinity Cathedral, 1778-1790).

■ The complex of buildings of former barns ( mid XIX V.).

■ Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (1868-1871).

■ Church Tikhvin icon Mother of God (1869).

■ Isidore Church (1890-1891).

■ Library building (late 19th century).

Relics:

■ Relics of St. Alexander Nevsky.

■ Icon of the Mother of God "Neva Skoroshlushnitsa" (Holy Trinity Cathedral).

Monuments:

■ Tombstones at the Tikhvin and Lazarevsky cemeteries, 2000 years from the birth of Christ (2001).

■ For the Faith of Christ to the victims (2005).

■ Worship Cross in the Metropolitan's Garden (2013).

■ Residents of St. Petersburg call the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in their own way. At different times, it was simply called the Nevsky Lavra, the Alexander Church, or even shorter - Alexander, sometimes affectionately - Aleksashka, or even Notre Dame Cathedral - for the outward resemblance of the Trinity Cathedral to the Notre Dame Cathedral in the capital.
■ The main holidays of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra are the Day of the Holy Trinity, the Feast of the Intercession Holy Mother of God(October 14), the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "Quick Hearing" (November 22), the day of the repose of the Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky (December 6), as well as the days of the first (September 12, 1724) and second transfer of his relics (June 3, 1989) .
■ Mention of Black river, now called the Monastyrka, are still contained in the annals dating back to 1500. In 1829, the eastern section of the Obvodny Canal was built, dividing the river into two parts, the northern one then became known as the Monastyrka. The direction of the river also changed: it rushed in the opposite direction, flowing out of the Neva and flowing into the Obvodny Canal.
■ The first member of the brotherhood of the Alexander Nevsky Monastery was Archimandrite Theodosius (Yanovsky), who in 1712 was appointed rector of the monastery, when there was not a single monk in it yet. Archimandrite Theodosius compiled lists, and monks from the monasteries of almost all dioceses were collected by royal and senate decrees. Subsequently, the monks of the monastery served in the navy, many themselves became archimandrites.
■ At different times, churches of Alexander Nevsky were erected in different cities and countries: in Russia - Cathedral in Krasnodar (1872, destroyed in 1932, restored in 2006), churches in the villages of Upper Shurma (1900-1909), Uskat (2006), Yashkul (consecrated in 1893, being restored) and Kichmengsky Gorodok (1895), Alexander Nevsky Chapel at the Museum of Modern Art in Moscow (2009, not active), in (Preshov, 1950), (Tbilisi, 1864), China (Wuhan, 1893 .) and (Sofia, 1924).
■ During the period 1712 to 2014, about a hundred archimandrites and governors were replaced in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
■ From the day of its consecration, the Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra was the capitular (order) church of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. Conceived by Peter I as a military award, after the death of the emperor, the order also complained to civilians. In 1942, the USSR established its own Order of Alexander Nevsky, which was awarded to the command staff of the Red Army. In 2010, the statute and description of the new Order of Alexander Nevsky were approved Russian Federation- outwardly being a copy of the pre-revolutionary. Thus, the Order of Alexander Nevsky became the only award that existed with some changes in the award systems of the Russian Empire, the USSR and the Russian Federation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Location: center, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Status: active lav-ra - male Orthodox monastery.
First mention: 1710
Date of foundation: 1713
Date of revival: 1996
Russian language.
Religion: Orthodoxy.

NUMBERS

Temples: 15 (including house churches).
Cases: 6.
Library: 1.
Cemeteries: 4 - Lazarevskoe (0.7 ha), Nikolskoe (8 ha), Tikhvinskoe (1.4 ha) and Cossack.
Bell tower height: 47 m.

CLIMATE

Transitional from temperate continental to temperate maritime.
Average January temperature: -5.5°С.
Average July temperature: +18.8°С.
Average annual rainfall: 660 mm.
Relative humidity: 75-80%.

I will be happy to tell you about the St. Petersburg Alexander Nevsky Lavra, which I strongly advise you to visit during your visit to the Northern capital.

From the Saints to the Annunciation Gates

The entrance to the Lavra is separated from the round square, on which the monument to Alexander Nevsky stands, and against which Nevsky Prospect itself rests, the front Holy Gate with the gate church located above them.

It was consecrated in July 1786 in the name of the Joy of All Who Sorrow icon. At first, this small temple was a parish for masters working in the Lavra and bakers. In 1904, a Latvian parish was opened here, where services were held in the Latvian language (it existed until 1918). In Soviet times, the premises were taken over by Osoaviakhim, and then by the directorate of the sculpture museum. Today, the temple has regained its true spiritual purpose. I highly recommend climbing it. You will find yourself in an unusually bright, heavenly atmosphere created by its restorers.

Prayers are held here on Wednesday and Friday. To the left of the gate arch is the chapel of the Church of Sorrow, consecrated in 1997, along with a church shop. We will enter these Holy Gates and head along the cobbled street (wear comfortable shoes) to another - Annunciation, decorated with mosaic icons in the Byzantine style.

While you are walking this distance, bypassing the bridge over the river Monastyrka with its eternal owners - pigeons, you already tune in to a special tone and completely disconnect from the bustle behind the monastery fence.

By the way, along the way you can visit necropolises, which in Greek means "cities of the dead". I will write about them in a separate section. So, we entered under the arch of the Annunciation Gate and ended up directly on the territory of the monastery.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Let's immediately head to the magnificent Holy Trinity Cathedral. You can read a detailed history of its creation

On both sides of the entrance there are church shops where you can buy candles, icons, jewelry and literature, as well as submit requests. By the way, if you need a scarf on your head, then here you can take it for a while for free. Let us venerate the relics of the holy noble prince and other saints, 79 particles of whose relics are in a new cancer.

To the right of the shrine is a beautiful image of Christ from the letter of the Hieromartyr Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov). This most talented person was amazing, possessing not only a bright mind, deep scientific knowledge, but also an artistic gift. I really love the wonderful miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, located to the left of the altar, which is called the Neva Skoroshlushnitsa. The history of this icon is very interesting. It is rightfully considered a particularly revered image in the Lavra and is a list from the Athos “Quick Hearer”, located in the Dohiar Monastery. True, here the Mother of God is depicted without the Child. This icon was painted on Mount Athos and brought to Russia in 1877 by the Russian hieromonks Athanasius and Barsanuphius.

Initially, it was placed in the Alexander Chapel and miraculously did not suffer during the fire that happened there. It was also possible to save the icon during the struggle against God, which was helped first of all by the already mentioned Metropolitan Hieromartyr Veniamin (Kazansky). The shrine passed to different temples. During the blockade, she was in the Prince Vladimir Cathedral, where the miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was also preserved. In those terrible days of war hard times, the inhabitants of the heroic city found spiritual support here. After all, the very name "Skoroshlushnitsa" meant a quick answer to prayers and aspirations. After the transfer of the Holy Trinity Cathedral to the church, in 1958 the image was transferred to it. In 2005, it was decided to rename this icon to the Neva Skoroshlushnitsa.

Of course, all the icons and relics of the cathedral are sacred. I really like to stop at the wooden sculptural image of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, which is located right side near the entrance. Some amazing warmth and kindness radiate from her. The icon appeared for the first time in the forest near the village of Ilyesha at the end of the 18th century. Now the Ilyinsky temple is being restored there. The place of the miraculous appearance of the icon was cleared and marked with a memorial cross. Every year, the local rector, reviving ancient traditions, takes this image from the Lavra on the eve of the feast of Elijah the Prophet, with whom they then make a religious procession through the churches of the Gatchina and Volosovsky districts.

When you walk around the cathedral, you understand that each icon here is inextricably linked with the history of Russia. That is, it is simply impossible to perceive the church separately from our state, as it was once enshrined in the decree of the Bolsheviks.

Here even foreigners, usually noisy and fussy, somehow quiet down and walk around with a reverent expression on their faces. After we have visited the main cathedral of the Lavra, you can visit the necropolises and cemeteries.

Necropolises and cemeteries

I promised to tell you about the Necropolises of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, which keep the memory of many worthy people of Russia's past. We will move according to this map.

Immediately at the exit of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in front of you is the Cossack cemetery or the Communist site (1).

The first name was obtained as a result of the burial here, on the site of the former parterre garden, of several Cossacks who died in 1917 during the dispersal of the Bolshevik demonstration. The official status of the cemetery takes in 1919. It becomes the second most important "Necropolis of the Bolsheviks" after the Field of Mars.

If you go around the cathedral on the right, you can go to the Nikolsky cemetery (2) , so named thanks to the St. Nicholas Church (architect G. I. Karpov).

It is here that the cenotaph of Metropolitan Veniamin is located, the graves of many prominent public and church figures. I always go up to two of them - to the burial place of Metropolitan John (Snychev) and a wonderful person, the confessor of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, with whom I myself had the good fortune to talk in person - Archimandrite Eliazar. There are always fresh flowers here.

Also at the Nikolsky cemetery are the graves of Lev Gumilyov, Mamin-Sibiryak, Ivan Goncharov, Baron Nikolai Wrangel, the designer of the first Russian car Frese and many others famous in Russian history persons.

Let's return to the path that runs between the Saints and the Annunciation Gates.

If you cross the bridge (after feeding the pigeons) and move towards the exit, then on both sides there will be two more Necropolises. We will visit the famous Lazarevsky cemetery (3) or the Necropolis of the XVIII century - the most significant in St. Petersburg.

For burial on its territory, imperial consent was required.

Tikhvin Cemetery (founded in 1823) and the "Masters of Arts Necropolis" created here by the Soviet authorities (4) they store under their plates of unique tombstones not only the graves of famous cultural figures.

When you come here, you remember with sadness that in addition to the well-known names that can be read today on the tablets of monuments, there were a lot of other burial places that “did not fit” into the plan for creating this Necropolis.

detailed information about all Lavra Necropolises

I will write about entry prices and visiting times in a separate section below.

monuments

• Monument 2000 years from the birth of Christ. Opposite the Holy Trinity Cathedral, this seven-meter monument by the sculptor E. P. Solovieva is located. (1)

On April 18, 2001, it was solemnly consecrated by the vicar of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra, Bishop Nazariy of Kronstadt.

• Monument "For the Faith of Christ to the Victims". (2)

On December 6, 2005, on the winter day of memory of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky, in the garden in the courtyard of the Lavra, a monument was also opened and consecrated by E. P. Solovieva in the form of a cross inscribed in a circle. It symbolizes salvation through the sacrifice of Christ.

• Worship cross in the metropolitan garden.

The monument was erected on September 12, 2013 in the Metropolitan Garden in honor of the significant event of 2009 - the restoration of the connection between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Church Abroad that was once interrupted due to political and ideological reasons. Now, according to Vladyka Mark, both of our Russian churches stand together before the throne of God. This is also the work of E. P. Solovieva. (3)

• Relief panel of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky. Opened on September 12, 2013 during the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Lavra. (4)

This bronze panel is located on the wall of the Prosphora building.

• Memorial plaque in the Metropolitan building of the Lavra, at the site of a mortal wound received on January 19, 1918 by Hieromartyr Peter Skipetrov. (5)

• Icon case with the Konevskaya icon of the Mother of God. Illuminated on July 10, 2015. (6)

This two-meter stone kiot was made in the workshop of the Lavra under the guidance of the isographer and restorer D. G. Mironenko. It is located in the backyard of the monastery. Around the icon case there is a resting place for pilgrims with a decorative pond and pavilions.

Museum of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra

The monastery has its own museum, which was created with the blessing of the viceroy, Bishop Nazarius. It is located in the premises of the Lavra sacristy.

The exposition contains exhibits that tell about the three-century history of the monastery. Photos and documents, icons, priestly vestments, church utensils and much more will appear to the visitors. Detailed information about the creation of the museum

Entrance possible on Wednesday and Friday from 12.00 to 17.00 and by agreement through the Lavra pilgrimage center by phone 274-16-12.

holy names

Many names of those people who are now canonized as saints are associated with the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Here are some of them.

• Of course, first of all, we must remember the great and faithful holy prince Alexander Nevsky.
• Also in this bright galaxy are St. Innocent, the first Bishop of Irkutsk, the Wonderworker (John Kulchitsky), who at one time was a resident of the Lavra and received the rank of bishop here.
• Hieromartyr Metropolitan of Petrograd and Gdov Veniamin (Kazan).
• Saint Reverend Seraphim Vyritsky, once a brilliant Russian merchant of the 1st guild, and later a priest, a monk-scheme, who repeated the feat of praying on the stone of Seraphim of Sarov during the Great Patriotic War.

His canonization took place in our time, in 2000. Today, the river of believers to his chapel in Vyritsa is growing. In the fraternal building of the Lavra, in the premises of the former cell of the saint, today there is a small cozy church.

You can learn about other saints glorified in the face, new martyrs and confessors of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra

Additional information about the Lavra for guests and pilgrims

Holy Spirit Center

The "Holy Spirit" spiritual and educational center has been operating on the territory of the monastery for a long time.

Concerts are held here, interesting meetings with cultural figures, artists and the clergy, the Neva Domes festivals, which attract participants not only from all over Russia, but also from other countries. A cinema-lecture hall works regularly, there is a theater of folk drama. I remember very well the meeting organized by the Nikea publishing house with the doctor, psychologist Federica von Graaf, who works in the Moscow hospice.

This amazingly courageous and warm-hearted woman wrote an amazing book, There Will Be No Separation, about how to get over the loss of loved ones.

There is also an annual literary prize named after. Alexander Nevsky, solemn ceremonies and evenings of memory are held.

The schedule of events of the center can be seen

Sunday School

At the laurel, there is also a traditional Orthodox churches and monasteries Sunday school. In January 2017, her 20th birthday was celebrated.

Children come here from preschool to high school age. And there is something for everyone to enjoy. After all, in addition to studying the Word of God, children are engaged in creativity, go on excursions (were even in Finland and Jerusalem), attend various circles. It has its own church choir, theatrical preparations for the holidays are underway.

By Sundays children participate in the liturgy, which is usually held in the church of Seraphim Vyritsky in the Fraternal Corps. In summer, a summer camp on the island of Konevets is hospitably open to everyone.

I have been there and I understand that surrounded by beauty and downright pristine nature, the guys spend their holidays.

church shops

There are 7 church shops in the Lavra (including porcelain, pottery and souvenir shops), where, if you wish, you can buy candles, literature, jewelry, souvenirs, scarves, etc. You can find out about the location

Tea room and refectory

There are 2 wonderful cafes on the territory of the Lavra, where I often buy wonderful pastries. They are located on the right immediately at the entrance to the monastery.

This is the refectory and tea room "Pilgrim". They follow the schedule church calendar. Therefore, on the days of fasting, the corresponding dishes predominate. But the food is surprisingly delicious. Soups, and pancakes with honey, and pancakes with mushrooms will please. Both priests and guests of the Lavra love to dine here. The refectory is decorated with stained-glass windows by the icon painters of the Lavra itself.

In the tea wall hall, visitors are shown a real collection of decorative plates brought from different countries. There is also a collection of ceramic utensils made by Lavra masters.

Pastries are always fresh: pies with buckwheat, millet, potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, cheesecakes, cinnamon rolls, raisins and chocolate and much more. You can even make reservations here by phone. The prices are quite reasonable.

For example, pies cost from 40 rubles. , borsch - 80 rubles, a portion of pancakes with honey - 70 rubles, porridge - from 50 rubles.

Group services can also be arranged here. Also, for organized excursions, there is an opportunity to dine in the monastery refectory of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, which is located in the Feodorovsky building of the monastery.

Breakfast - 150 rubles. (100 rubles); lunch - 230 rubles; dinner - 150 rubles.

Opening hours: daily from 9:30 to 19:00 Tea room is open longer - until 19:30

In addition, in the Lavra you can buy excellent monastic bread, which is prepared with a special sourdough.

The real test will be the queue. No, not its length, but those smells that you can't resist. What could be more beautiful than the aroma of freshly baked hot bread! By the way, when we buy a loaf here, we do not always deliver it to the house intact. She somehow quickly disappears during a car trip.

Hotels

On the territory of the monastery there are several hotels for pilgrims. Places can be booked here not only for organized groups, but also for independent pilgrims.

• "Dukhovskaya" is located on the 2nd floor of the Spirit building (27 seats). It has its own refectory equipped with a microwave and kettle. 700 rub./day
• "Feodorovskaya" is located in the fraternal Fedorovsky building (75 seats). Facilities on the floors. Donation: 500 rubles/day (for foreigners 15 EUR).

By the way, it is here on the 2nd floor that a surprisingly cozy Church of Seraphim Vyritsky, where on Sundays at 9 am the liturgy is served, and also daily at 8:00 and 22:00 the monks read the morning and evening rule.

• "Iris" is a recently opened comfortable hotel with one and two-room suites. (from 2400 rubles)

All accommodation information

True, I want to note by all means that the entrance to the territory of the monastery stops at 23:00. Therefore, if suddenly you are accommodated in the above hotels and intend to attend some evening city events (concerts, performances), then correctly calculate the time of returning to the monastery.

pilgrimage center

The Alexander Nevsky Lavra also has its own pilgrimage center. It is located immediately at the monastery gate (on the right) in the Prosphora building on the 2nd floor. Here you can order an excursion not only to the monastery itself, but also to other holy places in Russia and abroad.

Information about all services of the center

Opening hours: mon. – Fri. From 10:00 to 18:00 (from 13:00 to 14:00 break)

My friend traveled through this organization to the Crimea and was very pleased. If you have come to the city for a long time, and you have a desire to get acquainted with the monasteries and shrines in the vicinity of the city, then you can also book a one-day sightseeing trip here.

Visit time

Alexander Nevsky Lavra

Entrance to the territory is possible from 5:45 to 23:00

Holy Trinity Cathedral

The cathedral is open from 5:45 to 20:00 (after the evening service, the cleaning of the temple begins and access to the shrines may be limited). Entrance to the territory of the monastery and to all temples free.

Necropolises

Cossack and Nikolskoye cemeteries you can visit free. Nikolskoye is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (October - April), 9:00 - 19:00 (May - September), January 1: day off.

The 18th century necropolis is open to the public daily from 9:30 to 16:00; the box office is open until 15:30

Necropolis of the Masters of Arts - daily from 10:00 to 16:00; The box office is open until 15:30.

Visiting one of the necropolises:

• adult ticket - 150 rubles;

Visiting two necropolises:

• adult ticket - 250 rubles;
• schoolchildren, students and pensioners of the Russian Federation - 50 rubles.

Bell ringing over Petersburg

I tried to tell you about a wonderful place - spiritual heart The northern capital - the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, which I myself love very much.

A special feeling arises here in the winter twilight, when the bells call you to the vigil.

You walk along the paths of the park, called the Communist site, and formerly known as the parterre garden, and you understand that here, in the immediate vicinity of the noisy Nevsky Prospekt, you are completely removed from all this fuss. There is only the eternal sky, the singing of bells and a beautiful temple in which you will now light a candle and once again feel the loving, warming gaze of the Mother of God coming from her wondrous icon "Neva Quick Hearing". Probably, it is moments like these that help us become a little kinder and finally hear the voice of our own heart.

Have something to add?

The first mention in the documents is in July 1710, when Peter I, having examined the place near the Black River (the current Monastyrka River), ordered the construction of the Alexander Nevsky Monastery here at the supposed site of the victory in 1240 of the troops of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky over the Swedes in the Battle of the Neva.

The official date of foundation of the monastery is considered to be the day of the consecration of the first wooden Church of the Annunciation - March 25, 1713.

By a decree of July 7, 1923, the city authorities confiscated all premises from the Lavra brethren, except for churches. In May 1920, the relics of St. blgv. book. Alexander Nevsky and sealed cancer; Since 1922, the relics have been in the collections of the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism, cancer - in the Hermitage Museum.

Since 1920, the Lavra ensemble has been under state protection, having received the status of a cultural monument. By 1936, all the temples of the Lavra were closed; since then, up to 17 institutions have been located on its territory.

In 1957, the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Lavra was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church, with him a parish was formed. The ruling bishop of the St. Petersburg diocese became the rector of the cathedral. On June 3, 1989, the relics of Sts. Alexander Nevsky.

On September 14, 1995, the first monastic service was held in the Trinity Cathedral, and on November 3, 1997, the parish meeting of the Trinity Cathedral was abolished and the cathedral received the status of a monastery.

In 2013, the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra will be celebrated.