Every deeply religious person considers it his duty to make a pilgrimage and worship religious shrines at least once in his life. For Orthodox Christians, such an opportunity will present itself during visits to churches and monasteries of the Golden Ring. The cities included in this route were founded many centuries ago, but to this day they have retained their beauty and grandeur. In addition, they still remain the spiritual heart of our Motherland.

Pilgrimage tour– this is not a simple excursion trip. Here comes to the fore spiritual rebirth man, his soul, and therefore such trips do not include worldly entertainment.

Pilgrimage trip along the Golden Ring – the unity of spirituality and culture

· Khor Virap;

· Noravank;

· Geghard;

· Tatev Monastery;

· Gandzasar.

The religious tour will allow you to see the residence of the Catholicos, built in the 15th century, and enjoy the Orthodox beauty and tranquility of Armenia.

Pilgrimage tours to Serbia

The Christian religion of Serbia is very rich Orthodox churches, churches and shrines. Serbian monasteries have a deep history, and the mass baptism of Serbs was recorded in chronicles at the beginning of the 7th century AD. will reveal to believers the unique history of the formation of Christianity over many centuries. After all, the history of Serbian Orthodoxy suffered many schisms and pressure from the Turks and Roman Catholics. For now, a religious trip to Serbia will allow you to feel spiritual meaning on the territory of the cathedrals, get a lot of impressions for spiritual experience. The troubled past and the emergence of Christianity of the Serbs attracts many religious tourists. Therefore, many are already planning pilgrimage tours for 2019.

Pilgrimage tours to Greece

Greek Orthodox religion one of the most revered in the world. It was Greece that played an important role in the history of Christianity at a time when many believers sought refuge and shelter from Ottoman Empire. If you get to know this country more closely, then trips to holy places will allow you to see the rarest icons, temples, and monasteries that have contributed to Christianity at the world level. Throughout history, Christianity in Greece suffered many raids, fires, holy relics were transferred many times from Orthodox to Muslims to Catholics. But most of the shrines have been preserved and are now open to visit by modern generations. The pilgrimage tour of the tour operator “Horizons” to Greece will reveal the high spiritual power of Christianity of the times and generations that this country has carefully preserved.

Organizing a trip to holy places

Travel time is planned taking into account the visit church services: everyone can attend the all-night vigil and attend the morning liturgy at dawn. If desired, the faithful may be accompanied on their journey by a priest. Guides must meet special requirements:

• godly behavior;
• to belong to Orthodox faith;
• deep understanding of the spiritual component of pilgrimage.

It is very important to follow the rules for visiting temples and monasteries. First of all, this concerns clothing:

• for women A headdress is required: a scarf or headscarf and a long skirt covering the knees. Clothing should be modest, discreet, shoulders and chest must be covered;
• for men– also closed torso and shoulders. Jeans or trousers would also be appropriate. Wearing shorts and hats is considered inappropriate.

In addition, drinking alcoholic beverages is not allowed. Try to refrain from using bad language.

Pilgrimage to holy places and shrines of the Golden Ring of Russia - strengthening faith and spirit

Such a trip will bring your family together, strengthen your faith through communication with church ministers, and the magnificent architecture will touch the very depths of your heart.

An integral attribute of the life of a believer is travel to holy places, or pilgrimage - this is a visit to holy places located outside of a person’s residence. People go on such trips for the purpose of venerating shrines and relics.

Types of pilgrimage

Every religion has its own holy places that every believer should visit. IN Christian faith The dream of every believer is to visit Jerusalem. It was on this land that Jesus was born and preached here. Here are places associated with the Messiah, his apostles, the Holy Virgin Mary, as well as the Holy River Jordan and other holy springs.

In Islam, pilgrimage involves visiting Mecca and Medina. These places are important for every Muslim.

In Vaishnavism, pilgrims strive to visit Vrindavan and Govardhan. These places are considered the holiest in all the land. It is believed that these places were visited by Krishna, who came about five thousand years ago. Vaishnavism involves pilgrimages to the places of pastimes of God and his beloved Srimati Radharani. Believers take bath in the waters of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

Pilgrimage is present in Shaivism. All believers who worship Shiva dream of visiting Mount Kailash, located in the Himalayas. Believers believe that Shiva is still in meditation in one of the caves of the mountain.

In Buddhism, there are four main holy places that should be visited. These are Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar.

All holy places, regardless of faith, have extraordinary powers that cannot be explained by scientists. For example, the dust of Vrindavan has floral aroma, and the water of the Ganga has a cleansing effect, although millions of people live on the banks of the river, and the ashes of the dead are thrown into the waters. And there are no treatment facilities here.

A little history of Christian pilgrimage

With the beginning christian church believers sought to get to places associated with the earthly life of Jesus, his mother. Later, people began to visit the places of the holy martyrs.

It is impossible to say exactly when the pilgrimage began. However, according to some sources, it began after 325, when Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of temples in Bethlehem and declared all of Palestine to be Holy Land.

The word "pilgrimage" itself is a journey to a holy place, and a "pilgrim" is a person holding a palm branch. Typically, the pilgrimage season begins with Christmas and ends with Pentecost. In ancient times, Christians came to Palestine during this entire period.

One of the important holidays during which the number of people going on religious pilgrimage increased is Easter. Those who sought to meet in Jerusalem Bright Sunday, came early. All participants procession carried palm branches. They were taken home as shrines and evidence of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage in Rus'

In Rus', pilgrimage gained popularity at the time of Epiphany. The history of pilgrimages tells how people traveled to Jerusalem and other holy places. In those days there were no means of transportation, and believers walked the entire route. Such a journey was dangerous and long.

Gradually, national churches began to be built in Rus'. The first were the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Valaam, Solovki, the Trinity-Sergius Lavra and many other shrines. People from all over the country began to visit them.

Jerusalem for Christians

One of the oldest and most important cities of various religions is Jerusalem. This place is holy to Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The pilgrimage to Jerusalem is a special step for believers. Special meaning this city represents for Christians. This place is spoken of in the Old and New Testaments. According to the latter, forty days after his birth, Jesus was brought to the city temple to be dedicated to the service of God.

There is a story about how the Messiah cleansed the temple, expelling all merchants from it outside the holy land. A pilgrimage to Jerusalem involves visiting all the places where Jesus and his apostles passed.

At the end of the Gospels there is a description of the Last Supper held in Jerusalem, the arrest of the Messiah and Gethsemane. It was also on this earth that Jesus was crucified and buried. Holy Scripture speaks of the resurrection and ascension of the Messiah and the day when he will return.

Holy places of Jerusalem

The place of the Last Supper is the Upper Room of Zion. A pilgrimage to Israel from Moscow includes a visit to this holy place. The travelers' itinerary also includes a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. According to legend, Jesus is buried in this place. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come here to touch the slab.

Believers also strive to visit Golgotha. They reach the place of the crucifixion on their knees. Another must-visit place is the Western Wall. Various believers strive to visit churches and monasteries dedicated to St. Virgin Mary.

A pilgrimage to Israel from Moscow is an occasion to visit not just holy places, but to plunge into the history of the emergence of faith. During the trip, believers can visit the monastery of St. Magdalene, venerate the relics and icon. Also in Jerusalem is the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, where you can bow before the relics of the arch. Antonina.

In the Holy Land there is the tomb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the tombs of the prophets Haggai, Malachi, and the tomb of King David.

A great place that every believer wants to visit is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Church of the Holy Sepulcher). This shrine is divided between different peoples and faith. Orthodox, Catholics and other believers pray here.

Mecca for Muslims

In Islam, pilgrimage is a hajj to places where you can worship Allah collectively and perform namaz. Mecca is the place where the prophet was born. This place is the spiritual center of all Muslims of all Islam.

According to tradition, the pilgrimage to Mecca lasts ten days. Believers prepare for this event in advance. There are many rules for Hajj that a believer must take into account. Thus, a young man can independently go on a religious journey at the age of 18, and girls and women under the age of 45 have the right to visit Holy place only accompanied by a man: husband or relative. Moreover, they must document their relationship to the Spiritual Administration of Muslims at their place of residence.

In the Kingdom Saudi Arabia, where pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina are held (these shrines are located on the territory of the country), strict Sharia rules apply. At the airport there are strict rules screening of every arriving guest.

The pilgrimage to Mecca is carried out under the supervision of experienced guides. Even if believers do not arrive as a group, but on their own, they are placed under the care of accompanying persons. All institutions in the country are open from eight in the morning to twelve in the afternoon and from five to seven in the evening. Closed days are Thursday and Friday. The kingdom has its own calendar, according to which the current year is 1438 Hijri (2017 AD).

Rite in Mecca

Arriving in Mecca, after putting on special ritual clothes, each believer must walk around the House of Allah seven times. This is the main shrine of believers. Then a seven-fold run is carried out between the hills of Marwa and Safa. After this, you are allowed to quench your thirst from the ZamZam spring. Next, the pilgrims head to Arafat. This valley is located near Mecca. In the valley, believers must stand from noon until sunset. At this time, special prayers are read. After sunset, believers head to Muzdalifah. Collective prayer takes place in this valley.

The next day, believers head to the Mina Valley. Here the ritual of throwing stones at a pillar symbolizing Satan is performed. After this, a ritual of sacrifice is carried out, signaling the onset of Eid al-Adha, the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. After the sacrifice, the pilgrims return to Mecca for a farewell procession around the House of Allah.

Optina Pustyn

The Stavropegic Monastery has been receiving pilgrims from all over the country since ancient times. According to legend, this place was founded in the fourteenth century by a man named Opta. There was a time when Optina Pustyn flourished, and there were times of decline. In the twentieth century, the monastery was closed and the churches were destroyed. Times changed the monastery, but the elder service did not change. To this day, this place remains the center of spiritual life. Many believers are eager to visit Optina Pustyn.

A pilgrimage to Optina Pustyn involves visiting the temples and shrines located here. This is the Vvedensky Cathedral, which contains the relics of Nektary and Ambrose, the icon of the Kazan Mother of God. Optina Pustyn is also famous for the temple in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, the temple of Hilarion the Great, the Forerunner of the Baptist of the Lord, and the temple in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

During the day, the main temples are always open. Pilgrimage to holy places involves worshiping shrines located in the Optina Hermitage. Here believers venerate icons, holy relics of the elders and fathers of Optina.

Pilgrimage in the 19th century

Most people began to visit places of pilgrimage in the nineteenth century. At that time it was a tradition to visit Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Tens of thousands of pilgrims of all social classes go to holy places. Someone rides a horse, and someone walks. All this led to Archimandrite Antonin acquiring large tracts of land in Palestine, on which they built churches, monasteries and hotels for pilgrims.

With the advent of the revolution, the tradition of pilgrimage lost its former strength. Temples were destroyed, plots of land abroad were lost. For many years, Russian people could not freely pray and visit shrines.

Nowadays, the tradition of visiting holy places is returning. Many people visit not only world-famous holy places, but also little-known monasteries.

Pilgrimage in the Orthodox religion

A pilgrimage is a way to touch not just shrines, but to the origins of your past, and to find the right path in the future.

Orthodox believers travel to the Holy Land, Mount Athos. In the nineteenth century, religious travel became quite popular. People were not afraid to go on a long journey, because then along the way every pilgrim could stop at any house. In those days, it was considered righteous to allow a pilgrim to spend the night.

After World War II, the number of Russian pilgrims to Jerusalem decreased, but did not stop completely.

Modern Orthodox pilgrimage to Jerusalem includes visits to places where evangelical events took place. The bulk of people come to the Holy Land during Holy Week to see the Holy Fire descend on Holy Saturday and to wash themselves with it.

Athos, or Holy Mountain

The rocky peninsula in the shape of a trident is Athos. According to legend, when St. Mary wanted to share their labors with the apostles, going with them to preach; she had a revelation that she would have a different path. And so it happened: during her journey, her ship landed on the shores of Athos. The Mother of God came ashore and blessed the land. After this, they began to call it the Holy Mountain.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain

The peninsula is the site of the exploits of monks. Women are prohibited from setting foot on these lands. Several years ago there was a case when one American journalist decided to dress in men's clothing and penetrate Athos. When this was discovered, a serious international scandal arose. Women are allowed to swim along the island, listen to stories, and look at the peninsula from the waters through binoculars. But men can freely visit Athos. Despite the ban on women visiting the place, the Holy Mountain is one of the popular shrines for worship.

Every faith has its day off. Muslims have a day off on Friday, and Jews have Saturday. On these days, Jews and Muslims do not work. Christians also have a day off; Scripture says “honor the Sabbath.” In some English speaking countries she is revered, so it is customary for them to start the week on Sunday. In Russia this day is a day off, and in some other countries of the world it is the beginning working week, but Friday and Saturday are days off.

On Mount Athos, time is still calculated by the sun. The day there begins at sixteen o'clock in the afternoon.

Holy places of Russia... Probably there are not many people who have never heard of such places. Pilgrimages here are made by both Russians and guests from near and far abroad.

But have you ever wondered what is hidden behind the popular tourist destination called “Holy Places of Russia”? Why are travelers drawn there with such force and enviable consistency? Is there really some kind of mystery or mystery in this?

This article will tell not only about the holy places in Russia themselves, the reader will get acquainted with the nuances and details of this kind of travel, and will also find out where to look first when visiting a huge country.

General information and relevance of the issue

Before you go on a trip to the holy places of Russia, it is still worth familiarizing yourself with some information.

There are places on Russian land to which pilgrims are drawn from all over the world. Usually, various holy sources, temples, monasteries, incorruptible relics of holy saints and burials of the righteous are considered as such. By visiting such places, a person is spiritually cleansed, charged with positive energy, discovers something new for himself and rethinks the essence of life on earth.

It turns out that those who mentally stand on the threshold of spiritual change come to the holy places of Russia. Naturally, one prepares for such a trip in advance.

Pilgrimage to the holy places of Russia

The peculiarities of this kind of tours lie in specific directions. The specificity of pilgrims is determined by the peculiarity religious consciousness believers.

The main motives for making a pilgrimage are the following: the desire to pray, find grace, touch incorruptible relics or a miraculous icon, perform the sacrament of confession with a special religious figure in a certain holy place, make a donation, make a vow, etc.

How do people understand that they will be interested in a trip to the holy places of Russia? The decision to go on a pilgrimage can be made independently or with the blessing of the spiritual father.

As a rule, the intensity and nature of such travel depend on the political and economic situation of a particular country, the level of social and material condition of citizens. The travel patterns of religious pilgrims are influenced by climate and geographical position destinations.

Duration of the pilgrimage tour

Geographically, holy places in Russia are very often located at some distance from settlements.

All according to duration are divided into multi-day, one-day or “weekend” tours.

Tours to the holy places of Russia rarely last longer than 12 days. The pilgrimage to the most distant regions of Russia (Ekaterinburg, Tobolsk and Altai) takes the most time.

Any route of such a plan must be complete and logical. For example, when a pilgrim wants to see holy places near Tobolsk or Yekaterinburg, it is best for him to go on a comprehensive tour that covers all the main shrines in the Urals. Thus, he will be able to visit all the shrines of the Central and Northern Urals in one trip, and also cover the route Royal Martyrs Urals and Siberia.

Where do parishioners most often go?

If we consider tours to the holy places of Russia according to regional characteristics, we can determine the directions of the most visited places in the country.

Most often, pilgrims go to the center and northwest. Many travel along the Golden Ring, visit Kursk, Diveevo ( Nizhny Novgorod region.), Zadonsk (Lipetsk region).

The Vologda and Arkhangelsk (Solovki) lands, Karelia (Kizhi and Valaam), Velikiy Novgorod, Pskov. The latter is famous for Pechora and the Pushkin Mountains; many pilgrims visit the Talap Islands.

The main important places for parishioners are the monasteries and hermitages of the Russian Orthodox Church. There are 26 deserts and 313 monasteries on the territory of the state. Excursions to the holy places of Russia are held regularly.

Many cities of the Golden Ring are very closely connected with the history of the spread of Orthodoxy in Rus'. That's where it's located a large number of shrines, therefore almost all temples and monasteries are objects of pilgrimage. The most visited cities are Alexandrov, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Yaroslavl, Rostov Veliky, Uglich, Kostroma, Sergiev Posad, Tutaev, Vladimir and Suzdal.

Also, many monasteries have recently been opened and restored in Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar and Arkhyz. Pilgrimages to Altai are interesting in connection with the study of local traditions.

How to choose a time to travel?

It can be difficult to identify and get ahead of the most favorable period for pilgrimage. As a rule, in the summer it is more convenient and comfortable to make long trips (from 3 to 7-12 days) over long distances.

In spring and autumn, shorter programs (2-3 days) are usually chosen. Only major holidays are an exception, because... these days it doesn't really matter whether a holiday falls on that date according to the regular calendar or not.

Holy places of Russia: Valaam

One of the most popular tourist destinations is the world-famous island of Valaam. It is part of a fairly large archipelago, which is located in the north of Lake Ladoga. In total, several hundred people live on the island. The main population of the archipelago are fishermen, forest rangers and monks. Valaam is located on the island, where pilgrims come from all over the world.

The time and history of the spread of Christianity on the island of Valaam are unknown, but there is information that the monastery already existed at the beginning of the 16th century.

In those days, such saints as Arseny Konevsky, St. Abraham of Rostov, Savvaty of Solovetsky, Adrian Ondrusovsky and Alexander Svirsky lived there. To this day, all the monasteries operate here, and there are also several branches of the monastery (about ten).

There is also a weather station on the islands and military unit. Glory to the high spiritual life of the monastery, amazing nature islands, the beauty and severity of monastic services attracts many pilgrims to Valaam.

Solovki - a famous place of pilgrimage

It is a stauropegial monastery of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is located in the White Sea on deserts and hermitages - on the islands of the archipelago.

The monastery was founded by the monks Zosim, Savvaty and German back in 1436. Many people know that in the 1920s there was a camp for political prisoners at the monastery.

During the Soviet Union, it was also called “Solovki”, or “Russian Golgotha”. The relics of the founders are still kept on the territory of the monastery. Many righteous people lived in this monastery, who after death were canonized as saints.

Today the monastery is a major social and spiritual center. A pilgrimage here has always been considered a feat that few dared to accomplish. Now the Solovetsky Monastery is visited not only by pilgrims, but also by researchers, historians, and scientists.

gaining popularity

In the Sverdlovsk region there is an abandoned Isetsky mine - Ganina Yama. Pilgrims who come to the Urals always try to visit this holy place. It is also called the Temple on the Blood. It was built on the site where the house once stood, in the basement of which the Tsar and his servants were shot on the night of July 17, 1918 Russian Nikolay II, his wife Alexandra Feodorovna, children - Alexy, Tatiana, Olga, Anastasia and Maria.

Then the bodies were taken to the Isetsky mine and thrown into a mine near Ganina Yama, and the clothes were burned. On the second day, the unfortunates were reburied in distant mines. 60 years later, this burial was found by a group of searchers. Since the 70s, pilgrims began to visit this place to pay tribute to the holy land in which the royal martyrs were buried.

In 2000, construction of a monastery and several churches began on Ganina Yama. Now there are 7 churches open there, in which pieces of the relics of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky and the relics of the holy venerable martyrs nun Barbara and Grand Duchess Elizabeth.

Holy spring of the village of Talezh

Among the special places in Russia marked by grace, there is the holy spring of St. David in the village of Talezh, Chekhov district, Moscow region. It is located near the Ascension David Hermitage. This is a monastery located in the village of Novy Byt.

Pilgrims have been attracted to Talezh since ancient times by spring water, which has healing properties. This is a holy source that gives a person vigor, health and joy of life. They say when they touch this clean water, the parishioner feels his soul become lighter.

Near the source, pilgrims have the opportunity to bathe in a well-equipped bathhouse specially built for this purpose. It is believed that sacred water has the power to purify and sanctify the soul and body.

No other country in the world has as many Christian values ​​as 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, healing relics, and healing water from 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.

KIYAN 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 inside the cross are hidden particles of the relics of almost four hundred saints.

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

What does it help with?

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

Where is

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

Monasteries of Russia:Danilov Holy Trinity Monastery.

RELICS OF NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER

Pieces of the remains of Russia's most revered saint are kept in a silver reliquary at St. Daniel's Holy Trinity Monastery. There are many known miracles that happened thanks to these relics. But even scientists consider the mere fact that they have not been touched by decay for many centuries to be a phenomenon.

What do they help with?

They pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help to those floating, traveling 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 they located?

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

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

THE NAIL OF THE LORD

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

What does it help with?

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

Where is

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

Temples of Russia:Church of the Resurrection.

RELICS AND ICON OF SAINT PANTELEMON

After his martyrdom, Panteleimon’s relics were dispersed in pieces throughout the world. In Moscow there are two churches with relics and miraculous icons.

What do they help with?

The saint was recognized as a great healer during his lifetime. And since then people have turned to him with prayers for various illnesses.

Where are they located?

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

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 drunk from Kholodny on an empty stomach in the morning and evening, helps to quickly cleanse the kidneys and liver. This water also quickly relieves headaches.

Another equally famous holy spring is located in the Tatar ravine, near the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. The water in it is the cleanest of all the springs in the capital. Cures many ailments, even mental disorders.

There are more than 20 springs in Kolomenskoye. One of them - Kadochka - hits 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 not far from the Voikovskaya metro station, in the Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo forest park, in Filevsky Park, St. Daniel's Monastery, Neskuchny Garden, Serebryany Bor, Bitsevsky Forest Park, Kuntsevo, Medvedkovo and Tsaritsyn.

However, even confessors advise drinking water from holy springs with caution.

With today's ecology, no one can vouch for the purity of the springs, 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 a relic or an icon is miraculous?

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

MIRACLE ICONS

MIRACLE-WORKING ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD OF VLADIMIR

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

What does it help with?

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 entire country (especially officials, especially in front of television cameras).

Where is

In the Church of St. Nicholas (by the way, this is also where the most famous icon Rublev "Trinity"). Maly Tolmachevsky lane, 9 (Tretyakovskaya metro station).

MIRACLE-WORKING ICON “THE GRACEFUL”

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

What does it help with?

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

Where is

2nd Zachatievsky lane, 2 (metro station “Kropotkinskaya” or “Park Kultury”).

MIRACLE-WORKING ICON “ALL QUEEN”

Kept in the temple of the Novospassky Monastery, built in the 13th century.

What does it help with?

They pray to her for those suffering from drug addiction and cancer patients.

Where is

Peasant Square, 10 (metro station “Proletarskaya” or “Peasant Outpost”).

MIRACLE-WORKING ICON “RECOVERY OF THE LORD”

For a long time, her place of “registration” was the Church of the Nativity of Christ. 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 does it help with?

Brides turn to her when they get married. They also pray for children suffering from drunkenness and poverty and dying.

Where is

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

MIRACLE-WORKING ICON OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Several years ago, in the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the face of Christ unexpectedly appeared on the glass of the iconostasis. This is where the icon of John the Baptist is located.

What does it help with?

People turn to this saint for various pains. And especially if you have a headache.

Where is

Petropavlovsky lane, 4 - 6 (metro station "Kitai-Gorod", "Chistye Prudy").

MIRACLE-WORKING 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 does it help with?

They pray to the icon for the health and happiness of children. They ask for help to resolve troubles.

Where is

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

MIRACLE-WORKING ICON “QUEEN MY SORRY”

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

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

What does it help with?

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

Where is

Church of the Saint on Pupyshi, Vishnyakovsky lane, 157 (metro stations "Paveletskaya", "Novokuznetskaya").

MIRACLE-WORKING ICON “JOY OF ALL WHO SORRY”

The first high-profile miracle associated with this icon happened in late XVII century. The sister of Patriarch Joachim suffered from a terrible illness: she had a deep wound on her side. The girl turned to the icon and was soon healed. Since then, Orthodox Christians have annually celebrated the day of the icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow” (Oct. 24/Nov. 6).

What does it help with?

Survive severe operations and skin diseases. It has been witnessed 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 appearance of Moscow. Among the architectural monuments preserved in Moscow, monasteries occupy a special place. They spread through the Moscow streets, hid behind high-rise buildings and the greenery of the trees, they continue to lead their quiet, holy lives.

Monasteries(from the Greek monasterion - hermit's cell), communities of monks (monastery) or nuns (nunnery), adopting common 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 and book production. In Russia, the largest monasteries are called laurels.

How old are the monasteries?

It is believed that Danilov Monastery- the first monastery in Moscow. It was founded at the end of the 13th century younger son Alexander Nevsky, Moscow Prince Daniil, later canonized. Here he was buried in 1303. The Epiphany Monastery was also founded at the end of the 13th century. Extensive monastic construction began in Moscow in the second half of the 14th century. It was at this time that monasteries such as Andronikov, Chudov, Rozhdestvensky, Simonov, and Sretensky were built. The main part of Moscow monasteries was founded in the 16th-17th centuries.

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

Moscow monasteries are a place of prayer to the saints and miracle workers of Moscow. The relics of St. rest in them. blgv. book Daniel of Moscow, St. Tikhon Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', Venerable. Andronicus and Savva of Moscow, St. icon painter Andrei Rublev and others. The monastic necropolises of our city are unique monuments to the history of not only Moscow, but also the entire Fatherland. Over the course of seven centuries, more than fifty monasteries were erected on Moscow soil, of which only a few have survived to this day. Their doors are open to those who want to enter the blessed world of Orthodox Moscow.

Monasteries of Moscow:

• St. Andrew's Monastery
  • Address: Andreevskaya embankment, 2
• Epiphany Monastery
  • Address: Bogoyavlensky lane, 2
• All Saints Monastery
  • Address: sh. Enthusiastov, 7
• All-Sorrow 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 str., 8-10 (cathedral - 8a)
• Ivanovo Monastery
  • Address: M. Ivanovsky lane, 2
• Kazan Golovinsky Monastery
  • Address: Kronstadsky Blvd., 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 Ave., 1
• Novospassky Monastery
  • Address: Krestyanskaya square, 10
• Pokrovsky Monastery
  • Address: Taganskaya st.
• Nativity Monastery
  • Address: Rozhdestvenka st., 20
• Simonov Monastery
  • Address: Vostochnaya st., 4
• Spaso-Andronikov Monastery
  • Address: Andronevskaya sq., 10
• Sretensky Monastery
  • Address: B. Lubyanka st., 19, building 1

Moscow monasteries:

• Novospassky stauropegial monastery
  • Address: Krestyanskaya square, 10. (metro station Proletarskaya).
• St. Daniel's stauropegic monastery
  • Address: St. Danilovsky Val, 22. (metro station Tulskaya).
• Sretensky stauropegial monastery
  • Address: St. Bolshaya Lubyanka, 19. (m. Turgenevskaya).
• Donskoy stauropegial monastery
  • Address: Donskaya sq., 1. (metro Leninsky Prospekt).
• Nikolo-Ugreshsky stauropegial monastery
  • Address: R.p. Dzerzhinsky, st. Dzerzhinskaya, 6.

Women's monasteries in Moscow

• Mother of God-Nativity Stauropegic Convent

Address: St. Rozhdestvenskaya, 20. (metro station Kuznetsky Most).

• Zachatievsky Stavropegic Convent

Address: metro station Park Kultury

• Pokrovsky Stavropegial Convent (formerly Ubozhedomsky)

Address: Taganskaya metro station

• John the Baptist Convent

Address: metro station Kitay-Gorod

• Marfo-Mariinskaya Convent of 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 Orthodox center huge state. And, if you have never visited the holy places of the Moscow region, this gap in spiritual education urgently needs to be filled.

Why is it important?

For Russian people, religion, traditionally, was something more than just a ritual. Russia is a believing land. The entire history of Russia as a state is closely connected with Orthodoxy. They suffered and died for religion, wars were fought for religion, they relied on religion in difficult days. We have inherited from past times many historical monuments, monasteries, and holy places. The holy places of the Moscow region are incredibly popular places in terms of visiting. Why? Apparently, even now, people find answers, calm their souls and hearts by coming there.Orthodoxy begins with water. Water cleanses and gives strength. Holy water is believed to cure diseases. I don’t know what the secret is here, either in the belief in a miracle, or indeed, water from holy places has some kind of medicinal effect. What is known for certain is that according to GOST, water supplied to apartments through the water supply system can contain up to 600 bacteria. In water from holy springs, bacterial contamination is zero. Besides, this water has high biological activity. That is, in everyday language, strength-strengthening, energy-giving properties. That is why holy springs attract so many people. There are more than 100 holy springs in the Moscow region.

The most visited consecrated springs in the Moscow region.

Chekhovsky district.

• David's Hermitage - Talezh. refers to the Holy Ascension David Hermitage.

Podolsky district.

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

Leninsky district.

• Holy source of Russian new martyrs and confessors. 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 Tikhvin icon Mother of God. A chapel over a spring with a font near the Church of the Nativity in the village. Ilyinskoe.
• Holy spring of the Hieromartyr Harlampius. Located near the Church of the Resurrection of the Word near the village. Karpovo. Named after Harlampy of Nicomedia, whose chapel 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.

Pushkinsky district.

• Holy spring "Gribanovo". Chapel of Peter and Paul over the spring. Located near the village. Gribanovo.
• The holy spring "Muranovo", also known as the "Barsky Well". Located in the Tyutchev museum-estate. When clearing the spring, they found that water was breaking 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 Gagarin princes, near the Temple of St. John the Warrior.

Mozhaisk district.

• Holy source of the Miraculous Icon of the Mother of God of Kolotsk. There is a wooden chapel above the spring. 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. Located right in front of the Luzhetsky Monastery in Mozhaisk, on “Brykina Mountain”. A wooden chapel over a spring, which was called “the well of St. Ferapont.”

Sergiev Posad district.

• Holy spring St. Sergius of Radonezh in the Holy Trinity Lavra of Sergius. Located on the territory of the monastery.
• Holy spring of John the Baptist. Located next to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Sergiev Posad.
• Holy spring of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Located next to the monastery, on the shore of the Kelarsky pond.
• Holy spring of Savva Storozhevsky. Located next to the laurel.
• Holy spring St. Sergius of Radonezh "Gremyachiy". Located near the village. Vzglyadnevo. The source is surprisingly similar to a waterfall. There is a plunge pool and shower.
• Holy spring "Radonezh". Located in the village of the same name near the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
• Holy spring of the Chernigov monastery. In the underground temple of the Archangel Michael, a vein of living water flows.

Schelkovsky district.

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

Stupinsky district.

Each of these places carries an amazing story.

1. David's Hermitage - Talezh. By car - Along the Simferopol highway, 80 km south of Moscow. By train - Kursky station to Chekhov station, then by bus No. 25 to the turn to Talezh, from there on foot 1.5 km. The monastery was founded on May 15, 1515 by the Monk David from the family of princes of 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 the Monk David. A whole spring complex was built next to it: the temple of St. David, a belfry and two indoor baths - men's and women's. It is believed that healing from eye and liver diseases occurs at the source.
2. Holy springs of the Sheremetev estate. By car - along Novoryazanskoye Highway, on Maly concrete ring left turn. On public transport- from the Vykhino metro station by bus No. 402, 403 to Malin, then by bus No. 34. Many sources. The most famous two. The first is “Joy to all who mourn.” Be in a low place. The uniqueness of the spring is in the concentration of silver, it 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 keeper of the events of the 18th century. Mentioned in many historical accounts.
3. Holy spring St. Sergius of Radonezh "Gremyachiy". 14 km southeast of Sergiev Posad. (near the village of Vzdglyadnevo). By car - along the 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 flow from a height of 25 meters. Among the people, each of the key streams has its own name - Vera (heals heart diseases), Nadezhda ( nervous system), Love (heals women's diseases). The composition of the water resembles the springs of Kislovodsk, so it is often not worth getting carried away and drinking it. The water contains healing radon, which in moderate doses has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to cope with chronic diseases. It is especially indicated for diseases of the cardiovascular cycle and the musculoskeletal system. Helps cope with stress. Swimming in the spring is not recommended for pregnant women.

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

SACRED SITES OF MOSCOW REGION

Serpukhov – Zachatievskoye – David’s Hermitage – Talezh

Acquaintance with the city of Serpukhov: Cathedral Mountain: Trinity Cathedral and the remains of the white stone walls of the Serpukhov Kremlin of the 16th century, Vladychny Vvedensky Convent and Vysotsky Conception Monastery. Ascension David's Hermitage, founded in 1515. student of Paphnutius Borovsky Davyd. Not far from the monastery, in the village of Talezh, there is a desert courtyard, where an abundant source of spring water flows out of the ground, consecrated in the name of the Monk David.

Sergiev – Posad - Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius

Excursion to the Trinity-Sergeev Lavra. The Trinity Cathedral (1422) houses the relics of St. Sergius; it was for this cathedral that Andrei Rublev’s “Trinity” was written. The decoration of the cathedral contains fresco paintings from the 17th century and a copy of Rublev’s “Trinity”.

Zvenigorod - Savino-Storozhevsky Monastery

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

Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery – Bykovo

Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery is a functioning monastery. Founded according to the vow of Dmitry Donskoy in the 14th century. False Dmitry was hiding in the monastery, Archpriest Avvakum was imprisoned, and Polish troops were stationed. The unique Jerusalem Wall, the 18th-century St. Nicholas Church, the 20th-century Spassky Cathedral, and the chapel on the site of Dmitry Donskoy’s tent have been preserved.
Bykovo is a manor palace, reminiscent of a Gothic English castle. The Temple of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God has no equal in its original volumetric composition.

New Jerusalem

Historical and architectural museum and active monastery. The monastery in Istra, near Moscow, built by Patriarch Nikon, embodies the Russian Holy Land. Nikon gave nearby places biblical names: river - Jordan, garden - Gethsemane.

Conversations – Island – Znamensky Skete

Acquaintance with the tented churches of the southeast of the near Moscow region. The Church of the Nativity of Christ in Besedy and the Transfiguration of the Lord in the village of Ostrov is a unique architectural monument from the time of Ivan the Terrible.
Visit to the Seraphim-Znamensky monastery, which is decorated with an Art Nouveau style tented temple, built at the beginning of the 20th century. In the village of Bityagovo - white stone Church XVII century, source.

Radonezh – Khotkovo - Chernigov monastery

Vozdvizhenskaya Church, Church of the Transfiguration, the place where St. Sergius of Radonezh spent his youth, V. Klykov’s monument to St. Sergei of Radonezh. Khotkovo: Pokrovsky Convent, place of tonsure of the parents of Sergei of Radonezh. The history of the foundation of the Chernigov monastery, the Gethsemane monastery, the famous caves - a place of solitude for the monks of the Trinity-Sergei Lavra, an underground temple with a miraculous spring. Isakovskaya Grove.

Sukhanovo - Catherine Hermitage

Sukhanovo: territory of the Volkonsky estate, visual inspection main house with two wings, a park, the Volkonsky family mausoleum. Active male monastery of the Catherine Monastery. In the middle of the last century, the notorious “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. Kiovo-Spasskoye: Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands; Nikolo-Peshnoshsky Monastery of the Medvedev Hermitage: Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, St. source; With. Ozeretskoye: St. Nicholas Church.

On the vast territory of Russia there are such special places where pilgrims from different parts of the world dream of visiting. These are ancient cities with temples and churches, monasteries with special abbots remote from large settlements, holy healing springs, myrrh-streaming icons, as well as incorruptible relics of saints.

Features of pilgrimage excursions

The holy places of Russia radiate invisible good and positive energy. By making a pilgrimage, travelers not only worship shrines and become familiar with Orthodox traditions, but also cleanse themselves spiritually, restore vitality and are charged with positive emotions.

Today, in order to see holy places and make pilgrimages, it is not at all necessary to make difficult and long journeys, as before. Modern travel companies organize themed trips to the most interesting and attractive places. Such excursions to holy places take place on ships and comfortable buses.

Believers from any corner of our country can easily go to a holy place, pray, touch miraculous icons, or confess in the place closest to their hearts.

Tourist excursions to holy places are conducted not only for deeply religious people, but also for ordinary citizens interested in travel. In addition, excursions to holy places are very popular among schoolchildren. Such programs teach children from early childhood to understand the world and choose their righteous path in life.

Pilgrimage programs can take place at any time of the year, but most often they are timed to coincide with some Orthodox event, holiday or important event. All trips are divided into multi-day, one-day and so-called “weekend tours”. It is most convenient to travel to holy places in summer period. In the warm season, you can plan long and intense programs.

The most popular holy places in Russia

1. Valaam Monastery

The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Monastery is known far beyond Russia and is highly revered among Russian travelers. It is located in a picturesque location in the northern part of Lake Ladoga. You can get to the island of Valaam only by boat or motor ship. On the territory of the monastery there is main temple, there are monasteries, and the relics of its founders have also been preserved. Exact date The foundation of the monastery is not known, but even at the beginning of the 16th century there was a monastery.

2. Solovetsky Monastery

In the White Sea on the Solovetsky Islands, back in 1436, three monks founded a monastery, which today is considered an important spiritual and social center. The Solovetsky monastery, in which righteous and holy people lived, preserved the relics of the founders on its territory.

To visit the monastery you need permission and blessing from the abbot.

3. Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad

One of the most famous and revered Russian shrines is the Holy Trinity-Sergius Lavra, founded back in 1337 Venerable Sergius Radonezh. On the unique territory of the Lavra, the ancient Trinity Cathedral, which was built back in 1422-1425, has been preserved. It is famous for the fact that the holy relics of Sergius of Radonezh are located there. In addition, the iconostasis painted by Andrei Rubev is of particular value.

In the vicinity of the monastery there is the Assumption Cathedral. Bogolyubsky and Bethany monasteries, as well as monasteries and other buildings of interest to pilgrims.

4. Tolgsky convent in the city of Yaroslavl

One of the significant shrines of the Golden Ring is the Tolginsky Convent. Thanks to convenient location and transport accessibility, the annual flow of pilgrims and tourists here is growing from year to year. Every traveler can visit Yaroslavl and take a city tour, but the rules for visiting convent quite strict.

5. Optina Pustyn in Kaluga region

Optina is considered one of the important spiritual centers of our country. On its territory is the St. Vvedensky Monastery of the Optina Monastery. Optina Pustyn became most famous in Russia thanks to the famous classic writers Dostoevsky and Tolstoy.

6. Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery in the Vologda region

The ancient and beautiful Kirillov Monastery is part of the complex of the museum-reserve of the same name, founded in 1924. The architectural ensemble includes a monastery, churches, majestic walls and towers. It is located on the very shore of Lake Siverskoye, which gives the museum a special charm.

The Assumption Cathedral has preserved ancient icons, the exhibition of which is organized in the bishop's chambers. And an important shrine of the Church of Cyril is the relics of Cyril of Belozersky preserved there. In the 15th-17th centuries, the monastery was one of the largest and richest in Russia. To this day it remains an important center of spiritual life.

7. Pskov-Pechersky Monastery in the Pskov region

This monastery is considered one of the largest and most famous monasteries, keeping traces of centuries-old history on its territory. On the territory there are amazing caves, as well as a cave church in the hill, which was consecrated in 1473 - the Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God.

The monastery ensemble includes churches, caves, a belfry, walls and towers. The monastery has two holy springs, which are considered healing and help in the healing of believers. This is the source of the Venerable Martyr Cornias and the Life-Giving Spring.

Churches and caves are open for tourists and pilgrims to visit, church holidays Services of amazing scale and beauty are held on the territory of the complex.

Excursions to holy places

Most often, excursion programs to holy places take place in the central part of Russia and the north-west. Travelers travel along the Golden Ring, visiting cities associated with the history of Orthodoxy in Rus'. Sergiev Posad, Moscow and the Moscow region, Yaroslavl, Suzdal, Veliky Novgorod, Vladimir, Vologda land, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Pskov - this is just a list of cities popular among pilgrims.

Russia Tourism Excursions