Valdai Iversky Monastery

Photos

  • Валдайский Иверский монастырь. Photo 1
  • Валдайский Иверский монастырь. Photo 2
  • Валдайский Иверский монастырь. Photo 3
  • Валдайский Иверский монастырь. Photo 4

Description

Valdai Iversky Bogoroditsky Svyatoozersky Monastery is an Orthodox monastery located on the Selvitsky island of Valdai Lake in the Novgorod region. It was one of three monasteries built on the initiative of Patriarch Nikon, together with New Jerusalem and Cross.

The history of the monastery began in 1652, when Patriarch Nikon expressed a desire to create a monastery in Russia in the image of the Iveron Monastery on Mount Athos. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich supported this idea and allocated funds for construction. The choice of location for the monastery was made on the basis of Nikon's vision during his journey to Solovki for the relics of Metropolitan Philip.

Construction began in the summer of 1653, and by the fall two wooden churches had already been built, which were consecrated in honor of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God and St. Philip of Moscow. In 1653, stone construction of monastery churches and buildings began under the supervision of Patriarch Nikon. In 1655, the monastery was granted a royal charter, which assigned significant estates to it.

In 1991, the monastery, which was in disrepair, was returned to the Novgorod diocese. In subsequent years, extensive restoration of the monastery buildings began, and in 1997 Archimandrite Ephraim (Barbinyagra) was appointed vicar of the monastery. In 2008, the restored Assumption (Iveron) Cathedral was consecrated, and in 2009, Patriarch Kirill visited the monastery.

Today, the monastery continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural center, attracting many pilgrims and tourists for its historical and religious significance, as well as the beauty of its architecture and the nature of the surrounding lake.

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