What was a typical medieval monastery like? Famous Orthodox churches

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:43

Architectural monuments, examples of magnificent paintings, frescoes, records of historical chronicles - all this is a medieval monastery. Those who want to touch the past and learn about the events of bygone days should start their journey precisely with the study of ancient temples, as they remember much more than the pages of annals.

Cultural and economic centers of the Middle Ages

During the Dark Times, monastic communes begin to gain strength. For the first time they appear on the territory of Western Europe. Benedict of Nursia can be considered the progenitor of this movement. The largest medieval monastery of this period is the monastery in Montecassino. This is a world with its own rules, in which each member of the commune had to contribute to the development of a common cause.

At that time, the medieval monastery was a huge complex of buildings. It included cells, libraries, refectories, cathedrals and outbuildings. The latter included barns, warehouses, animal pens.

Over time, the monasteries have become the main centers of concentration of culture and economy of the Middle Ages. Here is a chronology of eventsheld debates, evaluated the achievements of science. Such teachings as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine developed and improved.

All physically hard work was provided to novices, peasants and ordinary monastic workers. Such settlements were of great importance in the field of storage and accumulation of information. Libraries were replenished with new books, and old editions were constantly rewritten. Also, the monks themselves kept historical chronicles.

History of Russian Orthodox monasteries

Russian medieval monasteries appeared much later than European ones. Initially, hermit monks lived apart in deserted places. But Christianity quickly spread among the masses, so stationary churches became necessary. From the 15th century until the reign of Peter I, there was a widespread construction of temples. They were in almost every village, and large monasteries were built near cities or in holy places.

Peter I carried out a number of church reforms, which were continued by his successors. The common people reacted negatively to the new fashion for the Western tradition. Therefore, already under Catherine II, the construction of Orthodox monasteries was resumed.

Most of these religious buildings have not become a place of pilgrimage for believers, but some Orthodox churches are known all over the world.

Miracles of myrrh-streaming

The banks of the Velikaya River and the Mirozhka River flowing into it. It was here that the Pskov Spaso-Preobrazhensky Mirozhsky Monastery appeared many centuries ago.

The location of the church made itunprotected from frequent raids. She took all the blows first of all on herself. Constant robberies, fires haunted the monastery for many centuries. And with all this, fortress walls were never built around it. What is surprising is that, despite all the troubles, he preserved the frescoes, which still delight in their beauty.

For many centuries the Mirozhsky monastery kept the priceless miraculous icon of the Mother of God. In the 16th century, she became famous for the miracle of myrrh-streaming. Later, miracles of healing were attributed to her.

An entry was found in the collection kept in the library of the monastery. It is dated 1595 according to the modern calendar. It contained the story of the miraculous myrrh-streaming of the icon. As the entry says: “Tears flowed like jets from the eyes of the Most Pure One.”

Spiritual legacy

Several years ago, the monastery of Giurgevi Stupovi celebrated its birthday. And he was born neither more nor less, but eight centuries ago. This church became one of the first Orthodox on Montenegrin soil.

The monastery has experienced many tragic days. During its centuries-old history, it was destroyed by fire 5 times. Eventually the monks left this place.

For a long period, the medieval monastery was devastated. And only at the end of the 19th century, a project began to recreate this historical object. Not only architectural structures have been restored, but also monastic life.

There is a museum on the territory of the monastery. In it you can see fragments of surviving buildings and artifacts. Nowthe monastery of Giurgevi Stupovi lives a real life. Constant charity events and collections are held for the development of this monument of spirituality.

Past in present

Today Orthodox monasteries continue their vigorous activity. Despite the fact that the history of some has exceeded a thousand years, they continue to live according to the old way and do not seek to change anything.

The main occupations are farming and serving the Lord. The monks try to comprehend the world in accordance with the Bible and teach this to others. In their experience, they show that money and power are transitory. Even without them, you can live and be absolutely happy.

Unlike churches, monasteries do not have parishes, yet people willingly visit monks. Renouncing everything worldly, many of them receive a gift - the ability to heal diseases or help with a word.