Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Solovetsky Monastery description and photos - Russia - North-West: Solovetsky Islands (Topic)

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Solovetsky Monastery description and photos - Russia - Northwest: Solovetsky Islands. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photos and a map showing the nearest significant objects.

Photo and description

The first building of the Church of the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos, which belongs to the Solovetsky Monastery, was built in the 15th century under the Monk Zosima. Before consecrating the newly built church, Zosima consecrated the monastery cathedral in the name of the Savior, which is why he decided to consecrate the church in the name of the Most Pure Mother of God, namely in honor of the holy feast of the Assumption. This holiday carries a very deep meaning, although the Assumption of the Virgin has always been perceived not as a sad event, but as a true fulfillment of Easter joy. According to the Orthodox Church teaching, the Mother of God died to live forever, still being the Mother of Christ who corrected death.

The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, one might say, inspired hope for salvation, for which the Mother of God was so ardently and passionately asked. At all times, Russian people loved to erect the Church of the Assumption in honor of the Ever-Virgin. One of the famous and revered temples of the Assumption was the Church of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, from which the first solitary hermit, the Monk Saint Savvaty, was revealed to Solovki. In addition, the main cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church in the capital of Russia was dedicated to this sacred holiday.
In 1538, the Solovetsky Church of the Assumption was completely burnt down, leaving only ashes behind.

Funds for the construction of a stone church on Solovki they were collected literally "by the whole world." Numerous donations were brought by people from nearby volosts, as well as merchants, artisans, Cossacks, and military people. In addition, the monks themselves and the abbot made a great contribution to the process of building the church. As soon as the necessary amount of money was collected, the question of choosing the location of the temple arose, but the insular position of the monastery caused many difficulties. Iron, timber, lime, tin and glass were delivered to the island with great problems and dangers, while for the production of bricks it was necessary to look for clay on Solovki and carry out the work of a brick factory.

Hegumen Philip invited architects from Novgorod to work. , under whose leadership during 1552-1557 the conceived plan was implemented. The church building was built quite large and really complex. In the inner part of the temple there were thick walls and steep narrow stairs that led to the upper floors - they were the ones that reminded of the poetic and ancient image of the so-called monastic deed.

On the second floor of the temple building there is the Assumption Church itself, as well as several one-pillar chambers - a small Kelarskaya and a large refectory room, on the first floor under which there were various cellars and warehouses, as well as a bakery.

Third, last floor was erected just above the church, where hegumen Philip decided to place a small chapel, consecrated in the name of St. John the Baptist, who was the heavenly patron of Ivan the Terrible. Initially, John the Baptist side-altar was the only one, after a while, namely in 1605, another side-altar was installed next to it, consecrated in the name of Dmitry Thessaloniki. In 1859, a third chapel appeared in the Assumption Church. The consecration of the throne in the name of the Nativity of the Virgin took place in the room located under the refectory, namely, in the bright memory of the miracle that happened in the old bakery building built of wood. According to church tradition, the image of the Blessed Virgin appeared to Saint Philip, therefore, at the place of its acquisition, the image received the name "Zapechny."

ending with the beginning of the 20th century. Judging by the architectural decoration of the refectory chamber, it seems to be a continuation of the Assumption Church, which proves its important purpose. The space of the refectory room is presented light, in addition, it is outlined from all sides by the size of the window openings and vaults with the corresponding lines, which is why the person who is here experiences an incredible inner uplift and a feeling of spiritual joy.

Today the Assumption Church is active, and all types of services are performed in it.

We also recommend reading Bridge Puente de San Martin description and photos - Spain: Toledo

Topic: Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Solovetsky Monastery description and photos - Russia - North-West: Solovetsky Islands.