Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius

Tuesday, 18 September 2018

The Trinity Lavra (Monastery) of St. Sergius is about 70 km outside Moscow, and is arguably the most important religious center in Russia. It was founded 14th century by Sergius of Radonezh, who was later canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church. Over the centuries it was favored by the tsars, including Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great. Although a number of items, including bells and icons, were destroyed, lost, or transferred to other museums during the Soviet era, the monastery weathered that time better than many other religious institutions. The compound was returned to the Church in 1945, and significant restoration was undertaken in the 1960s and 70s.

The domes the Church of John the Baptist's Nativity over the Tsar's Gate as seen from outside the monastery walls.

The Assumption Cathedral.

Looking  up at the ceiling in the Assumption Cathedral.

When it was built, this 18th century bell tower was one of the tallest structures in Russia.

When Peter the Great had the Refectory added to the Church of St. Sergius it was the largest hall in Russia.

The iconostasis in the Church of St. Sergius.

Church of St. Sergius; the refectory continues off to the right.

Trinity Cathedral was built over the tomb of St. Sergius. Pilgrims come to venerate the saint, and a priest and choir conduct a liturgy all day. The chanting and acoustics were divine.

I don't know why this building in the back of the monastery had some unpainted bricks, but I liked the effect.

The monastery as seen from an overlook in the town of Sergei Posad.

A closer look at one of the botanical peacocks in the foreground of the preceding photo.

A highly decorated window in the town.