In the sixteenth century in the Upper Volga region there appeared a hermit prayer book - the monk Nil, who later became a Russian saint, the Monk Nil of Stolbensky the Wonderworker. From 1528 he settled on Stolbnoye Island. At the end of the century, a monastery was founded on this site - Nilova Pustyn. It became the spiritual center not only of the Upper Volga region and the Lake Seliger region, but of the whole of Russia.
Nil Stolbensky
The Reverend was born in the fifteenth century. His worldly name is unknown. This is an ascetic, hermit, a man who has accomplished a real prayer feat. Spiritually transformed, he became a beacon for everyone who wanted to receive advice, instructions, prayer help from him.
History of the monastery
After the untimely death of Nil Stolbensky (1555), prayer hermits began to settle near his grave on Stolbnoy Island. In 1594, they received permission and blessing from Patriarch Job, and created a monastic monastery. The founder of the monastery is consideredHieromonk German. Thus began the history of the monastery.
Before the revolution, he was one of the most revered in our country. Thousands of pilgrims come here every year. In 1828, Emperor Alexander the First visited the monastery.
The monastery after the revolution
In the year 1919, all the most valuable things from the monastery were seized, the relics of Nile the Wonderworker were opened. Until 1927, the monastery still continued to operate, but in subsequent years it experienced many major changes. By the end of the eighties, most of the buildings were destroyed, and the rest was in a dilapidated state.
In 1990 Nilova Hermitage (Seliger) was transferred to the Orthodox Church of Russia. After a long five years, the incorruptible relics of the Nil the Reverend were returned to the monastery.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the monastery was one of the most visited Russian shrines. More than 1,000 pilgrims lived permanently on its territory.
The monastery today
Currently, the monastery of Nilova Pustyn (Seliger) is being actively restored. Several churches have already acquired golden domes, the facade of the building is being restored, and the interior of the Church of the Epiphany has been restored.
Seliger - holy places
Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to Lake Seliger to bow to the great Russian shrines. The main attraction of this place is the Nilo-Stolbenskaya desert. Right here,among the endless lakes on the picturesque island is the famous monastery. It is surrounded by a high stone wall with towers and a magnificent park. Here you can also see the granite embankment with Bishop's Quay (1812).
For those who arrived at Lake Seliger, the Nilova Hermitage will be visible from the front facade of the monastery, which adorns the Svetlitskaya Tower (1870). Here you can bow to the relics of St. Those who wish can attend the service and climb the bell tower, which reaches a height of thirty-six meters.
Nilova Pustyn, Seliger: how to get there
You can get to these places by sightseeing boat from Ostashkov or by regular bus, which follows the route "Ostashkov - Troeruchitsa". Then you have to walk five kilometers. You can also cover this distance by bus, which runs three times a day, but its schedule does not coincide with the arrival of Moscow trains.
If you decide to go by car from Ostashkov, then be careful: you need to turn off at the Svetlitsa sign.
Tourist Tips
Entrance to the territory of the monastery is free, but the dress code must be observed: men must wear trousers, and women must wear dresses (skirts) and headscarves. Photography on the territory is allowed, but it costs one hundred rubles.
Infrastructure
In the monastery of Nilova Hermitage (Seliger) there is a hotel for pilgrims right on the territory. In the small village of Svetlitsa opposite the desertlocal residents rent houses and rooms. There is also a large camp site and a restaurant where hungry travelers can eat. In the shop at the monastery you can buy everything that the Nilova Hermitage (Seliger) is famous for. These are monastery honey and bread, berries and tea collections, as well as books, commemorative magnets and other souvenirs.
Attractions
Today, many travel agencies organize trips for those who want to visit the monastery of the Nilov Pustyn (Seliger). These tours are in high demand. Not only pilgrims go to these legendary places, but also people who are far from religion. They are attracted by the monastery as a unique historical and architectural monument.
During a tour of the desert, tourists can see the Cathedral of the Epiphany, built in 1671. Finishing work was completed in 1833. According to the sketches of Ya. M. Kolokolnikov cast the Silver Gate for the cathedral. In 2006, the restoration of the exterior decoration was completed, and now the interior decoration is being completed. The main value of this temple is the relics of St. Nile, returned to the hermitage in 1995.
The Ex altation of the Cross Church is an elegant and light structure. It is located somewhat away from the main monastery complex. In the old days, baptismal rites were held in this church.
Church in the name of All Saints until 1833 was a cathedral, then became a hospital. This is the oldest building. Today it is practically destroyed.
The Church of St. John the Baptist and the Intercession of the Virgin was built onthe very place where there was a cave in which the Monk Nilus lived. In 1939 it was destroyed. Excavations are underway at this site.
Interesting facts
- Currently there are 50 monks in the monastery, 20 of them are in holy orders.
- Pustyn has several farmsteads, including in Torzhok.
- The monastery has its own apiary, so you can buy consecrated honey in the shop.
- Nilova Monastery (Seliger) has a carpentry, dairy and candle workshops, a stable and a cowshed. In addition, a jewelry workshop has been revived and is successfully operating.
Social service
The monastery is actively involved in charitable activities - it sends spiritual literature and food to places of detention, helps a nursing home and an orphanage. On the territory of the monastery there is an infirmary for the homeless and bedridden patients, and assistance is provided to drug addicts and alcoholics. Their number reaches fifty people a year.
People who do not have a permanent place of residence live in the monastery as workers. They actively participate in the life of the monastery. Up to 250 people a year receive such assistance.
The monastery has a dental office, which employs a certified doctor. Help is provided not only to the brethren and laborers, but also to residents of the surrounding villages.
Working with the media
Literature about the monastery, booklets about the monastery are being published. They are very much in demand among pilgrims and visitors to the monastery.
