A journey through Voronezh should begin with a visit to its monasteries, for which the city is famous. One of the most beautiful and interesting places is the Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery, where visitors are captivated by the magical atmosphere.

History of the Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery

The Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Voronezh Diocese. It was founded in 1620 in gratitude to the townspeople for their victory in the war against the Lithuanians and Cherkassians. The church was dedicated to St. Alexius, and later it was completed as a monastery. The monastery was built on Akatova Glade, which gave it its full name. A wooden church, the cells of the abbesses and elders were quickly constructed. The monastery included the village of Rozhka, and later the villages of Upper and Lower Mamon. Initially, there were 7 monks and the head of the churches, but their number soon increased due to the abolition of the Assumption Monastery by royal decree.

The building of the Assumption Monastery was freed for state needs, and the clergy moved to Alexeev. Initially, the monastery was male, and its leaders held the rank of archimandrite. Thanks to Archimandrite Nikanor, the icon of the Mother of God Troeruchitsa appeared in the monastery, brought from another monastery. The residents believed in the healing power of the icon and thought that the prayers of the Mother of God helped in family matters.

Around 1630, the monastery received the church of the Vladimir Mother of God. Under Catherine II, the number of monasteries and monks decreased, and the Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery became medium-sized, with 17 monks. Chronicles mention the name of a young nobleman, Mashurin Georgy Alexeevich, who became a monk. From 1784, stone churches began to be built. In 1812, the lower church was consecrated, and 7 years later, the upper one. Services continue to this day, and the number of monks has increased. By the end of the 19th century, a bell tower was built, which was destroyed during the Soviet era. The original building has been preserved.

In the 20th century, many Orthodox monasteries were closed, but Alexeev remained active. In 1931, the monastery was closed, the lower floors were used as garages, and later as workshops and warehouses. In 1970, the bell tower was placed under museum protection. After 16 years, restoration was carried out, and the building was handed over to the Voronezh Diocese. In 1990, the restoration of the monastery began, aiming to restore it based on old photographs and drawings. In the mid-90s, Patriarch Alexy II blessed the church, which became a women's monastery. In 1999, the church of the Introduction was transferred to the monastery to unite the spiritual administration.

Architectural Ensemble of the Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery

The Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery, the main attraction of Voronezh, is located on the right bank of the reservoir. It boasts an impressive architectural complex and many relics. The monastery has been rebuilt several times, with a complete reconstruction starting in 1819 by architect Volkov. The construction was financed by Avdotya Anikeeva. The main church in the Russian-Byzantine style is adjacent to the Cathedral of Alexius, the sisterhood building, the refectory, and the church of St. Sergius of Radonezh. The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God has side chapels and a church-spiritual school. The Vvedenskaya church has preserved the lace forms of baroque. Later, the building was rebuilt in the style of classicism.

Initially, the monastery consisted of a small wooden church and the cells of the abbots. In the 17th century, peasants actively participated in the life of the monastery. In 1674, a stone church was built from the proceeds of trade. In the mid-18th century, the monastery merged with the Assumption Church. In 1780, the refectory, bakery, and living quarters were built. A complete reconstruction of the monastery began in 1796 and lasted for 2 years. The height of the new church was 32 meters. A complete restoration of the monastery occurred in the late 1980s.

Cemetery of the Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery

Previously, monks and nobles were buried in the southern part of the monastery. In 1772, a royal ban on burials near churches led to an expansion of the cemetery. There are buried the governor of Voronezh, the seminary teacher Father Palladius, the head of the province Tulimov, and others. Later, the cemetery was demolished, and a necropolis was created in its place.

Relics of the Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery

The main relic of the monastery is the icon of the Life-Giving Spring. In 1820, a gilded riza with the relics of saints was added to the icon. The icon appeared in the church in 1991 and began to exude myrrh in 1992. Another relic is the icon of St. Pitirim of Tambov, which exuded myrrh in 1997. The monastery also possesses the icons of Saints Tikhon of Zadonsk and Mitrophan of Voronezh, which exuded myrrh after restoration in 2002. There is a copy of the Athos icon, which exuded myrrh in 1999. There is also an icon with the relics of martyr Pavel Zverev and Chariton the Confessor.

Service Schedule of the Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery

Services at the Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery are held daily. From Monday to Saturday, the liturgy is performed three times: in the morning at 07:30, in the evening at 16:00 and 17:00. On Sundays, services are held twice: in the morning at 06:30 and in the evening at 20:30. On holidays, a separate schedule is created, so it is recommended to check it in advance.

How to Get to the Alexeevo-Akatov Monastery?

There are several ways to reach the women's monastery in Voronezh. You can walk from the city center, enjoying the views. Public transport is also available: buses No. 6, 52, 62, 41, 90, 60b, 79, 68a, 120a, 101. The stop is Manezhnaya. Taxis numbered 37a, 77k, 312a, 386 also go to the monastery. Full address: Voronezh, Osvozhdeniya Truda Street, 1.