The Holy Nicholas Monastery is located in the center of Arzamas, Nizhny Novgorod region, and is a significant historical landmark attracting pilgrims and tourists.

History of the Foundation of the Holy Nicholas Monastery

The exact date of the foundation of the Holy Nicholas Monastery is unknown. It is believed that the first church was built around 1580 by a resident named Theophylact. Later, he erected a church in honor of the Epiphany of the Lord and a 30-meter bell tower, as well as several cells. In 1606, Vasily Shuisky gifted the monastery a plot for hay harvesting and a water mill on the Tesh River. However, in the mid-17th century, a fire destroyed all buildings and documents that indicated the date of the churches' construction.

After that, Theophylact's widow, the elder Pelageya, along with her sons, built a new warm church in honor of the Epiphany. The construction of the Church of Nicholas the Wonderworker began later, and its completion was in 1683. In 1726, the monastery suffered another fire but was restored by the efforts of local residents. Before the revolution, workshops, an orphanage, a school, a charitable institution, and a pharmacy with a hospital operated here.

The October Revolution changed the life of the monastery. In 1918, its buildings were handed over to military units. In 1920, the nuns were transferred to a labor cooperative, where until 1923 they sewed military uniforms and knitted nets. In 1928, the cooperative was dissolved, and the monastery was closed. Some buildings were destroyed, while others were used for housing and state needs. In 1994, the monastery regained its religious status and was handed over to the Nizhny Novgorod diocese, and its restoration began.

Description of the Holy Nicholas Monastery

Today, the monastery has two functioning churches: in honor of the Epiphany of the Lord and the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow," located in the basement of the Epiphany Church. There are also two sketes: in honor of the Nativity of John the Baptist and the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh. About 40 nuns live in the monastery, caring for the wards of the Arzamas juvenile colony. A large library operates here, and the monastery attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Guests are impressed by the shrines, church frescoes, and well-maintained territory. Special interest is drawn to the squirrels living in cages, which delight both children and adults.

Shrines of the Holy Nicholas Monastery

The most revered icon of the monastery is a copy of the icon of the Mother of God "Deliverance from the Troubles of the Suffering," found in a barn and renewed in 2000. The icon of the Mother of God "It is Truly Meet," which was cut by the Bolsheviks and renewed in 1997, is also well-known. It attracts pilgrims seeking healing from eye diseases and headaches. Another shrine is the icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker, known for its healings since the 17th century, recently returned to the monastery.

Schedule of Services at the Holy Nicholas Monastery

The monastery is actively functioning, with daily services. The morning liturgy begins at 8 AM, and the evening service at 5 PM. Requests for services can be made, and a Sunday school operates. The monastery organizes Christmas carol and Orthodox drawing contests, as well as educational readings and oratories.

How to Get to the Holy Nicholas Monastery?

The monastery is located at: Nizhny Novgorod region, city of Arzamas, Sobornaya Square, 1. It is situated in the city center and can be reached by any form of public transport.

Rules of Conduct at the Holy Nicholas Monastery

Certain rules must be followed in the monastery. Visiting in an intoxicated state is prohibited. Before entering the church, mobile phone sounds must be turned off. Men must remove their headgear, and women should cover their heads with a scarf. Clothing should be modest. Loud talking and playing music are not allowed on the premises. Photography and videography are permitted only with a blessing. Entry to the sisterhood is only allowed with the abbess's permission. Tours conducted by the sisters or guides of the monastery are available for those interested.