Anosin Borisoglebsky Women's Monastery, also known as Anosina Desert, is a holy abode for women located near Moscow in the settlement of Anosino by the Istra River. This monastery complex is recognized as a cultural heritage site.

History of the Anosin-Borisoglebsky Women's Monastery

The monastery was founded on June 25, 1823, by the decree of Emperor Alexander I, although its history began earlier, in 1810. At that time, Princess Yevdokiya Nikolaevna Meshcherskaya began the construction of the Trinity Church at her own expense. Initially, the establishment of a women's monastery was not planned. Ten years later, a charitable institution was opened at the church, which on April 17, 1823, became the Borisoglebsky dormitory for women. After that, it was decided to establish a women's monastery here.

When Alexander I signed the decree to transform the dormitory into a monastery, Princess Meshcherskaya became its abbess. On September 13, 1823, she took monastic vows and became Abbess Yevgeniya. Her goal was to revive the spirit of ancient Russian monasticism, and she asked Metropolitan Philaret to establish a strict rule for the monastery, which was done.

The abode was isolated from other settlements and closed to outsiders. All work was done by the nuns, and they were forbidden to leave the monastery to collect donations. The cells of the nuns were lit only by lamps in front of the icons, and services began deep at night. In February 1837, the founder of the monastery passed away at the age of 63 and was buried in the Trinity Church. The monastery became known for its strict order and spirituality, and it was often called the Women's Optina.

After the 1917 revolution, when about 200 nuns lived in the monastery, it continued to operate for another ten years and was closed in 1927. A agricultural commune was established in its place. Over time, the monastery buildings fell into disrepair, and by the end of the 20th century, only the walls and a few outbuildings remained. In the summer of 1992, the territory was transferred to the Moscow Patriarchate, and in 1999, the monastery regained the status of a stavropegial.

Description of the Anosin-Borisoglebsky Women's Monastery

The monastery is shaped like a regular quadrangle, surrounded by a brick wall with decorative elements and four corner towers with conical roofs. The territory included hospital buildings, an orphanage, cells, workshops, a refectory, barns, and ponds for fish breeding.

With the funds of Princess Meshcherskaya, the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity was built in the classical style with two chapels. After the revolution, it was destroyed, but at the end of the 20th century, it was restored and consecrated in 2006.

There was also a temple of the Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer, built in 1828-1829. It was rebuilt several times and was used during the Soviet era as a club and medical station. In 2009, the construction of a new building began, which was consecrated in 2013.

Another church dedicated to Dmitry of Rostov was completed in 1824. It was used as a parish church since laypeople were not allowed to visit the monastery. During the Soviet era, it suffered damage but was restored and consecrated in 2013.

Relics of the Anosin-Borisoglebsky Women's Monastery

Before the revolution, the monastery housed many relics, but after its closure, many were lost. Today, it holds the relics of saints, including Boris and Gleb, John Chrysostom, and others. The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, used in processions, was lost, but since 1995, the procession has been held with its ancient copy. The miraculous icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God, known for its healing properties, was also lost.

Information for Pilgrims

Access to the monastery is limited, and pilgrims can visit only part of the territory. How to get to the monastery can be learned from local residents. The schedule of services is available on the monastery's website. All services for outsiders are held in the Church of Dmitry of Rostov. There is a hotel for visitors at the monastery. Services are held daily: morning at 6 AM, Divine Liturgy at 8 AM, evening service at 5 PM. You can order the Vigil, Liturgy, or Forty Martyrs online, paying for them through Sberbank.

How to Get to the Monastery

The address of the monastery is: Moscow Region, village of Anosino, Troitskaya Street, house 37. You can reach the monastery from Tushinskaya metro station or Riga railway station by electric train to the Nakhabino station, then transfer to bus 22 and get off at the Anosino stop. The monastery is revered by believers throughout Russia and has a long and complex history. Today it has been restored and continues to attract many pilgrims.