Starytsky Assumption Monastery has a rich and glorious history. For 900 years, it has survived the Mongol-Tatar invasion, internal strife, turmoil, periods of prosperity, oblivion, and a new revival in our days.

The Holy Assumption Monastery in Starytsia, Tver Oblast, is one of the oldest strongholds of Orthodoxy in the northwest of Russia and the birthplace of the first Moscow Patriarch Job. According to legend, in 1110, two monks founded the monastery on the banks of the Volga, bringing the Christian faith to the pagans. The monastery grew, and a settlement arose around it. The city, which was then called Lyubim, is now known as Starytsia.

Since the 11th century, monks from the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra settled here, building a wooden church. In 1292, the monastery and the city were ravaged by Mongol troops, many monks perished, but the monastery endured. Five years later, Prince Mikhail of Tver founded a new fortified town named Starytsia. At that time, the Moscow and Tver princes were fighting for supremacy in Russia, ravaging the fortress. In 1375, it was captured by Dmitry Donskoy, and only a century later did the Tver principality join the Moscow state.

The coat of arms of Starytsia depicts an elderly woman with a staff, which is linked to the legend of a surviving old woman after the Mongol invasion. However, it is more likely that the city is named after the old riverbed or location.

The Holy Assumption Monastery suffered from internecine wars. In the early 16th century, Prince Andrey Starytsky began its restoration, moving the monastery closer to the water so that residents could take refuge behind its walls. He built the Assumption Cathedral, stone walls, and other buildings, but did not live to see the results; he was captured on suspicion of treason and died in captivity. His son Vladimir continued his father's work but also fell victim to the intrigues of Ivan the Terrible.

In the 16th century, the monastery became a major spiritual center, gifting the Orthodox world with outstanding figures. It turned into a large estate, with monks engaged in agriculture and crafts. During the Time of Troubles, the monastery became a stronghold of resistance against foreigners. Here, the first Patriarch of Russia, Job, died, having not recognized False Dmitry I.

The monastery suffered from raids, but in 1694, a stone church of John the Theologian was built on the site of the burned temple. In the 18th century, the monastery experienced decline, but in 1798, its revival began. In the 19th century, local architect Matvey Chernyatin created several projects for the monastery.

During the German occupation, the monastery suffered greatly, but since 1997, its restoration has begun. The Assumption Cathedral, built in 1530, is the central element of the monastery. The Church of the Introduction, erected by order of Ivan the Terrible, has a large refectory. The monastery also houses the Trinity Cathedral and the Church of John the Theologian.

Until 1930, the monastery was closed by the Soviet authorities, but in the 1990s, it was returned to the church. Today, the monastery is part of a unique urban ensemble, and restoration work continues. Entrance to the monastery is free, and services are held regularly. Annual processions are held in memory of the first Patriarch Job and the locally revered saint Pelagia.