Tour Service of the Valaam Monastery. Pilgrimage trip to Valaam monastery

Balaam Island in Ladoga is an unusual place, performed by religious humility and universal harmony. Pilgrimage trips in this direction are performed regularly. And among the many shrines visited by believers, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam monastery occupies one of the central places. Amazing rare beauty of nature, silence and remoteness from the worldly bustle leave unforgettable impressions All visitors of this holy place.

The history of the founding of the monastery

In the northern part of Lake Lake (Karelia) there is an archipelago numbering about 50 islands, which is approximately 36 square meters. km. The biggest of them is the majestic island of Valaam. The nature of this area has an amazing and unique Beautystriking all visitors of the island. But it attracts to this wonderful place is not only she. The indescribable holiness of this place is the main stimulus for tourists who want to visit the monastery.

Historians are most inclined to date - 1329, assuming that this year the Holy Abode was organized. The Valaam monastery was repeatedly subjected to fires and ruin, as a result of which the chronicles were lost, reflecting historical data on the organization of monastic life in this place.

As a result, these days there are three versions of the origin of the Valaam monastery, associated with the appearance on the island of two monks: Saints Sergius and Hermann Valaam, who spread the Orthodox faith here and laid the foundation of the monastics.

According to the monastery legend, reflected in the texts of the liturgical books, two Greek ink (Sergius and Herman) came to this island with a missionary aim of educating pagan Russia.

Settling on the island, they founded the abode and approved the Faith to Christ in these parts. Another version suggests that Sergius was a student of Andrei of the First-Called, who visited these holy places blessing in the first century, providing the development of Christianity here.

Sergius Valaamsky with his student Herman launched on Valaam, having laid the fertile ground here for the spread of Christianity. According to the Sofia Scroll as a written historical source, in the XIV century, the first buildings were settled on the island, who wish to renounced the worldly bustle and make a Christian feud at this place.

Rev. Fathers - Sergius and Hermann, Valaam Wonderworkers, came to this land, laying the beginning of the Preobrazhensky monastery on the island of Valaam. Reverend contributed to the approval of Orthodoxy on Karelian land, protecting the true religion from the militant and ill-influence of Swedish Catholics. Rev. Inqui Sergius and Herman in 1329 were founded on the island of the Savior-Preobrazhensky monastery with a hostel, which initially became crowded due to the spiritual strength and wisdom of its founders.

The breakdown of the monastery

The greatest glory came to the monastery only in the XV-XVI centuries. During this period, there were up to 600 statements. The monks of the Valaam monastery worked diligently and made a prayer feat in the walls of the beds and kesels. Thus, the monastery gradually acquired worldwide fame, attracting many believing pilgrims to himself.

The abode was directly at the border of Russia with Sweden, which was repeatedly subjected to ruin and raids. Due to regular attacks, many statements took martyrdom from militant inners, the other monks flew by flight without providing armed resistance. At the beginning of the XVII century, the monastery was completely broken and destroyed, and the Earth of the archipelago was departed to the possession of Sweden.

Only after 100 years, as a result of the Great Northern War, Peter I, Valaam again returns to his native harbor. In 1715, the decree of the emperor about the restoration of the monastery and construction of the Preobrazhensky Cathedral was issued.

Resident in the XIX century

Valaam Spaso Preobrazhensky Monastery reached the highest heyday to XIX century. It was during this period that many architectural monuments were built, which came to the present day.

In 1839, at the head of the monastery, Hegumen Damascus, who had been in this position of 42 years old. He contributed to improving construction on the island, attracting only professional architects to the works. In the same age, thanks to the disciples of Paisius, Velichkovsky, the ancient tradition of olderity was revived, intended for spiritual assistance and leadership in newcomer inocities.

Many pilgrims seeking to get advice, prayer and blessing from the holy people, came to the abode from afar. Often, monastic shrines and temples visited. The members of the imperial family regularly came to the island, hoping to relax the soul from the worldly bustle. Many famous poets, composers, scientists, writers and artists also sought to visit Valaam.

The period of Soviet power

From 1811 to 1917, the Valaam archipelago was part of Russian Empire, The Grand Duch of Finland. Due to the fact that after the October Revolution, Valaam departed to the independent state of Finland, church buildings were not subjected to mass extermination from the Soviet authorities, historical buildings were preserved.

As a result of the Soviet-Finnish war, the islands passed to the ownership of the Soviet Union. Falling from political and ideological persecution, the monks were forced to leave the abode, moved to Finland. Here in a new place, they founded the New Valaam monastery, while retaining the established traditions. The empty buildings of the former Valaam monastery were used by the Soviet government for civilian purposes.

From 1950 to 1984, the Valaam House of Wavy Disabled House was located in the former monastery buildings.

Revival of the monastery

In 1989, on the eve of the festival of Andrei, the monasant in Valaam was revived the monastic life.

In 1991, the monastery received the status of Stavropigial. The igumen of the monastery was appointed Pancratius (Zherdev), Bishop Trinity.

Nowadays, the Valaam male monastery has about 160 people of brethren, the Skitsky life is also reborn - 10 beds were restored for a short period.

In 2008, a new, Holy Vladimir Skit was built, in which the patriarchal residence, a museum and icon-painting workshop are located.

Shrine Valaama

Many Orthodox Christians seek to visit the Valaam Monastery, this northern spiritual corner of Russia, with the aim of touching the shrines and see the beauty of the original nature.

One of the most visited places on Valaam is the Savior Transfiguration Men's Monastery. The construction of the cathedral was started in 1887, and the sanctification took place only in 1896. With Soviet power, the building was partially devoid of some architectural solutions. The lower floor of the Cathedral is consecrated in honor of Sergius and Hermann Valaam, and the Upper - in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

The believers of Orthodox pilgrims seek to make it to the relics of the founders of the monastery - the saints of St. Fathers Sergius and Hermann Valaam. Cancer with a shrine is in the Savior Transfiguration Cathedral.

One of the most revered shrines of the monastery is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God (Valaam), written in the ink alpine in 1878. Another miraculous icon of the monastery is the icon of Holy Righteous Anna, the Pramatera of Christ, who is a list from the Afonovsky script and possessing the wonderful property of healing from infertility.

Choir of the Briat of the Valaam Monastery

For the blessing of the Lord of Pankraty, Bishop Trinity, the concert festive choir of the Valaam monastery was organized. Regent and Head of Choir Alexei Zhukov is a well-deserved artist of the Republic of Karelia. The soloists of this collective, certified conductor and vocalists, demonstrate a high professional skill of execution. Every year, this choir participates in the patriarn worship services of the Valaam Monastery, is a laureate of many choral competitions in Russia and abroad.

In addition to a concert composition, there is a chorus of the Briah Monastery, which is a traditional performer of a variety of bannyal chants. The choir under the leadership of Herodyakon Herman (Ryabtseva) participates in worship services, and also conducts concert activities, providing numerous records of unison or many-voice works of Old Russian creativity. This vocal group features a peculiar manner of execution - clean, verified system, excellent ensemble, deep penetration and incessia.

In the repertoire of the choir, many different church litrolery chants, both bannant brew and the author's works. Valaam monastery actively cooperates with the Department of the Old Russian singing of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. The teachers have tremendous assistance in the study of the ancient bannyal singing of Russia.

Pilgrim tours on Valaam

The pilgrimage service of the Valaam monastery organizes one-day and multi-day trips to the island with resettlement and accommodation in the hotel. Orthodox Christians, making a pilgrimage, can participate in the daily circle of monastery services and to make the Christian shrines. Overview walks in the island are also offered to familiarize tourists with nature, history, architecture and the shrines of Valaam.

Psalms

Valaam monastery is known for his educational activities. In 2000, on the blessing of Hegumen, the studio record of all Psalms of King David was carried out. The reading of the psalter lasts more than five hours and is mixed with the choral performance of some prayers. The psalter of the Valaam Monastery is very popular not only among Orthodox believers Christians, but also in all who are interested in the church tradition of liturgical reading.

Foreigner of the Valaam Monastery

The monastery compound is a community of the monastery, it can be in any city of Patriarchate, while maintaining the monastery and subordinate to his ruling bike. Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Male Monastery has 4 farms:

- The courtyard of the Valaam Monastery, located in St. Petersburg, is located at the address: Narva Ave., 1 / Old-Peterhofsky Ave. 29.

- Valaam Monastery - Moscow: The address of the house - ul. 2nd Tverskaya-Yamskaya, house 52.

- In the city of Priozersk, the foundation is located at: st. Pushkin, house 17.

- In the Republic of Karelia, the house is located in the Sortava district, the village of Red Gorka, St. Nicholas Temple.

How to get to Valaam Monastery

Most convenient to get on Valaam from St. Petersburg through Priozersk. The plane arrives at Pulkovo Airport. From the airport by bus you need to get to Art. Metro "Moscow". Further on the subway - to the Finnish station (Art. Metro is called "Lenin Square - Finland Station" Kirovskaya-Vyborg Metro Line or Line No. 1, on the diagram is highlighted in red). Change must be made on Art. Metro "Technological Institute". For transplanting you need to go to the other side of the metro platform.

The train from Moscow arrives in St. Petersburg at the Moscow railway station, combined with the metro station "Vosstaniya Square". From pl. Uprising on the subway you need to get to Finland Station (Art. Metro is called "Lenin Square - Finnish Station" Kirovskoy-Vyborg Metro Line or Line No. 1, on the diagram is highlighted in red). Two stops on the subway without transfers. At this station, two outputs. It is necessary to get out of the subway at the Finnish station, and not to the Botkin street.

From the Finnish station on the train to get to the city of Priozersk. Two electric trains are suitable for this: one goes to Priozersk, the other - to blacksmith. The second train does stop in Priozersk and follows. It is important not to drive the desired station. Time on the way is about 3 hours.

You can get to Priozersk by bus. To do this, you need to get to Art. "Devyatkino" (the final station on the Kirovsky-Vyborg line (line No. 1), in the diagram - at the top of the right). Through the underground passage to enter the bus station "Northern" (there are signs in the transition) and take the bus number 859, next to Priozersk. Time on the way - 2.5 - 3 hours. Luggage is paid separately. Buses go more often than trails. Approximately every 40 minutes. With st.m. "Devyatkino" can be left on the same electricians as from the Finnish station. This metro station is combined with the railway platform under the same name. Bus schedule It is better to refine the phone: (812) 635-81-58. .

From the station in Priozersk (he combined - railway and bus station) is needed to take a taxi to the Valaam Monastery Pier. Taxi stand there on the square near the railway station. Taxi costs about 200 rubles.

Or go on foot along Lenin Avenue to the end of the avenue, then turn right, go to the square in front of the plant, go under the pipeline to the bay, go to the bay along the pontoon bridge and then left along the fences to go to the pier. Road on foot from the bus station to the pier takes about an hour.

If necessary, you can spend the night at the berth. The amount of donation for accommodation in the hotel on the pier - about 300 rubles. In the same place on the berth prepare meals.

The motor ship Valaam departs from the berth in Priozersk usually about 9-30 am, and meteor is about 11-00. Landing on them is possible only in the presence of free places. The message on commercial ships is valid only in the summer. For landing on a commercial ship, you need to contact the captain of the ship.

The motor ship and meteors arrive on the island to the monastery bay.

Upon arrival at the island, you need to go to the hotel service office to settle in the hotel. Sowing from the ship to the berth, go a little ahead, go on the road, passing along the berth, turn left, climb the stone staircase (high), then straight, go through the first arch and immediately left the first door. Next to the door is a green chamber - "office hotel service."

date		holiday
26-28.4	Pt-South	EASTER
31.5-2.6	Pt-South	Week 6 for Easter, about blind
7-9.6	Pt-South	Week 7th for Easter, Holy Fathers of the Republic of the Universal Cathedral (325). Right. John Russian isp. (1730)
14-16.6	Pt-South	Day of the Holy Trinity. Pentecost
21-23.6	Pt-South	All Saints' Day.
28-30.6	Pt-South	All saints, in the land of Russian
2-4.7	Pt-South	Mironine equivalea. Mary Magdalene (I)
5-7.7	Pt-South	Christmas honest glorious prophet, the forerunner and the Baptist of the Lord of John. PS Anthony Dymsky
12-14.7	Pt-South	Valaam icon of the Mother of God
19-21.7	Pt-South
26-28.7	Pt-South	Equal to the Apostles Prince Vladimir. Festival of Orthodox singing
31.7-2.8	cf.	Obtaining the power of the PSP. Seraphim Sarovsky, Wonderworker (1903). Prophet Elijah
9-11.8	Pt-South	Week 8th Pentecost. MCH. Callinija (III-IV)
17-19.8	Sat-Mon.	Transfiguration of the Lord God and the Savior of our Jesus Christ
23-25.8	Pt-South	Cathedral of Valaam Saints
30.8-1.9	Pt-South	Cathedral of Moscow saints
20-22.9	Pt-South	Christmas of the Blessed Lady of Our Virgin and Nesthelnom
2-4.11	Sat-Mon.	Kazan icon of the Mother of God

1 day. 6.45. Cutting a group from the bus (St. Petersburg, Vyborgkaya Highway, St.m. "Ozerski", scheme). Landing on the bus is carried out upon presentation of a passport and voucher. 7.00. Departure of the bus from St. Petersburg. Arrival in Prikozersk, landing on t / x "Valaam". 9.30. Departure on O. Valaam. About 13.00 arrival in the monastery bay. Accommodation at the hotel at 13.00. Dinner. Excursion to the central estate of the Valaam Monastery. Evening in the Savior Preobrazhensky Cathedral, a small Village with a three-buttonist and akathist. Dinner on the ship. Overnight.

2 day. Powerboard. Morning. Moving to the Nikonov bay on the ship. Tea in the refectory Resurrection Skita. Excursion "New Jerusalem" and Konese lakes, transfer to the central estate of the monastery. Dinner. Excursion to Nikolsky Skit and Igumen Cemetery. Dinner. Veligid vigil in the Savior Transfiguration Cathedral. Overnight

3 days. Divine liturgy. Dinner. The rooms of the monastery hostel are exempt at 10.00, things are transferred to the pantry. The group goes to the Skit Island to the Sheets of All Saints and Smolensky. Travel to one side by bus. According to the Charter of the Valaam Monastery of a woman on the internal territory of the monastery of all saints are not allowed. Departure from O. Valaam at 17.00. Arrival in Priozersk tentatively at 20.15. Planting a bus. Approximately 23.30 - arrival in St. Petersburg to the metro station "Ozerki", approximately 00.00 - to the metro station "Vosstaniya Square".

When visiting the active temples and the territory of the domestic kare of the monastery, men should be without hats, women should have skirts and a headdress. Not allowed to visit the monastery in sports and outdoor clothing. On the trip it is desirable to have comfortable shoes, suitable clothes, a passport, a policy of compulsory health insurance (OMS), in the presence of chronic diseases, it is necessary to take a set of medicines, including means from the tech. In the trip of the trip can be made minor changes.

It is possible to cancel a trip on the eve of the storm. The pilgrimage service of the Valaam Monastery reserves the right to unilaterally cancel the ride on the Valaam on weather conditions (storm, etc.), because There is a threat to the safety of tourists.

Replacing the trip and accommodation for overnight for non-residents are not provided. Unilaterally canceled a trip at the non-blank group.

All questions about return money They are solved at the acquisition of tickets by telephone office during working hours.

After the end of the program, it is necessary to have a sufficient time reserve of at least 3 hours, since delays in connection with force majeure circumstances are possible - unfavorable weather conditions on the Ladoga Lake (Storm and its consequences, fog, etc.), within traffic ("traffic jams") on the roads and other unforeseen factors.

Cost

Home: 4-seater 2-tier (amenities on the deck)
4-bed	11 900
3-bed	12 300
2-bed	12 900
1-bed	15 100
Home: 2-seater 2-tier (amenities on the deck)
2-bed	12 500
1-bed	14 300
Average: 2-seater 2-tier with washbasin in cabin
2-bed	12 900
1-bed	15 100
Average: 2-seater 1-tier with washbasin in cabin
2-bed	13 300
1-bed	15 700
Average: 2-seater 1-Literary Suite (with a facilities in the cabin)
2-bed	14 700
1-bed	18 500
Additional place	12 500

Pulkovo Airport, where Russian and international flights, Located on a slight distance from the city and has excellent transport accessibility.
The nearest metro station is Moscow, which is associated with air Hawa The following public transport routes:

1. Bus NO 39, travel time - within 40 minutes, work schedule: from 5:30 to 1:30, gap in departure: 12-20 minutes.
2. Express route NO 39E, the road takes 20 minutes, work schedule: from 5:25 to 0:30, the interval of the release on line: 25-30 minutes.
3. NO K39 route taxi, on the way also 20 minutes, work schedule: from 7:00 to 23:30, the departure interval is 5-7 minutes.

The fare on any type of transport is 40 rubles.
Bus stop and minibuses are located next to the arrival area.

For those who live in the central part of Russia, the bus and railway communication can be an alternative.

From St. Petersburg to the Sortwall

Public transport operating in this area - buses and trains.

Buses depart from the North Bus Station. It can be a direct route to the sorting, and maybe the one that follows to Petrozavodsk, and the desired station is intermediate.
Time on the road on average 5 hours, the fare is 600 rubles.

Square at the Finnish Station of St. Petersburg

As for trains, here you can sit here on the composition of the 350a, the next from the Finnish station in Kostomukshu and after 5 hours already get away in the desired station. There is a more complex and time-consuming option - with a change of compounds and a transplant in blacksmith.
Railway station in Sortavale is located on the street. Petrova, 2.

From St. Petersburg to Priozersk

Before Priozersk from the northern capital, the path is slightly shorter. Electric train from the Finnish station of travelers for 3 hours, the passage will cost about 400 rubles. The required composition: 6547 to blacksmith or directly to Priozersk.

Alternative to the train - the train next to Kostomukshu.

By the place of sailions can be reached by buses. Prior to Priozersk regularly send flights from the North Bus Station, as well as from Parnaas Metro Station. A ticket will cost 285 rubles, the road will take about 2 hours 30 minutes.

It is worth considering that from the bus stop, as from the railway and bus station, before the berth, will have to get. It is located 6 km from the central part of the town and is called "Valaam", it is necessary to inform you about this Taxist, who will deliver the traveler to the lake for 250 rubles.

It's important to know! The advantage of riding a variety of meteors next to Valaam, and in Priozersk, it is necessary to clearly get to the time of departure of the meteor - around 11:00, otherwise it is necessary to spend the night in the town.

Sortovola is also like Priozersk, and travelers are suitable for cars, as they offer parking near the pier. Cost - 100 rubles.

Before the Valaam on the water

Get to the island will not work without a trip water transport. That's just the place of departure and travel program can turn a trip to a fascinating adventure.

Get to Valaam from such cities:

1. - From where follow cruise ships with parking in Valam;
2. - Shippers go with River Station on the Neva, which is directly related to the Lake Lake;
3. Petrozavodsk - Court of Onega Lake Get into Ladoga on the River Svir. It is worth noting that the most popular and in demand is a journey through water from the Northern Capital.

From Saint-Petersburg

It will go to a fascinating journey on a motor ship to Valaama, either from the River Station of the capital, or from the Sea Passenger station.
The path takes about 13 hours. Such travel is often designed for several days, therefore it is suggested on board and island, as well as excursion support.

From Priozersk

There are several options to go to the abode:

1. Meteor from the marina of the Valaam monastery, which is 6 km from the center, goes on schedule. It is official. In practice, it is not stable, most often the departure occurs at 11:00 and they will not be late for board wait. Time on the way is to a little more than an hour. Price - 1700 rubles per person, and from June to Saturdays cost will be 1900 rubles
2. Alternative to meteor - motor ship "Ohm". He leaves several times a day. The price of a ticket - from 1450 rubles, and summer Saturdays - 1600 rubles / person. Here the time is very different in the way - about 4 hours.
3. The cargo ship "St. Nicholas" is officially not transporting travelers, it works for transportation of monastic or hardships, as well as those who reserved a place in a hotel on the island. It will be possible to get to the ship only if a person is listed in a special list, or if the pilgrim did not have time for all the above transport. In this case, the landing will cost two times more expensive. On the way will have to spend 4 hours.

Alternative to transport is regular - to negotiate with the captain of one of the private vessels here. As a rule, not all of them are friendly and immediately agree to persuasion, but it is hard to try, this is hardly cheaper than the path on Meteor.

From the sortolls

The pier is on the street. Prostanskaya, 1.

Ways to get to the island:

1. Meteor - has usually 2 regular flight For 9 and 11 hours, sometimes there are 1-2 flights after lunch. Ships can do more outputs if a significant number of groups are scored, only to get on them independent tourist It will be quite problematic. The price of one-year ticket is from 1200 rubles (from June 1300, if a trip on Saturday is planned). In the absence of tickets, you can agree with the captain, but it will be three times more expensive.
2. Shippers - make more flights than meteors, and in this their main advantage. Ticket price - from 900 rubles, travel time from 1 to 2.5 hours.
3. Private vessels - Schedules do not have, depart as a group of 6-15 people set, the price depends on the ability to negotiate.

On Valaam Winter

Cold time is not popular for visiting Valaam. After all, of all the buildings of the Transfiguration Monastery, only one - the lower temple is heated, which means only it is available for visiting.

Another aspect: Winter is a time when monks are resting in prayer, and therefore the island takes only small groups of pilgrims, but other access to the shrine will be limited.

In winter, Valaama can be reached on the vessel equipped with air cushion. According to a frossime lake, the vessel can accelerate more than 100 km / h, and the snow cover is slower.

From the sorts to Valaam, a similar ship is 1 hour. Capacity like vehicle - 6-12 people.

The season begins from mid-January.

The price of travel is about 1,500 rubles, the calculations will be done with the captain on the pier.

What else needs to know independent travelers

1. Valaam is aimed at group excursions. Therefore, the lonely tourist will often have to hear that there are no tickets for the meteor, there is no place in the hotel or there is no place to have dinner. Going to the island Be prepared to turn on all your eloquence to achieve the desired one.
2. Permanent price increase. Be prepared that not all the prices indicated in the article will be the same at the time of your trip. Popular tourist areaCoim is Valaam, contributes to the fact that prices increase by 10-15 percent annually, plus increase significantly in the summer - best time For rest on Valaam.
3. Even if the tourist travels independently, it is recommended to book a guide service. For 600-900 rubles, it turns out not easy to learn much more about the shrine, well, and understand certain rules reigning on the island.

With an independent journey, it is best to stock up the island's card back on the pier, because otherwise there is a risk of missing a lot of hidden attractions from sight. For those who wish to delay on the island longer than one day there are monastic hotels. On the island also souvenir monastery shops. Going to an independent trip to Valaam in 2019, you should remember the need to comply with the dress code and other rules applied on the island.

Valaam from the air - in video:

– excellent option For people who want to take a break from the bustle of the world with soul and body, for those who want to be a little alone with themselves, sort out their believer and think about eternal salvation. After traveling through the holy places, the feeling of unity with God, which they experienced, the possibility of sincere repentance and cleansing from all sins, the opportunity to get acquainted with the prayer feat of the monks and the knowledge of the uniqueness of the northern nature of the monks. If you also decided to touch the soul to the shrines of the Russian people, we recommend that you visit the Valaam Monastery.

In general, Valaam is the most big Island Valaam archipelago, located in the northwestern part of Russia, more precisely in Lake Ladoga. There are in the world such places where, having been once, you want to go back again and again, and certainly one of these places is the island of Valaam, which since ancient times was called "wonderful", as there is such what they will not see anywhere else there. This island is occupied most Square of the archipelago. The name "Valaam" went from the Finnish word - "Valamaa", that is, "high, mountainous land", which can actually describe his location: the island stands on the elevation, surrounded by mountains. But there is another version - religious, that the island is named after the Biblical Prophet Valaam. Although some argue that everything went from pagan times when the victims of the paternal god of Veles were brought on this land, and the place was called - the Earth Veles.

In the old age, the island of Valaam, the Finnish tribes were settled, when the monastery himself arose, it is not known that the versions spread. According to one of the legends, the Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery was erected here in the first century of our era, on the spot that illuminated the heavenly patron of Russia - the Apostle Andrey was the first-surveyant. According to another version, the monastery arose in the tenth century, in the era of the Baptism of Russia: He was founded by the monks of Sergius and Herman, who were later attached to the face of saints. This version is more likely, because it is known that in 1163, the monks of the monastery transported the relics of St. Sergius and Herman in the city of Veliky Novgorod, but already in 1179, the power returned to the Valaam monastery again, where they were burned on top of the rock to hide the remains Saints, from repaying the Swedes, who often attacked these territories due to the proximity of the Swedish border. Such attacks on Valaam happened more than once, the most famous happened in 1240, but he, fortunately, stopped the famous commander Alexander Nevsky with his army, he did not allow the plunder of the Holy Resident. But there is a third version of the advent of the monastery, telling about the founding of him in the twelfth century by Rev. Ephraim, which can be found in the "Tale of the Valaam Monastery", which was written in the sixteenth century.

In his pilgrimage tour of the island of Valaam, you will learn that from the very moment the foundation is the monastery, her story has always been inextricably linked with Sweden, however, it has always carried only trouble: more than once the monastery attacked, especially tight accounted for in the Middle Ages, for example, Attachment in 1578, thirty-four monks were killed here. But, fortunately, this long confrontation ended in 1595, after the signing of the world. But the joy did not last long: in 1611 the Swedes again treacherously attacked Russia and burned the monastery, while almost all monks died. The next attack on the island occurred in 1617. The abode was trying to restore, but at the next attack again destroyed. And only the emperor Peter who came to power was able to change the political situation. Already in 1715, "Decree on the revival of the Valaam Resident" was signed, and the Wooden Savior-Preobrazhensky Temple was immediately erected, with surviving buildings. The entire eighteenth century the construction continued: other temples appeared here. But the structures of wood were not eternal, various natural factors were influenced on them, so since 1811, construction in the territory of Valaam led, strictly from the stone. The flourishing of the Holy Valaamsky monastery fell on the nineteenth century, with a talented and economic urgent inspection - Igumen Damascus, in the world - Damian Kononov, which forty-two years later took care of the attachment of the monastic economy.

The twentieth century brought to the Valaam monastery a mass of tests: in 1917, immediately after the October Revolution, the lands of the monastery were divided and the abode was in Finland - countries where the main religion is Lutheranism. In 1925, monks even had to hold rites and worship at Finnish. But, "Everything that God does not, all for the better," it is belonging to another state that she took the cruel repression of thirties from his ministers - a difficult time when they destroyed not only churches, but also clergy. True, in the late thirties, the relationship between Finland and Soviet Union Draggly went on the decline, and the territory of Karelia, together with the island of Valaam, again departed to our country. Already in 1940, the school of boots was opened here, and when the Great began Patriotic WarThe Valaam went fierce confrontation of the Finnish and Soviet troops. When Soviet troops won, the monastery gradually began to return to life, for which it took many decades, because in the monastery of power all the time there were various public organizations: in 1949 - the state farm, from 1952 to 1982 - a boarding house for disabled people. In the meantime, the monastery buildings began to collapse or purposefully destroyed. On the island of Valaam arranged and natural reserve, and the Museum-Reserve, and the Hall of Organ Music, but these arrows failed. And since 1989, the present return of the monastery began to the monastery and several beds, the Leningrad Diocese, began to restore the buildings, renewed the monastery services, began to restore the buildings.

In recent years, more and more Russians and foreigners come with pilgrimage tours on the Holy Island of Valaam, not only in order to see his praised natural beauty, but also approach monastic life. Fortunately, what to get to Valaam is not a problem. In addition, the pilgrim can, when organizing his pilgrim tour, plan also to visit other famous northern monasteries of Russia, for example, Savazo-Preobrazhensky Solovetsky male monastery, Alexander-Svir Male Monastery, introduced-Syatsky Women's Monastery, the Virgin-Assumption Great Tikhvin Men's Monastery, a visit to the Kazan Church in the village of Vyritsy, where the holy relics of St. Seraphim Vyritsky are resting, and they can only be content with visits to Valaam Island.

In their way administrative device Valaam, belongs to the city of sorted, but in fact, is a separate independent unit. In addition to the monastery, there is a military unit on Valaam and the meteorological station. Despite the permanent excursions here, the photos do forbidden. You can photograph only on the territory of the following Skits: Nikolsky, White, Yellow (Gefseimsky), Red (Resurrection), Forerun.

Construction and restoration of the monastery goes to the present day. In 2002, a significant event happened here: Archimandrite Efrem arrived on the island of Valaam from the Athos Monastery of Watoped, who presented a priceless gift - a list with the miraculous icon of Pantanass - "All Communion", which was consecrated in Athos. The Monastery of Valaama accepted this gift with gratitude, the fact is that all the shrines belonged to him earlier were taken out of the monastery or lost as a result of wars and raids, so any gift of the monks are acceptable with deep gratitude and carefully stored. In the same, 2002, in domestic kara, in the premises of the former Nikolsky temple, staged the first church of the Valaam icon of the Mother of God, and the celebrations in honor of the miraculous icon were held on the island of Valaam, every year - the fourteenth of July. To date, this is the main shrine of the Valaam monastery. In 2005, restoration work was completed on the restoration of the Main Cathedral of the Monastery, in August of the same year, he was consecrated by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy Second. Today, it was restored eleven of the thirteen beds that existed here earlier. And also, the Valaam monastery has several castings: two - in St. Petersburg, one thing - in Moscow, two - in Priozersk and Sortavale.

When pilgrims bring to this island, the ships armature in a wide large Nikon bay, closer to the monastery cruise boats will not pass through dimensions and sediment, so, here tourists are transplanted to small local boatsOr run on foot beautiful but very long and tedious road. Who comes from Sortavala, come immediately to the monastery bay. When approaching the island of Valaam, already from the board of the ship, you see the central monastery estate, the Transfiguration Cathedral. The main building of the island is the Savior-Preobrazhensky monastery, the building of which is one hundred and twenty years, and it is distinguished by its unusual architecture. There are various religious buildings around the monastery. With water, it is best to look at their bell tower and dome. Right at the plow pilgrims meets a beautiful chapel, the construction of 1896, consecrated in the name of the icon of the Mother of God "of all the mournful joy." It is built of brick, which was produced on its own brick factory abode. The chapel stands on the granite pedestal, it is decorated with granite columns of polished dark red stone and black diabase. In 1985, she was renovated, again her dome and the ball and a cross installed on it. And opposite the chapel of all the grief, it is the brick white chapel of the Annunciation, erected at the end of the eighteenth century - the oldest building of Valaam. Her restoration was held in 1988. Nearby are stables and a monastery garden, an observed in the alleys, as well as the monastery garden. Along the shore, the garden stretches with a pond, from which the water was previously taken for watering plants. From the pier to the central monastery estate you will pass along the larch Alley, who over a hundred years.

Pilgrims are placed in the hotel area, to which, right from the pier leads a staircase, next to which black stele stands, with the names of the kings and their families on it, at different times attending this monastery. Not far there is a marble chapel, built in 1862, consecrated in the name of the icon of the Mother of God "Znoman". She was erected after the visit of Emperor Alexander the second, on the place of an older and modest chapel. About this event, reported on a gilded medallion, fortified in the Western facade. From this chapel, you can go to a three-storey winter hotel, on a beautiful tower alley. She is in picturesque place, among the groves with various species trees. Next you will see a candle shop. Right at the central estate there is a monastery cemetery, an obscured by the fence, with the towers in the corners, which are crowned with troping angels. The cemetery was built by the Church of Rev. Fathers, with another - Igumensky cemetery for the burial of monastic fathers. The father of Damascus is resting here, about which we told above.

Today, Valaam Island Orthodox believers, as an inflexible source of faith, revived, despite the adversity pursuing it. That is why thousands of pilgrims and tourists who want to see this miracle coming here every year.

How the tour is organized. IN...

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The pilgrimage service of the Valaam monastery organizes tours to Balaam Island for pilgrims and tourists. There are different duration tours, we went with a one-day tour "Valaam Expromat". I immediately clarify, the tickets bought not directly, but through intermediaries, since I needed online purchase, there was no time to go anywhere.

How the tour is organized. At 8 am, the bus leaves from the lakes. It goes 2.5 hours before Priozersk with a stop in the village of Sapper, where you can go out, to warm up, if desired, visit the church at a rehabilitation center for drug addicts. Church of a beautiful, carved tree, with a beautiful green courtyard and fountain. On the way, the guide tells the excursion about the Leningrad region, Karelia and something else, I dreamed and heard badly) We were accompanied by a wonderful woman named Larisa, a wonderful guide. It can be seen that she lives what it tells, and it is excellent. In Priozersk we moved to the meteor and overcame 60 km in Lordoga slightly more than an hour. On the island of us (a group of about 40 people) was shared and gave another guide. We stayed with Larisa. She held us in monastic gardens, territory around the monastery, then the monastery itself with detailed story About every paint, every icon, every pebble, about difficult for the monastery, the period of Soviet power.

After that, we visited the concert of the Church Choir (men sing unmatched, four of them - like a whole choir!) And they went for lunch in a pilgrimage refectory. In Russian monastic, meat is not eating, only fish, but how tasty they fed us! Second breathing opened, and after lunch we went to the tip of the island in Nikolsky Skit. Skit is a monastery in the monastery, with its charter, more stringent than the charter of the monastery itself. On Valaam, there are several such heads scattered in the archipelago, and in the most strict one of them live only 3 monks, which are found only in service, and they do not eat something that fish, and they are allowed only on holidays to twist the food with lean oil. The monastery, which we visited, not so strict. Even tourists are allowed into it. In one shelter, in which you can only get to live a few days on the island and having received a blessing, the monks are bred by Pavlinov. They say, Peacock sitting on the Christmas tree is an unmatched spectacle. After the excursions we had about an hour of free time, it was possible to return to the temple, to buy souvenirs, we just walked around the island, loved by nature, picked up. And then the road home, as well as on the meteor and bus.

The level of organization is excellent! All travelers were satisfied. It may seem that Valaam is one tourists, for the whole day we saw just a couple of monks. But no, the island is very large, the monks have their own life, and it rarely intersects with tourist trails. And tourism on Valaam is, firstly, missionary, and secondly, attracting money for the restoration of the monastery, who suffered greatly during the years of Soviet power and war. Is it worth going to the Valaam people far from religion? Of course yes. It is very interesting, because the excursion tells not only about religion, but also history, geography, geology. And besides, on Valaam is very beautiful. And around beautiful karelian Nature. Recommend.