ALEXANDROVSKY MONASTERY SUZDAL RUSSIA 6-1-2016
Alexandrovsky Monastery (Suzdal)
Music The Eternally begotten and Co Eternal Son
Invincible Lord of Host
The Alexandrovsky Monastery (the Convent of St. Alexander) is situated after Pokrovsky Bridge, on the left, high bank of the Kamenka River, over a ravine. According to a legend, the Convent was founded by Aleksandr (Alexander) Nevsky in 1240. In the old times, the Convent of St. Alexander was known as the Grand Lavra and served as a burial vault for Suzdal princesses.
Nothing has been preserved from that ancient age, apart from two late tombstones in a church; the tombstones bear writings telling that two Suzdal princesses, Mariya and Agrippina, were buried here (in 1362 and 1393, respectively).
During the 1608 to 1610 Polish invasion, the Convent was burned down. In 1695, the Convent's hegumenia (abbess) Domnika made a request to Tsar Peter the Great to construct a new church in the Convent; in the request, she mentioned that the Convent had been founded by Aleksandr Nevsky in 1240.
In 1695, Illarion, the metropolitan of Suzdal, issued a charter for the construction of the new church, which received the name of the Church of Ascension. Funds for the erection of the church were donated by Tsarina Natalya Kirillovna, Peter's mother. The construction of the bell tower falls in the same period.
The church is designed as a high, two-tiered rectangular volume crowned with five spires. From the east side, the rectangular volume is extended with an apse; a heated side-altar is added from the north side and a porch is added from the east. The windows are decorated with carved linings featuring simple columns in the first tier and complex figures in the second tier. Complex figure columns are used also for decorating the high, soaring drums.
The octahedral column of the tented-roofed bell tower is put on a short rectangular volume, with wooden stairs added to it. The bell tower's walls are almost completely left undecorated, which makes it unique among Suzdal's tented-roofed bell towers. The upper part is modestly decorated with carved linings of the arched openings and linings over the roof windows.
In the first half of the 18th century, a short fence was constructed around the convent; the fence was decorated with decorative small towers, stylised as defence towers. It was at the same time that the Holy Gates were constructed (restored in 1947); the Gates featured a two-tiered tower and resembled the Monastery of the Trinity's Holy Gates, which would later be included into the ensemble of the Rizopolozhensky Convent. This resemblance is no coincidence: the fence and the towers of the Convent of St. Alexander were erected under the supervision of Ivan Gryaznov who in the late 17th century was involved in the construction of the Monastery of the Trinity (later destroyed) and the Rizopolozhensky Convent.
In 1764, when the church lands were being secularised, the Convent of St. Alexander was dissolved, with its cathedral being transformed into the town's parish church.
In 2006, the Convent of St. Alexander was handed over back to the Russian Orthodox Church, and in September 2007 the first service was held in the Church of the Ascension.
Russia 2020
Welcome to Soul Safar’s guided group story-travel to Royal Russia. Immerse in to the fascinating stories from the life of the Czars & Czarinas and the modern-day Oligarchs as you travel with us. Explore Russian art, culture, history and food for 10 days and 9 nights with like-minded travelers. We will help you discover the soul of Russia, not through the eyes of a tourist but through the experience of an explorer. Let’s embark into an unforgettable journey to the land of Czars.
Where we will visit
Moscow:
Moscow is the capital and most heavily populated city in Russia, as well as being the largest city on the European continent. It is an iconic and global city and is the key political, economic, cultural and scientific centre of not only Russia but of Eastern Europe as well. It is a city renowned for the Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil’s cathedral and furthermore, should be on your travel bucket list. So, join us to explore this mysterious but enticing city.
You will explore:
Kremlin: Cathedral Tour, Armoury Chamber; Diamond Museum (Entry tickets not provided); Red Square: Lenin’s Mausoleum; St Basils Cathedral (Entry tickets not provided); GUM; Church of the Christ the Saviour; Tretyakov Gallery; Zaryadey Park; Moscow Metro tour, Ballet show at Kremlin Theatre
St. Petersburg
One of the world's most beautiful cities, St. Petersburg has all the ingredients for an unforgettable travel experience: high art, lavish architecture, wild nightlife, an extraordinary history and rich cultural traditions that have inspired and nurtured some of the modern world's greatest literature, music, and visual art. From the mysterious twilight of the White Nights to world-beating opera and ballet productions on magical winter evenings, St. Petersburg charms and entices in every season.
You will explore:
Winter Palace & Hermitage Museum; Peterhoff Garden; Peterhoff Grand Palace (Entry tickets not provided); Peter & Paul Fortress; Catherine Palace with Amber room (Pushkin District); Kazan Cathedral; Church of the Spilled Blood; St Issacs Cathedral; Neva River Cruize.
Vladimir
Common tendency of regular tourists visiting Russia is to gravitate towards cities like Moscow & St Petersburg, but there are many hidden treasures spread all over the country that many don’t even realise. Vladimir is one such town and is part of the Golden Ring of ancient Russian cities.
Located about 200 km east of Moscow, Vladimir is within the Vladimir Oblast administrative center and has a population of almost 400,000. Steeped in history, in the 12th and 13 centuries, Vladimir was the capital city of Russia.
You will explore:
Pushkin Park, The Golden Gate Military Monument, Vodonapornaya Bashnya Museum, The Cathedral of St. Demetrius, Chamber Official Palace.
Suzdal
Suzdal is called the jewel in the golden ring and is the 3rd most visited city after Moscow & St. Petersburg. The town dates back to 1024. In its early history it was the capital of several principalities and later on became an important religious centre. The town is full of churches and at one point in its history had 40 churches for approximately 400 families. The atmosphere is extremely pleasant due to its rustic, country feel combined with its medieval monuments. It’s as if old paintings by Russian artists have been brought to life. And a night stay here will take you back in time to the golden days of Russia.
You will explore:
Spaso-Evfimiyev Monastery Museum Complex, Museum Of Wooden Architecture & Peasant Life, Suzdal Kremlin, The Convent of the Intercession (Pokrovsky Monastery), Church of Saints Boris and Gleb in Kideksha, Prepodobenskaya Bell Tower and many more.
Local Experience
Vodka making & Tasting, Moscova River Cruise, Petersburg River Cruise, Gala Night Party with Russian friends, Local market visit,