The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery

Allrus Architecture, Religion
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery

The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery was founded on the spot where hieromonk Filaret, who came from Moscow to Kazan in 1613 made for himself a skit. In 1661, Metropolitan of Kazan Lavrenty blessed the base for monastery and in 1662 the construction began. Chronicle of major events published on the site of the monastery and a detailed history of the monastery can be read on website www.raifa.ru. Raithu Bogoroditsky monastery is the largest active monastery of the Kazan Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Along the monastery wall - panels describing the local fauna
Along the monastery wall – panels describing the local fauna

The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery was founded in the 17th century by hermit Filaret. On the eve of the revolution in the monastery were up to 80 monks and novices. In 1918, the monastery was officially closed. In 1930, on charges of «counter-revolutionary, anti-Soviet activities», the last monks: Serge, Joseph, Anthony, Varlaam, Iov and novice Pyotr were arrested. The same year, they had all been shot (in 2000, the Russian Orthodox Church glorified them in venerated as martyrs of Raifa).

Another major temple of the monastery is the Cathedral of the Georgian Mother of God, built in 1835-1842 by architect MP Korinfsky
Another major temple of the monastery is the Cathedral of the Georgian Mother of God, built in 1835-1842 by architect MP Korinfsky

Attraction of the monastery are also silent frogs that do not croak near the monastery. According to legend, one day the monks of the Raifa Monastery asked God for mercy – to save them from the croaking of frogs, to prevent them from singing. A miracle happened – frogs fell silent. And silent to this day, although on the banks of the wonderful lake, where there is a monastery Raifa they are found in abundance. Many, including foreign scientists have tried to debunk this myth. French toads brought here – near the monastery walls fell silent. But a kilometer from the monastery they started to jump excitedly, and then poured in a loud booming croaking. Silence of frogs – a miracle faced by everyone coming to Raifa.

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity was built in 1910
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity was built in 1910

Elegant wrought iron patterns over the entrances to the building
Elegant wrought iron patterns over the entrances to the building
The road to the monastery
The road to the monastery
There are many sculptures. Some sculptures - ornamental
There are many sculptures. Some sculptures – ornamental
This chapel stands directly over the southern wall of the monastery, located near the shores of Lake
This chapel stands directly over the southern wall of the monastery, located near the shores of Lake
This is a monument to reconciliation. It is dedicated to all those who died in Raifa monastery during the Civil War
This is a monument to reconciliation. It is dedicated to all those who died in Raifa monastery during the Civil War
view of the monastery
view of the monastery
Walls of monastery
Walls of monastery
Sculpture
Sculpture
Sculpture
Sculpture
stone bas-relief of St. John
stone bas-relief of St. John
stone bas-relief of St. Luke
stone bas-relief of St. Luke
stone bas-relief of St. Mark
stone bas-relief of St. Mark
stone bas-relief of St. Matthew
stone bas-relief of St. Matthew
On the south wall of the Cathedral - the Mother of God depicted in stone
On the south wall of the Cathedral – the Mother of God depicted in stone
on the top of the tower - trumpeting angel
on the top of the tower – trumpeting angel
On the way to the monastery - several sculptures. One of them - a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows
On the way to the monastery – several sculptures. One of them – a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows
On the way to the monastery - welcoming cat
On the way to the monastery – welcoming cat
On the western side of the monastery area from 7.00 to 20.45 open chapel with holy water
On the western side of the monastery area from 7.00 to 20.45 open chapel with holy water
Outside the walls of the monastery angel sculpture
Outside the walls of the monastery angel sculpture
Outside the walls of the monastery are also many different sculptures
Outside the walls of the monastery are also many different sculptures
Outside the walls of the monastery sculpture of a cat
Outside the walls of the monastery sculpture of a cat
forest reserve on the lake
forest reserve on the lake
The hotel, designed for 80 people
The hotel, designed for 80 people
The house for the pilgrims
The house for the pilgrims
Next to the house a few buildings for pilgrims
Next to the house a few buildings for pilgrims
Wood sculptures of bears
Wood sculptures of bears
Raifa monastery cat
Raifa monastery cat
Raifa monastery cat
Raifa monastery cat
Raifa monastery cat
Raifa monastery cat
Raifa monastery cat
Raifa monastery cat
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery in January 2015
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery in January 2015
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery in January 2015
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery in January 2015
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery in January 2015
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery in January 2015
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery on 19 January 2015
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery on 19 January 2015
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery on 19 January 2015
The Raifa Bogoroditsky Monastery on 19 January 2015

www.mochaloff.ru/kazan