Makarovsky St. John the Theological Monastery is located in the village of Makarovka. The village is five kilometers from Saransk.
History
The construction of the temple complex was begun in the 18th century. The place of erection was the Polyansky estate - the landowners known at that time. The first church was erected in 1702, consecrated in honor of the Archangel Michael, the church of St. John the Evangelist was later built , and only in 1730 the construction of the bell tower was completed.
The second half of the 18th century was marked by the fact that the St. John the Theologian Makarov Monastery significantly expanded its borders. Almshouses for men and women, a master’s house, utility rooms, a livestock yard and an entire park with ponds appeared here. 1800 was the year the church was built in honor of the Sign of the Virgin.
At the beginning of the XX century, the Makarov John the Theological Monastery was destroyed in some places. But soon, in 1969, all this was restored. The monastery was established in 1994. Later, on its territory, buildings were built for the monks and the refectory. Already in 2010, 9 wooden temple buildings were built, a center for pilgrims on three floors, several churches and a temple in honor of Alexander Nevsky.
Architecture
St. John the Theologian Makarov Monastery (Saransk) is a monument of federal significance. The complex itself combines the architectural directions of the 17th century, rational solutions of the 18th century and the Baroque style. The churchyard is a fully symmetrical pentagon. In its center stands the Theological Church of St. John. Around the Znamensky temple and the Archangel church. There is a belfry, and in the corners are small turrets.
Makarovsky St. John the Theologian Monastery, or rather, its main structure was designed as a quadrangle with a tent and a cupola. It can be argued that this is one of the oldest structures in Mordovia. From the outside, the monastery has luxurious decoration. Its facades are made of 9 varieties of bricks. The decoration itself is made in the style of Russian Baroque.
Makarovsky Monastery of St. John the Theologian is famous for the fact that its walls contain the most accurate list of the unique icon of the Bogomotareya “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, which helps everyone get rid of the ailment of drunkenness and drug addiction.
The complex itself is located on the Makarovsky churchyard. There are also several sources with healing waters. The territory of the monastery is quite spacious. In addition to the main cathedral, many small churches, a hotel and even a camp for children have been built here. This place is sometimes called Makarovka. St. John the Theologian Makarov Monastery is the residence of the Saransk and Mordovian Metropolitan.
Buildings on the territory of the monastery
The main building of the Makarovsky churchyard is the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian. In 2011, it was restored and consecrated. The following shrines are located in the temple:
- Icon of St. John the Evangelist.
- The relics of the reverend fathers of Kiev-Pechersk.
- Particles of relics of local revered saints.
Also here is the Sign Church. Shrines:
- The miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Inexpressible Chalice”.
- The "Sign" icon.
The Church of the Archangel Michael found refuge in the territory of the churchyard. The nearest monastery consists of churches consecrated in honor of the Resurrection of Christ, Ave Theodore Sanaksarsky, Sergius of Radonezh, Saints Prince Vladimir and Princess Olga, St. Seraphim of Sarov, Athos Icon of the Blessed Virgin, St. Gury, Archbishop of Kazan, Tver Bishop and Righteous.
The temple buildings of the Far Desert are represented by the monastery of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, a church consecrated in honor of Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves, the church of Alexander Nevsky and the temple of Modest of Jerusalem.
Source of St. Nicholas
Located on the territory of the St. John the Theological Monastery, the source is famous throughout Mordovia. The source originates from the St. Nicholas monastery, built on a hill. A huge number of people come here from all over Saransk to heal their souls and bodies.
The water in the spring is saturated with silver ions and inspired by the prayers of the monks. Elder Theophanes, rector of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, was washed in its waters. All the monks appealed to God near this source, thereby sanctifying it.
Gate bell tower
The height of the bell tower reaches 36 m. It consists of 4 tiers, crowned with a tent - octahedron and bulb. The facade of the bell tower is somewhat simplified, which suggests that it was erected during the transition period. During the construction, elements of architecture of the 17th century were used, such as a curb, towns, a tent, shelves. Of the elements of the Peter's Baroque, platbands and complex pilasters can be distinguished.
For pilgrims
St. John the Theological Monastery invites everyone to feel holiness and draw closer to the Lord. On its territory a beautiful hotel for 100 people was built. The hotel is located in a picturesque place in a park area. The hotel building was built relatively recently. There are rooms and economy class, and more comfortable apartments.
For family, special two-room rooms are thought out for those who come with children. Disabled people can also comfortably accommodate in specialized apartments on the ground floor. The hotel has a house church of St. Alexander Nevsky.
The hotel has several dining rooms, a conference room, and laundry.
Pilgrims can eat in the monastery buffet or in the refectory. Every evening after the service, pilgrims are fed free of charge.
Serving People
Also, missionary activity is famous for the Makarov John the Theological Monastery. Luke’s father, a monastery inhabitant, regularly consults in one of the maternity hospitals in Saransk. At the center, an office of psychological and spiritual help is open. It helps women survive all the hardships of pregnancy, especially if it is not going well. Thanks to the efforts of Father Luke, many women abandoned abortions and even turned their lives towards God.
The monastery is truly a unique spiritual monument of Mordovia. Its influence on the minds of people is incredibly great. Within its walls there is a special grace, for which many pilgrims come here.