In the sixteenth century in the Upper Volga appeared a hermitage prayer - the monk Nile, who later became a Russian saint , Rev. Nil Stolbensky the Wonderworker. Since 1528, he settled on the island of Stolbnoe. At the end of the century, a monastery was founded at this place - the Nilova Deserts. It became the spiritual center not only of the Upper Volga and the Lake Seliger region, but of the whole of Russia.
Neil Stolbensky
The reverend was born in the fifteenth century. His worldly name is unknown. This is an ascetic, a hermit, a man who performed a real prayer feat. Spiritually transformed, he became a lamp for all who wished to receive advice, instructions, prayer help from him.
The history of the monastery
After the untimely death of Nile Stolbensky (1555), hermit prayer-books began to settle not far from his grave on Stolbny Island. In 1594, they received permission and blessing from the patriarch Job, and created a monastic monastery. Hieromonk Herman is considered the founder of the monastery. Thus began the history of the monastery.
Before the revolution, he was one of the most revered in our country. Thousands of pilgrims come here every year. In the year 1898, Emperor Alexander the First visited the monastery.
Monastery after the revolution
In the year nineteen nineteen, all the most valuable from the monastery was withdrawn, the relics of Neil the Miracle Worker were revealed. Until 1927, the monastery still continued to operate, but in subsequent years it experienced many major changes. By the end of the eighties, most of the buildings were destroyed, and the rest was in dilapidated condition.
In nineteen ninety, the Nilov Deserts (Seliger) was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church. Five long years later, the imperishable relics of the Nil Rev. were returned to the monastery.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the monastery was one of the most visited Russian shrines. More than 1000 pilgrims constantly lived on its territory.
Monastery today
Currently, the Nilova Desert Monastery (Seliger) is being actively restored. Several churches have already gained the golden domes, the facade of the building is being restored, the interior of the Epiphany Church has been restored.
Seliger - holy places
Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to Lake Seliger to bow to the great Russian shrines. The main attraction of this place is the Nilo-Stolbenskaya desert. It is here, among the endless lakes on the picturesque island that the famous monastery is located. It is surrounded by a high stone fence with towers and a magnificent park. Here you can see the granite embankment with the Bishop's pier (1812).
Those who arrived at Lake Seliger, Nilova deserts will be visible from the front facade of the monastery, which adorns the Svetlitskaya tower (1870). Here you can bow to the relics of St. Nile and St. Nectarius, who was the second rector of the Nile desert. Those who wish can attend the service and climb the bell tower, the height of which reaches thirty-six meters.
Nilova Deserts, Seliger: how to get there
You can get to these places by a sightseeing boat from Ostashkov or by regular bus, which follows the route "Ostashkov - Troerucitsa". Then you have to walk five kilometers on foot. You can overcome this distance on a bus that runs three times a day, but its schedule does not coincide with the arrival of Moscow trains.
If you decide to go by car from Ostashkov, then be careful: you need to turn off at the sign “Svetlitsa”.
Travel Tips
Entrance to the monastery is free, but you must follow the dress code: men should be in trousers, and women - in dresses (skirts) and shawls. Photography is permitted on site, but it costs a hundred rubles.
Infrastructure
In the monastery of Nilova Pustyn (Seliger) a hotel for pilgrims is available directly on the territory. In the small village of Svetlice opposite the desert, locals rent houses and rooms. There is also a large camp site and a restaurant where hungry travelers can eat. In the shop at the monastery you can buy everything that is famous for the Nilova Pustyn (Seliger). These are monastery honey and bread, berries and tea collections, as well as books, commemorative magnets and other souvenirs.
sights
Today, many travel agencies organize trips for those who want to visit the Nilova Deserts monastery (Seliger). These tours are in great demand. Not only pilgrims go to these legendary places, but also people who are far from religion. They are attracted to the monastery as a unique historical and architectural monument.
During a tour of the desert, tourists can see the Epiphany Cathedral, whose construction dates back to 1671. Finishing work was completed in 1833. According to the sketches of Y.M. Kolokolnikov Cast Silver Gate for the Cathedral. In 2006, the restoration of the exterior decoration was completed, and now the decoration of the interior decoration is being completed. The main value of this temple is the relics of St. Nile, returned to the deserts in 1995.
Holy Cross Church - an elegant and light structure. It is located somewhat away from the main monastery complex. In ancient times, baptismal rites were held in this church.
The church in the name of All Saints until 1833 was a collegiate church, then it became a hospital. This is the oldest building. Today it is almost destroyed.
The Church of St. John the Baptist and the Intercession of the Virgin was built on the very spot where the cave in which the Monk Nile lived. In 1939, it was destroyed. Excavations are underway at this place.
Interesting Facts
- Currently, there are 50 inhabitants in the monastery, 20 of them in holy dignity.
- The desert has several farmsteads, including Torzhok.
- The monastery has its own apiary, so you can buy consecrated honey in the shop.
- The Nilova Desert Monastery (Seliger) has a carpentry, dairy and candlelight workshop, a stable and a barn. In addition, a jewelry workshop has been revived and successfully operating.
Social ministry
The monastery is actively involved in charity work - it sends spiritual literature and food to places of detention, helps the nursing home and the orphanage. An infirmary for homeless and bedridden patients operates on the territory of the monastery, assistance is provided to drug addicts and patients with alcoholism. Their number reaches fifty people a year.
The rights of workers in the monastery are people who do not have a permanent residence. They are actively involved in the life of the monastery. Up to 250 people a year receive such assistance.
At the monastery there is a dental office in which a certified doctor works. Help is provided not only to the brethren and workers, but also to residents of neighboring villages.
Work with the media
The publication of literature about the monastery, booklets about the monastery. They are very popular among pilgrims and visitors to the monastery.