The Holy Trinity St. Sergius Monastery

Panoramic view of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Monastary

The Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra is one of the most sacred place in Russia. Over many centuries lots of Orthodox Christians set out on pilgrimage to the monastery. They come here to worship the relics of St. Sergius in anticipation of miracles which constantly happen on this sacred land.The monastery was founded in the early 14th century by one of the most venerated saints of Russia St. Sergius. Together with his brother he found a secluded place in the forest. They built there a cell and a small wooden church in honor of the Holy Trinity. St. Sergius' brother could not stand the rigors of life and left him in solitude. Soon after the word of St. Sergius isolated life spread over the lands. Some monks started searching for his guidance. St. Sergius met everybody with love and open heart. However, he did not want to be their superior, he desired to be equal. He worked hard building the cells, fetching the water, chopping the firewood, sewing some clothes, cooking for the whole community. St. Sergius had numerous disciples who founded numerous cloisters later on.

In 1380 he blessed the Russian Army headed by the Grand Prince Dimitry (later named Donskoy) for the fight against Tatar-Mongolian troops. His prediction of victory came true. Tatar-Mongolian Army was defeated in the battle on Kulikovo field. It was the first major victory over Mongols .
Numerous miracles took place on this land. Lots of people were cured in the time of St. Sergius life as well as after his death. His holy relics discovered in the early 15 century were put in the shrine. Now they can be seen in the main and the most ancient church of the cloister, St. Trinity church.

At all times this land attracted not only common folks but also people of noble origin including Russian rulers. Each one contributed to the construction of the monastery. Tsar Ivan the Terrible commissioned to build the fife-domed Assumption cathedral as a replica of the Kremlin one. In Peter the Great 's time a unique refectory with a church of St. Sergius appeared. The Catherine's époque was marked by the construction of 88 meter bell-tower, the highest structure up to that date. The monastery was given the honorable title of lavra and a seminary was founded at that time.

According to a legend the Mother of God appeared in the dream of St Sergius and promised to be the protector of his cloister after his death. The Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra withstood the 16-month Polish-Lithuanian siege in the Time of Troubles. Napoleon Army did not even approach this cloister. In the times of the Second World War none of the bombs fell down on this sacred land.

We invite you to visit the spiritual center of Russia, the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra which is included in our 5 day classic tour with Moscow tour guide.