Uschelsky Iovsky monastery, Orthodox monastery in Leshukonsky District, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia.
Uschelsky Iovsky Monastery is a former Orthodox monastery in the village of Ushchelye, Leshukonsky District, Arkhangelsk Oblast. Founded in 1614 by the Solovetsky monk Iov, it was closed in 1764 and later revived as a women's community in 1901. Its buildings were dismantled in the early 1930s; today a wooden chapel stands over the supposed burial place of Iov.
Founded in 1614 by the Solovetsky monk Iov, the monastery stood at a crossroads of land and river routes in the Mezen-Pechora region. Iov was killed by robbers on 5 August 1628; a chapel was later raised over his grave. In 1764 Catherine II's secularisation closed the monastery, and in 1901 a women's community was established on the site, becoming a monastery in 1908. It was closed in 1920 and its buildings dismantled in the early 1930s.
The monastery no longer exists as a community: it was closed in 1920 and its buildings dismantled in the early 1930s. Since the early 21st century, a wooden chapel has stood over the supposed burial place of Job of Ushchelsk, and a moleben is served there every 18 August.
Visitors should prepare for the remote location and check local access conditions beforehand since the monastery sits in a rural area. Seasonal weather patterns in northern Russia significantly affect travel feasibility and comfort during visits.
The monastery's founder, the monk Iov, was killed by robbers on 5 August 1628 while the brothers were haymaking; he was buried near the church, and a chapel was later built over his grave. In 1701 Archbishop Afanasy of Kholmogory had the decayed chapel replaced and consecrated to Iov of Ushchelsk. A wooden chapel now stands at the presumed burial site, and a moleben is served there every 18 August.
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