Izvor Monastery, Religious complex in Izvor, Bulgaria.
Izvor Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" is an active Bulgarian Orthodox women's monastery in the Vidin diocese, 2 km from the village of Izvor. Its church holds an iconostasis dated 1868 and frescoes by Gospodin Serbezov (1873–1937). A three-storey monastic complex with guest rooms was built in 1988–1989 on the site of the former one-storey building.
According to legend, the monastery was founded in the 12th century by the Russian prince Izvor Tavorski. Under Ottoman rule it was plundered, destroyed and abandoned; restoration began in the 17th century through the efforts of the hieromonk Silvester. The church was restored in 1923 with funds from the Vidin diocese and donations from laypeople of Vidin and Lom.
The monastery is named after the nearby village of Izvor, and it belongs to the Vidin diocese. Its patronal feast is celebrated on 15 August, the Dormition of the Mother of God, when believers from the region gather here. The monastery has a holy spring (ayazmo) on its grounds.
The monastery lies 2 km from the village of Izvor, in the Vidin diocese, and is an active women's convent, so modest dress is expected of visitors. The church is open to those attending services; the patron feast is celebrated on 15 August. A three-storey guest wing built in 1988–1989 provides accommodation on site.
The monastery has an ayazmo, a spring whose water is used by pilgrims. The church frescoes were painted by Gospodin Serbezov (1873–1937), and craftsmen from the Debar school worked in the church.
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