Kirillo-Chelmogorsky Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia
The Kirillo-Chelmogorsky Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia, featuring buildings arranged in an irregular quadrangle with corner towers. A single-domed church dedicated to the Epiphany stands as the main religious structure within this complex.
Founded in 1316 when monk Kirill established a hermitage on Chelma mountain, the monastery developed into a significant religious site over the centuries. The 20th century brought closure in 1932, yet the site's importance remained through rediscovery in later decades.
This monastery served as a center for religious learning and housed an important collection of Orthodox manuscripts. The books reflect how deeply the place was rooted in the spiritual life of northern Russia.
The monastery sits along the road connecting Kargopol and Pudozh, marked by a consecrated cross erected in 2005. The location is accessible if traveling this route, though visitors should expect basic facilities and prepare for remote surroundings.
After its closure in 1932, a nun named Anna Pavlovna Bogolepova secretly protected the monastery's treasures during a difficult period. Her dedication ensured that these valuable items survived until their rediscovery in the 1980s.
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