Saint George Monastery, Orthodox monastery at Cape Fiolent, Sevastopol, Russia.
Saint George Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery perched on limestone cliffs above the Black Sea, comprising several churches and chapels. The complex spreads across different levels and connects the upper buildings with lower structures through stairs and pathways.
Greek sailors founded the monastery after their rescue from a storm and discovered a shrine with an image of Saint George on the coastal rocks. During Ottoman rule over Crimea, many Christian buildings disappeared, but this monastery remained operational and continued its religious functions.
The monastery's name comes from Saint George, whom Greek sailors called on during a storm and whose icon they found on the cliff. Its Crimean Tatar name, Ay Yori, and the Greek Urum form Ay-Yorgi preserve the same dedication. The cave church on the slope is dedicated to the Nativity of Christ, not to Saint George.
The site sits on a cape and is reached by road, from which stairs lead down to the monastery. The ground can be uneven, especially after rain, so sturdy shoes and care while walking are necessary.
A 7-metre metal cross weighing 1,300 kg was consecrated in 1991 and set on the Rock of the Apparition, where the marble cross destroyed in the 1920s once stood; it is visible from both sea and shore. The monastery marked its 1,000th anniversary in 1891 under abbot Nikandr.
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