Kalyazin, Tver Province, Russia, May 5, 2025
The surviving chapel on Monastery Island. Photo: yandexcloud.net
The land of Monastery Island in Kalyazin, home to a famous 15th-century monastery, has been returned to the ownership of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Specifically, after several years of efforts, the land has been transferred to the Tver Diocese for the restoration of the church-historical complex of the Holy Trinity-St. Makary Kalyazin Monastery, which was once the heart of the spiritual life of the region, reports the Tver Metropolis.
“The transfer of Monastery Island to the Tver Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church is an important step on the path of spiritual restoration of our land. This is a holy place that connects the history, architecture, and spiritual life of Russia. We pray that prayers will not cease in this place and that as many people as possible would have the opportunity to visit here,” said Hieromonk Ambrose, abbot of the Metochion Church of the Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos of the former Holy Trinity-Makaryev Monastery in Kalyazin, who received the documents granting property rights.
In March of this year, Fr. Ambrose also received documents for the ownership of the famous Kalyazin Bell Tower of the flooded St. Nicholas Cathedral. The bell tower had been restored and opened to the public in late 2021.
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Holy Trinity-St. Makary Monastery in 1908. Photo: Wikipedia
Monastery Island marks the beginning of the history of the city of Kalyazin and is of great importance for Russian Orthodox culture. The island is located on the Volga River, not far from the shore, and is known for its location and connection to the history of the Holy Trinity Monastery.
Founded in 1434 by St. Makary of Kalyazin, the Holy Trinity Monastery became the cradle of the city of Kalyazin. The monastery enjoyed special attention from Russian sovereigns, including Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, Peter I, Catherine II, and Alexander II, which testifies to its significant role in the spiritual and political life of the country.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the monastery was a majestic complex that included the monumental Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the refectory hall crowned with the Church of the Meeting of the Lord, the gateway church of St. Makary, the Holy Dormition Church, a 60-meter four-tiered bell tower, buildings for monks’ cells, and a hospital building with the St. Alexei Church.
In 1920, the monastery was closed, and the buildings were used by various institutions, including a resort and a historical-regional museum. However, in 1939, in connection with the construction of the Uglich Reservoir, the monastery was blown up. Most of the buildings were destroyed, with only the foundations of some structures remaining.
Today, on Monastery Island, there is a chapel dedicated to St. Makary of Kalyazin, where daily services have been held since 2021. The chapel is located in the restored southeastern tower of the former Holy Trinity Monastery, rebuilt according to ancient drawings.
There are plans for the complete restoration of the Holy Trinity Monastery complex, despite the fact that most of its structures have been irretrievably lost. The island continues to attract tourists and pilgrims due to its historical significance and picturesque location on the Volga River.
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