Tikhonov deserts, the Kaluga region. Holy Tikhon's Deserts

To learn Russian culture without visiting such ancient places is truly impossible. One can say even more, today the culture of our great country is in decline, it is replaced by some refined, emasculated concepts, images. Today even rituals are observed somehow without a soul, mechanically. And again to feel what we have forgotten, helps Tikhonov deserts (Kaluga region). The culture of our country is closely connected with faith, temples and monasteries. And a great example of this is the desert. Here everything is amazing and fascinating: it is the grandeur of the monastic complex, and tangible holiness, and an absolutely extraordinary peaceful atmosphere. Tikhonov deserts (Kaluga region) is a fertile place.

Places around the monastery

Here is the true Russian spirit, and everyone feels it. The monastery is located not far from Kaluga. It is still a wooded area, one can only guess how fabulous this place was in the wild when the Tikhonov desert was founded (Kaluga region). The monastery stands on a small elevation of the right bank of the river, which beautifully frames the fence of the monastery. The monks have blocked the river, and now there are two picturesque ponds near the temple.

History of the monastery

The monastery of Tikhonov deserts (Kaluga region) was founded in the 15th century by the Monk Tikhon. He was also called the Wonderworker. He took monastic vows, but he loved solitude more, and so he went to live in a dense forest. According to legend, he settled in a huge hollow of an oak tree and ate roots, as well as wild fruits. People gathered around him, righteous, seeking the truth. They worked the land and huddled in small huts. They lived in great poverty, as infertile areas yielded a small crop.

But one day a miracle occurred, which formed the basis for the construction of the monastery. The saint met a prince who hunted in those places. The prince swung Tikhon with his whip, but his hand was numb. Only when he asked the holy forgiveness, he sent him healing with prayers. After that, the prince made a large donation, which was the basis of construction in 1485. The miracle worker Tikhon died in 1492 and was buried in a wooden cathedral.

Until the 16th century the monastery grew and developed, men gathered here who decided to move away from worldly life. However, at the beginning of the century, he suffered greatly from raids, the wooden temple was burnt. However, already in 1630 he had already recovered and recovered. The history of the monastery Tikhonov deserts (Kaluga region) is complex, it was rebuilt, and then at the beginning of the 20th century shared the bitter fate of many. All the buildings were desecrated and looted, and many monks were killed. Only in 1991 the monastery began to revive.

Tikhonov Deserts (Kaluga Oblast): how to get there

If you are going to visit this holy place, you will need to get to the village of Leo Tolstoy. The road here is completely unremarkable and will please only those who are in love with the Russian village. But immediately you need to consider that the monastery is located exactly in the village of Leo Tolstoy, which is located 9 kilometers south of the railway station. Otherwise, you can fall into the trap, which prepared the Kaluga region. The station "Tikhonova Pustyn" is located next to the village of the same name, where (as was already clear from the story) there is no monastery. Every day, several trains stop at this station. This is not the most convenient route for visiting the ancient monastery. Going out at the bus stop, you will not see either buses or taxi parking. Walking to the village of Leo Tolstoy will have to go about two hours.

You can get on the plane, but the nearest airports are located in the vicinity of Moscow, then you will have to get to the Kiev station and go by train. Come straight to Kaluga, do not go to the station "Tikhonov Pustyn". From the railway station of this city a bus leaves every 20 minutes, which will take you directly to the village of Leo Tolstoy.

You can easily arrange a weekend and see for yourself what the Tikhonov Desert is (Kaluga Region). How to get there by car, we will now tell. Depart from Moscow along the Kiev highway and go to the turn to Medyn (on the right). Kaluga remains to the left, and you are moving to the village of Leo Tolstoy. Shortly before this pointer you will see one more, to the left, it is called "Tikhonov Deserts". This is a village, about which we have already written, but leads to it a terrible, broken road. This is like a cruel joke traffic police, but now you are warned.

Cathedral temple and bell tower of the monastery

Today the church has been completely restored, this is a remarkable creation of Russian masters, which you need to see. You call in the most ordinary village, and suddenly a blue miracle appears before you. St. Tikhon's Deserts (Kaluga region) admire its size and magnificence. Uspensky blue-domed cathedral and impressive bell tower is a beautiful ensemble that pleases visitors both outside and inside the monastery yard. This magnificent handsome man seemed to have been brought here by magic from the capital. The walls inside him are white, yet without a painting. Entrance to it from the street. The bell tower is a separate miracle, to which the Holy Tikhon Desert is famous (Kaluga region). Its height is 75 meters, it is built in 5 tiers.

Church of St. Nicholas

This is a small temple, executed in Byzantine style. It is yellow and built into the refectory. It was built in the beginning of XX century. Despite the fact that it is much smaller and more modest than the majestic Uspensky Cathedral, he deservedly enjoys the love of the parishioners.

Land of the monks

Monastery Tikhonov deserts (Kaluga region) includes two more churches. The first one is Preobrazhensky, it is small, in two floors, but very beautiful. In the lower church are hidden the relics of St. Tikhon, the founder of this monastery. Behind the temple is a small necropolis. In the center of the monastery courtyard is a luxurious alley, which is so easy for contemplation. Finally, the temple in honor of the icon of the Mother of God can be viewed only from a distance, pilgrims can not be visited there, this is the land of monks.

Holy spring of Tikhon of Preobrazhensky

It is located very near, 3 km from the monastery, in a dense forest. It was thanks to him that at one time the monastery of Tikhonov Deserts (Kaluga region) became famous. This source helped to save many people from a variety of diseases. Near the source there is a small temple "Life-giving spring". Here everything has to pacify: wooden benches, flowers, unmatched dense forest. Here often come newlyweds - drinking holy water has become a good tradition.

Especially crowded here is the feast of the Epiphany. Pilgrims in these days just clogged Tikhonov deserts (Kaluga region). A font with icy water, over which a water-consecrated prayer service is served, cleans from sins, gives health and strengthens the spirit. I must say that even on the hottest day the water temperature in the spring does not exceed 4 degrees, after a long walk under the sun it's just staggering. You need to plunge three times with your head, so church traditions are dictated.

Excursion around the territory

Here is an interesting program, which can also become cognitive. At the monastery, the Spiritual and Enlightenment Center for Adults and the Sunday School for Children are open . You can also stay in one of the three pilgrimage hotels and stay here longer - to feel the spirit of the monastery and, perhaps, change something in your life. There is also a bakery, where a tremendous amount of delicious bread, rolls and various pastries bake. Prices are very low. Also there is a shop where icons, crosses and Christian literature are sold.

Schedule of services

The last information remains, which is necessary if you decided to visit the monastery of Tikhonov Desert (Kaluga region). The schedule of services indicates that the services are held daily, according to the statute. On a weekday, the beginning of the morning service at 5:30, and the evening - at 17:00. On Saturdays, the liturgy starts at 8:00. On Sunday and public holidays, the service begins at 9:00 in the morning, and the all-night vigil begins at 5:00 pm.

This wonderful monastery needs to be visited at least later in order to feel the local atmosphere, stop for a moment and think about life, meaning and future, about real values and worldly vanity. At such moments you begin to understand that our daily worries are an irrelevant trifle, to which we spend the most valuable that we have - our own lives. Well, and, of course, here you can take a good look at the beauty, which is famous for the monastery of Tikhonov deserts (Kaluga region). Photos on the territory of the temple are not forbidden, so show your trip to all friends.