On the territory of the Nizhny Arkhyz tract, several temples of the 10th century have been preserved. They stood abandoned for a long time until, in 1886, 12 monks arrived here from Mount Athos to preach the light of Christ’s faith among the Muslim population of Karachay-Cherkessia. In a petition to the saint
To the Synod, the monks promised money for the maintenance of the desert and the restoration of temples not to ask, to do everything on their own. They wished to dedicate the desert to Alexander Nevsky. And to arrange it — according to the strict laws of the Athos brotherhood.
The monks began to rebuild the middle temple and in 1889 the monastery was officially opened. Unfortunately, during the repair, priceless frescoes of Byzantine writing were destroyed. The number of monks increased rapidly. In 1908, 70 monks lived in the monastery. And there were workers, helpers and worshippers. At the monastery there was a school of icon painting and needlework. Monks tilled the land, bred trout. They were engaged in the restoration of the second, southern, temple. At the monastery opened a large strange house.
In 1904, the farm Kalinovsky opened a compound, where the women’s community was located. They provided medical care, conducted educational work, trained nurses.
The monks brought the shrines of the monastery from Athos. These were particles of the relics of Saints George and Marina. The Icon of the Grebnevskaya Mother of God was especially venerated.
Everything disappeared in the throat of the fight against religion. A colony was placed in the buildings, and then an orphanage. The buildings were severely damaged during the Great Patriotic War. But by the 70s of the last century, the authorities realized the historical value of the Lower Arkhyz and opened a museum on its territory.
reserve.
In the 21st century, the northern temple was restored. They put in order and consecrated the southern temple. Dedicated it to the prophet Elijah. The temple is active, there are services in it.
Charitable Foundation Holy Land
Temples and Monasteries of Russia
