Living waterXIVHow the prayer of Sergius of Radonezh created the “Gream Key” and what happens to the shrine todayThe origin story began with voluntary exile. In the XIV century, yielding to the insistence of the brothers of the Trinity monastery, Sergius of Radonezh left the monastery and went to the remote forests in search of solitude. He was followed by the most dedicated students. There were severe years of wandering: sleep on damp land, lack of food and drink.
Among those who shared with the abbot the hardships of forest life was the monk Roman — the future founder of the Annunciation Monastery on Vladimir land (1371). Tradition says that it was on the way to Vladimir limits that a miracle happened. Thirsty Roman asked Sergius to pray for water. Seeing the firm faith of the disciple, the monk prayed right on the side of the mountain. At the same moment, stormy streams were hammered out of the ground. Since then, this waterfall, called the “Gream Key”, has not run out for more than six centuries, giving, according to believers, spiritual and physical healing to everyone who comes here with an open heart.
The Age of Persecution and the Secret TrailThen the power of the kingdom changed, and the years of militant atheism came. The new government tried to wipe the shrine off the face of the earth. However, stifling the living faith proved more difficult than cutting down a tree. The narrow forest path to the source never overgrown. Even in the darkest Soviet years, people secretly made their way through the thicket to the holy water.
Modern renaissanceToday, «Break Key» is experiencing a real renaissance. Through the efforts of the brothers of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra and caring benefactors, a stunning complex of wooden architecture grew on the site of the despised shrine.
The ensemble includes three temples: in the name of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Life-bearing spring” and the church of St. Sergius himself. Nearby built belfries, refectory chambers and cell buildings. The infrastructure is also thought out: comfortable bridges and stairs leading to waterfalls and fonts are equipped.
Now not only pilgrims come here, but also tourists. Here you can pray in silence, take a bath in the icy water of the spring, warm yourself with hot tea in the refectory, stay overnight in a pilgrimage house or just walk along the forest trails.
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