Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
The male monastery of Ioan Bogoslov is situated about 25 km from the city of Ryazan, Oka riverside.
The first monks arrived here between the XII and XII centuries.
During the years of the Soviet Union many of the monks left the monastery, others were arrested and sent to Kazakhstan.
Celibate priest Isaakiy: "There are 26 brothers, whose number includes clergymen, monks, and novices".
"On top of that there are monastery workers — people who either wish to become monks or toil for the salvation of their soul".
"The number of such workers varies, but usually averages around 30".
"We are open to the public, and invite pilgrims and devout parishioners to come and attend our services and join us in prayer".
Life in the monastery begins at 5 am, when the monks get up for the first prayer of the day.
The diner is set in the noon, after which there is a short break before the evening service.
After the last common prayer at 18:00, the monks dine and retire to their cells.
Hierodeacon Milkhon Serdek: "It was here at Ryazanschina that the grandson of Genghis Khan, Batu, destroyed old Ryazan and embarked downstream the Oka River".
"It came to his attention that near the Oka stood the Ioanno-Bogoslovsky Monastery, our present-day abode. Batu decided to loot and burn it".
"The brothers asked for help from their patron saint — John the Evangelist, the apostle of love".
"And so it was that the apostle appeared to Batu Khan in a dream as he slept in his field tent, and said, according to pious legend, that...
...if you, Batu, destroy the monastery, then you yourself will suffer a terrible death and many of your warriors shall never return to the steppes".
"Batu woke the following morning and rode to the monastery not as a pillager, but as a humble traveler and benefactor".
"He said to the brothers: "Live here in peace, and do not be afraid. Henceforth, I shall guard your monastery".