Epiphany convent in Polock

The Epiphany Monastery in Polotsk is an outstanding monument of architecture and spirituality in Belarus, located in the ancient city of Polotsk. Founded in 1582, it became a center of Orthodox culture and education, playing an important role in the history of the region.

History

The Polotsk Epiphany Monastery was founded in 1582 on the right bank of the Western Dvina River and for many years was the main center of Orthodoxy in Polotsk. In the early 17th century, the monastery included a wooden church and a brotherhood school. In 1633, after a devastating fire, Princes Lev Samuil Oginski and Sevastyan Mirski funded the restoration of the monastery, supporting the establishment of an Orthodox brotherhood and the construction of a new wooden Epiphany Church.

In the 1650s, the abbot of the monastery was the well-known religious writer Ignatius (Yevlevich). During this time, Symeon of Polotsk took monastic vows here and taught at the brotherhood school from 1656 to 1659.

The fire of 1757 once again destroyed the monastery buildings. In 1761, construction of a new stone Epiphany Cathedral began and was completed in 1779. In 1780, after the visit of Empress Catherine II to Polotsk, significant funds were allocated for the expansion and improvement of the monastery. Architect Giacomo Quarenghi designed a project under which a two-story residential building was built to the west of the cathedral. It included monks' cells, the abbot’s chambers, and two warm churches — the Church of Saint Euphrosyne and the Church of Saint Catherine.

In the following years, the monastery continued to fulfill important educational and charitable functions. In the 20th century, it was closed. In the 1970s, the residential building was used as a residential house, and after restoration, it housed the Symeon of Polotsk Museum-Library and the Museum of Belarusian Printing. The Epiphany Cathedral, which had been used as an art gallery after its restoration in 1981, was returned to the faithful in 1991 and now serves as the cathedral of the Polotsk and Hlybokaye Diocese.

Architecture

The Epiphany Cathedral is a single-apse, cross-in-square church with a two-tower main facade characteristic of Baroque architecture. The monastery's residential building, designed in the classical style, has an L-shaped layout and two-story structure. Its facades are decorated with pilasters and a profiled cornice, reflecting the elegance and austerity of the style.

Cultural and religious significance

The monastery was an important center of Orthodoxy in Polotsk. It was here that Symeon of Polotsk began his journey, making a significant contribution to the development of Belarusian literature and education. Today, the former monastery grounds house the Symeon of Polotsk Museum-Library and the Museum of Belarusian Printing, continuing the traditions of spiritual and cultural heritage.

Excursions to the Epiphany Monastery in Polotsk

The Epiphany Monastery in Polotsk is included in various sightseeing routes around Polotsk, offering an opportunity to explore the rich history and architecture of the city. On our website, you can book an individual or group tour that includes a visit to this unique monument of Belarusian architecture and spirituality.