Lifelong Learning Programme

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Select language

This section of the Pathway through Religions portal provides administrative information for the project contractual partners and for the European Commission and it is password protected.

Map

Homepage > ReligiousSite Map > Map

An interactive didactical map interactive didactical map giving access to sites with a religious relevance.

Back to the Religious Sites List

Troyan Monastery Dormition of the Theotokos

Troyanski M-ir, 5627 Троянски манастир, България

RELIGIONS Orthodox

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELIGIOUS SITE

DESCRIPTION
The Monastery of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, commonly called the Troyan Monastery is the third largest monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the northern folds of the Central Balkan mountain, at about 400 meters above the sea level, on the left bank of the Cherni Osam River. It is 10 km southeast of Troyan, between the villages of Oreshak and Cherni Osam. Troyan Monastery is one the three stauropegial (autonomous) Bulgarian monasteries (the other two are Rila Monastery and Bachkovo Monastery). The religious complex consists of a main church and residential buildings, as well as two chapels - St Nicholas the Miracle-Worker and St. John the Baptist. The main church of Troyan Monastery, “Assumption of Virgin Mary” is impressive with its extraordinary architecture. The iconostasis made in 1839 is a supreme masterpiece of woodcarving. Buth most famous of all are the frescoes by the eminent painter Zahary Zograph. He painted both the exterior and interior of the main church in 1847-1848. Along with the traditional scenes “Prophets”, “Evangelists”, “Jesus Performing Miracles”, are the highly original compositions “Doomsday” and “The Wheel of Life”. Some of this fascinating images raised controversy as they do not follow the cannons of Eastern Orthodox iconography. Zahari Zograph even painted his self-portrait, side by side with the portrait of the abbot, on the window on the north wall. Another impressive architectural monument of the Troyan Monastery is the 5-story church tower decorated with figures of archangels and saints.
HISTORICAL RELEVANCE
Troyan Monastery was established in the beginning of 17th century by several hermits who brought with themselves the miracle-working icon of “Bogorodica Troerouchitsa” (Three-Handed Virgin). The monastery was devastated by bandit raids and rebuilt several times during the centuries. It was declared “stauropegial” (sovereign) in 1830 with a special charter signed by the ecumenical Patriarch. In the following years, the Troyan Monastery blossomed, becoming one of the most important cultural and religious centers on the Balkans. In 1872, Bulgarian freedom fighter Vassil Levski set up a secret revolutionary monks committee in the monastery. It was headed by the Father Superior Macarius. During the Russian-Turkish war, Macarius transformed the monastery complex into a field hospital for Russian soldiers.
INTER-RELIGIOUS RELEVANCE
Throughout its existence, the Trojan monastery has been a center for spiritual enlightenment and literacy. It produced scholars and artists and provided a refuge for the disenfranchised.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
The most valuable relic of the Troyan Monastery is the Three-Handed Virgin, considered one of the holiest icons in Bulgarian Orthodoxy. Worshipers come from near and far to pray in front of it. It is believed that the holy icon can cure anyone, grant fertility and forgiveness for one’s sins. Many people make a pilgrimage to the monastery on St. George's Day. They gather and prey in front of an icon of St. George in the main church, fabled to possess miraculous powers.
HOW TO USE WITH THE STUDENTS
- Direct visit - Virtual visit: See the photo galleries in the media resources section. - Discussion: What was the most interesting or surprising thing learned?
CONNECTION WITH OTHER RELIGIOUS SITES

Bachkovo monastery “Assumption of Holy Virgin” - Bachkovo, Plovdiv region

Kapinovo Monastery - Kapinovo Monastery, с. Велчево 222, 5032 с. Велчево, Bulgaria

Rila Monastery - Rila municipality 2643, District Kyustendil

Transfiguration Monastery - 5031 Преображенски манастир

REFERENCE TO THE GUIDELINE

MEDIA RESOURCES

VIDEOS

LINKS

Follow us

-->

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.