Troitsky Markov Monastery in Vitebsk
Description
Svyato-Troitsky Markov Monastery is one of two modern monasteries in Vitebsk (second one is female Svyato-Dukhov Monastery).
Markov Monastery was founded in the 14th–15th century. A legend indicates that a certain Mark found a place to stay alone and built a chapel there. After he was joined by like-minded persons, who formed the monastery.
The monastery existed till 1576, after it was abolished and monastic Тrinity Church became a parish church. The monastery revived in 1633 by a duke Lev Oginski.
In the 12th century there were wooden Troitsky (Trinity) Cathedral and Pokrovskaya (Intercession) Church constructed in 1650 in the monastery. In 1656 Patriarch of Moscow Nikon presented to the monastery a wonder-working copy of Kazan Virgin icon.
In 1690 Pokrovskaya (Intercession) Church was burned down was reconstructed. In 1760 in this place a new preserved stone cathedral was constructed. Now it covers the Kazan Virgin icon.
After October Revolution, in 1920 Svyato-Troitsky Markov Monastery was abolished afresh. All buildings except Kazan Cathedral of 1760 were demolished. Kazan church were the only Vitebsk church functioned in Soviet time.
The monastery was revived 23 November 2000. Now it is situated at factory territory in the middle of factory buildings.
