The Pskov-Pechora Monastery is located almost on the very border with Estonia, in the town of Pechora, Pskov Region. The year of the foundation of this monastery is considered to be 1473, when the famous caves were opened for the burial of its inhabitants. It all started with the caves. They stretch under the cells, buildings.
In the caves of the monastery, which are also called "God-made", more than 14 thousand people are buried - these are monks, local residents, warriors who defended the monastery. Until now, the phenomenon that is observed in these underground caves has not received a scientific basis: they are constantly cool and always very fresh air. Moreover, when the dead are placed in these caves, the smell of decomposition of the body immediately disappears.
Secular science tried to explain this phenomenon by the special properties of sandstone, which absorbs odors, while monks one and all believe in the sanctity of this place - many prayer books and people revered as saints are buried in it.
The cave tours themselves leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to enter them. The path is illuminated only by burning candles, crystal clear, penetrating air, long labyrinths, and ringing silence all around. One involuntarily wants not to lose sight of the monk who leads through different tunnels. And if he also speaks in an afterlife voice about sins and the end of the world, then it becomes a little uncomfortable.
A remarkable fact of the history of the monastery is that it has never been closed, and services have always been held in it throughout the entire period of its existence, that is, more than five hundred centuries. This fact is surprising, because during this time there were both wars and cruel persecutions of the Soviet regime. Only the heroism and dedication of people who devoted themselves to service saved.
During the times of mass persecutions of churches and monasteries in Soviet times, numerous attempts were made to close, including the Pskov-Pechora monastery. Once again, a commission arrived with a closing order. According to eyewitnesses, representatives of the authorities handed the decree to the abbot. He seriously examined the document and … threw it into the burning fireplace. The disarmed delegation, and even without papers, hastily retreated.
There is an amazing book about the Pskov-Pechora monastery and its inhabitants called "Unholy Saints" by Archimandrite Tikhon (Shevkunov). With great respect and love, he recalls numerous stories and stories, recreating the amazing and mysterious atmosphere that has always surrounded what is happening in him. Describing the actions of one of the abbots of the Alipia monastery in Soviet times, he tells the following story. Representatives of the Soviet government once again came with a decree to close the monastery. And the abbot had to resort to an extremely dangerous measure. He stated that many weapons have been preserved in the monastery from the time of the war and many of the brethren are front-line soldiers who will fight to the last.
Further, Alipy said that it would be possible to take the monastery only with the help of aviation, and what will certainly be told by the Voice of America. Such an unexpected statement shocked the commission and made them wonder, what if this is true? This threat worked. The monastery was left alone for some time.
There were many situations when the monastery could be closed or ruined. Each time it came to life in an incomprehensible way thanks to unexpected twists of fate (for example, during the Great Patriotic War, this territory belonged to Estonia) or the efforts of the people living in it.
At the present time, the Pskovo - Pechora Monastery is also a place of mass pilgrimage and cultural value.
