Date :
Monday, December 30, 2024
The closure of the Convent of the Saviour and St. Euphrosyne in Polotsk in 1961 marked a tragic period in its history, but also the beginning of a long journey to revival.
All the monastery's valuables, including the priceless collection of icons, were moved to the the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, the only functioning church in Polotsk at the time. The inhabitants of the convent were transferred to Zhirovichi Holy Dormition Convent.
The revival of the convent began only with the decision of the Holy Synod of Russian Orthodox Church on July 6, 1989. This was the result of long-term efforts of believers and church representatives who fought for the return of the convent to its historical role and the restoration of its spiritual significance. In 1990, the sisters from Zhirovichi also returned to the convent. Repair and restoration work began in the temples and buildings of the newly opened tenement. In less than two years, the monastery was transformed. Soon, the icons returned to the temple. In 1991, some of the icons from the collection of the former convent were transferred to the restored Polotsk Epiphany Cathedral.
The holy relics of Saint Euphrosyne deserve special attention. They were re-dressed and examined twice, in 1998 and 2006. As a result of the medical examination, it was established that the sacred remains were preserved in an incorruptible form without any means of preservation, despite the fact that the relics were repeatedly moved from place to place and were in a variety of climatic conditions. Not only the bones, but also the soft tissues and skin were preserved.
The preservation of soft tissue and skin is a truly unique phenomenon, testifying to the blessed power of the saint. This miracle confirms faith and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
In 1997, on the eve of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a recreated Euphrosyne Cross made by Brest master N. Kuzmich was solemnly brought to the Monastery of Our Saviour. A copy of the cross lost during the Great Patriotic War was recreated with incredible precision. And 10 years later, a new silver reliquary for the relics of St. Euphrosyne was delivered to the monastery, also created by N. PKuzmich based on the reliquary lost in 1921-1922.
The convent also keeps miraculous icons. The icons of the Mother of God "Ephesus" and "Krasnostok" are venerated by believers. The convent's special treasures are the icons "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos", "The All-Tsaritsa", "Iveron" and "Quick to Hear". They were painted on Athos and inherit the traditions of Athos icon painting. The icon of the great martyr and healer Panteleimon, in which a particle of his relics is placed, was also painted on Athos.
In addition, the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross contains several icons with commemorative inscriptions, including an icon of the Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II with a metal plaque. The inscription on the plaque indicates that the icon was donated in memory of Nicholas II's decree of 21.01.1910, which permitted the transfer of the relics of St. Euphrosyne from Kiev to Polotsk.
The history of the Convent of the Saviour and St. Euphrosyne is an example of the steadfastness of faith, persistence in achieving goals and the ability to carefully preserve and restore cultural and spiritual heritage.