New Jerusalem in Early Modern Russia
In 1656, Nikon, Archbishop of the imperial city of Moscow and Patriarch of Great, Little, and White Russia, began constructing a monastery on the Istra River near Moscow. Dedicated to the Saviour’s Resurrection and consecrated in the presence of Tsar Aleksey Mikhailovich Romanov, the vast complex—spanning 72 square kilometres—was intended to replicate the Holy Places.
In the summer of 1658, as relations between the Tsar and the Patriarch deteriorated, Nikon discarded his official attire, retired to the newly-founded monastery, and continued his “New Jerusalem” project. Based on descriptions, depictions, and measurements provided by travellers, the architects attempted to create exact replicas of the Palestinian topography and monuments.
Within the Resurrection Cathedral, there was a replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Inscriptions in Slavonic on the walls of this “funerary chamber” served as a “guide” for pilgrims. Nikon’s “New Jerusalem” was, in fact, an icon of Heavenly Jerusalem.
Title:
Replica of the church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Resurrection Cathedral of the New Jerusalem Monastery on Istra river.
Source:
Sergey Podkolzin / Alamy Stock Photo