Poshchupovo village in Ryazan oblast

The village of Poshchupovo is located in the Rybnovsky District, 17 km from Ryazan.

Poshchupovo is mentioned in the 1553 and 1575 census books.

One of Poshchupovo’s main attractions is the

St. John the Theologian Monastery

The first mention of the monastery dates back to the Mongol-Tatar invasion of Rus’. In 1237, after sacking the capital of the Ryazan Principality, Batu Khan advanced along the Oka River with the intention of burning the monastery. However, he was terrified by a vision of St. John the Theologian and changed his mind. Batu Khan affixed his golden seal to the miraculous icon.

The monastery’s main attractions are:

— The Holy Gates, dating from the 19th century.

— The icon shop at the Holy Gates.

— Ancient Holy Gates, 17th century.

The paintings on the Holy Gates are a cultural heritage site.

— Iveron Chapel within the Holy Gates.

The venerated Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, 17th-century frescoes.

A chapel is located inside the gates; it is open during the day from May to October.

-Administrative building.

-Abbot’s chambers. 1st floor, 17th century.

The first floor, which contained a kitchen, a refectory, and a utility room, remains from the original building. A prosphora bakery was added in the 19th century. Cells were located above.

-Large bell tower. Early 20th century (non-Russian style).

It was built in 1901 according to the design of the Ryazan architect V. Tsekhansky, with funds from the renowned philanthropist D.I. Khlodov. The most modern engineering technologies were used during construction. The largest bell weighed 545 poods (1,100 pounds) – almost 9 tons. The height of the bell tower to the cross is 76 meters, and to the top of the cross is 85.5 meters. The bell tower currently houses 21 bells.

— Small tented bell tower, 17th century.

It is part of the Eastern Wall system and has three tiers.

— Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, 17th century.

— Brothers’ quarters, 1878.

— Dormition Cathedral, 1870.

The Dormition Cathedral was built between 1668 and 1870. The church was painted by Moscow artists in 1873.

— Borisoglebsky quarters with chambers.

— House with memorial chambers of Archimandrite Abel.

— Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov (tomb)

— Church in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God.

— Pond

— Utility Building 17 (now the monastery’s icon shop)

Spiritual literature, souvenirs, and icons are available for purchase.

— Pilgrimage Center.

— Church in honor of the Holy Princes Boris and Gleb.

— Refectory for pilgrims.

— Eastern Gate.

— Building of the former pilgrims’ hostel.

— Former Khludovskaya almshouse, now a palliative care department (hospice).

— Monastery tea and food.

Bread, honey, milk, and other products are available for purchase, as well as for a snack.

— Holy Spring.

The holy spring is known far beyond the Ryazan region.

The holy stream is a body of water known as a natural well. A wonderful place for pilgrimage to holy springs with an ancient tradition. The spring consists of a well, a chapel dedicated to water worship, and bathing areas. The water in the spring maintains a constant temperature of 5°C year-round.

The most impressive holiday at the Holy Spring is Epiphany. On Christmas Eve, January 18th and January 19th, many believers participate in the procession with the cross.

The monastery is located at 1 Monastyrskaya Street, Poshchupovo Village, Rybnovsky District, Ryazan Region, 391132.

From Moscow’s Kazan Bus Station, you can take the Express train to Rybnoye Station, then from the bus station, take the Ryazan-Novosyolki bus or the Ryazan-Kostino shuttle. Alternatively, take the Moscow-Samara Highway and turn left at the traffic police post toward Rybnoye. After the turnoff, drive through the town of Rybnoye toward Konstantinovo. At the fork (near the cross), go straight ahead to the village of Konstantinovo, and turn right toward the monastery.

Services are held daily. On weekdays, morning services begin at 5:30 AM (morning prayers, midnight office, and matins), and the Liturgy begins at 8:15 AM. Evening services begin at 6:00 PM. Guided tours of the churches are available for pilgrims.