Ganina-yama. Suburbs of Yekaterinburg.
TRAVELING IN RUSSIAN CITIES
EKATERINBURG SUBURBS
GANINA YAMA
Ganina Yama is 17 kilometers from Ekaterinburg. It is a derelict mine. In summer of 1918 the remains of the last Russian tsar’s family were buried here. On May 29, 1979 the burial was found by geologists. The monastery dedicated to the Saint Tsar Martyrs was erected here. 7 wooden temples were built on the territory of the monastery. Every of them has special features but they constitute a unite architectural ensemble. Poklonniy Krest (Cross of Bows) is placed in the center of the monastery. There are also a cross which belonged to Romanov dynasty and miraculous icon in the Saint Tsar Martyrs’ Temple. In the course of this tour you’ll also visit Temple-on-Blood located in the place of Ipatiev’s house where the tsar family lived it’s last days.
The bodies of the Holy Royal Passionbearers Czar Nicholas, Czaritsa Alexandra, Grand Prince Alexis, and Grand Princesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia, as well as their servants, Dr. Botkin, chambermaid Demidova, cook Kharitonov, and man-servant Trupp had been brought here, to the Tract of Four Brothers, immediately after the murder. In order to conceal this crime committed not only against the truth of this world, but also against the truth of God, the bodies were cast off into one of the abandoned shafts at an old mine at
Ganina Yama. However, what was done in secret in the middle of the night very soon became clear as noonday.
A Cross for veneration has been erected over the shaft in the recent years, and the earth richly bedewed with the blood of the martyrs is now decorated by numerous churches. An Orthodox monastery was founded here with the blessing of His Holiness, Most Holy Patriarch Alexius II of Moscow and all of Russia. The first monastery church dedicated to the Holy Royal Passionbearers was founded here on October 1, 2000. By now there are seven churches in this area dedicated to the Holy Royal Passionbearers, Derzhavnaia and the Iveron Icons of the Mother of God, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. Seraphim of Sarov, St. Sergius of Radonezh, and Job the Long-Suffering. The monastery hosts pilgrims from all over Russia and from abroad.
The location of Ganina Yama, imbued with both historical significance and
spiritual sanctity, has transformed over the years from a place of tragedy to
one of reverence and reflection. The Russian Orthodox Church recognizes the
murder of the Romanov family as a profound example of faith and suffering,
leading to the canonization of the last Tsar and his family as martyrs. The
construction of the monastery and the wooden churches at this site symbolizes
not only a tribute to their lives but also an expression of the enduring
strength of faith in the face of adversity. Each temple, crafted with meticulous
attention to the traditions of Russian wooden architecture, maintains its own
distinct character while contributing to the overall unity and spiritual
ambiance of the monastery.
Pilgrims visiting Ganina Yama participate in a profound spiritual journey,
walking the grounds where history whispers through the birch trees, and sacred
icons tell stories of resilience and divine grace. The veneration of the
Romanovs is poignant, serving as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly power
and the enduring nature of spiritual dedication. Among the faithful visiting the
site, there exists a palpable sense of connection to Russia's tumultuous history
and a shared hope for redemption and reconciliation. The Cross of Bows, standing
at the center of the monastery, serves as a focal point for prayer and
contemplation, a solemn witness to the events of the past and a beacon of hope
for renewal.
The Monastery of the Holy Tsar Martyrs not only commemorates the Romanovs but
also celebrates a wider, profound narrative of transformation and faith. The
sacred site continues to inspire reflection upon the complex interplay of
history, religion, and memory. It stands as an eternal memorial to the enduring
spirit of forgiveness and martyrdom and offers a poignant space for exploring
the depths of human experience through the eyes of faith. The faithful gather,
drawn by the call of the holy ground, finding solace and inspiration in the
tranquil beauty and spiritual richness of Ganina Yama.
Through the careful stewarding of this hallowed ground, the Russian Orthodox
Church ensures that the legacy of the Holy Royal Passionbearers remains vibrant.
Pilgrims, historians, and casual visitors alike come to pay their respects, each
finding a personal connection to the events memorialized here. Whether drawn by
faith, history, or architecture, those who visit Ganina Yama leave with a
heightened awareness of the powerful stories woven into the fabric of this
sacred site—a testament to the Romanov legacy and the eternal triumph of faith
over darkness.
PAGES OF THE PICTURE ALBUM
|
Tour to City and suburbs
