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In the White Sea Bay on the far Kiy Island is a medieval temple complex - Onega Krestny monastery. At present, the monastery does not work, but still serves as a remarkable architectural monument of the ancient Russian architecture.

Until now, a fairly rich complex of medieval temples and farm buildings erected during the 17-19th centuries has survived. Chief among them is the Holy Cross Cathedral, the first of the buildings that gave birth to the future monastery

The founder is the great patriarch Nikon, who fled from the Solovetsky Monastery in the early 17th century. Then, being still a hieromonk, he suffers disaster from the elements along the steep banks of Onega, but by the miraculous will of fate he saves himself in the bay of Kiy-island. In honor of the miracle of salvation, Nikon establishes a huge cross on the island and promises to build a godfather in his honor.

Time after, already a patriarch, he asks the king for permission to erect a temple on the island of Kyi and receives good. With funds raised by the people, the first wooden church of the Exaltation is being erected. Later there are other buildings - the church of the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and the Iberian Church. Nikon personally consecrates only a new monastic complex, later named Onego Monastery of God.

By the 18th century the monastery has become a very famous and rich place. He is given land with serf peasants, formerly belonging to the Solovetsky Monastery. And, moreover, the Onega Monastery of the Cross is preparing to act as an alternative to Solovki. However, fate is less favorable. During the Crimean War, the monastery is ravaged by British troops, and after the building finally destroys the fire. Later, the monastery was restored, but worship services were no longer held in it.

Until now, a rather rich complex of medieval temples and farm buildings, erected during the 17-19th centuries, has survived. Chief among them is the Cross Exaltation Cathedral, the first of the buildings that gave life to the future monastery. Also preserved are other churches, including wooden ones. One of the churches is now reconstructed into a residential building

Onega Crest Monastery

It would seem that the Onego Godfather Monastery was built in a completely traditional Russian style. But, unlike most of the temples of the time, this one stood out with some strange gloominess and gloom, despite the fact that it was executed in white. Almost a third of the inner space of the Vozdvizhensky temple occupied a high iconostasis, and instead of a temple icon a large cross was adorned. Apparently, there were no wall paintings in the church.

The main shrine of the Onego Godfather Monastery is a huge three-meter cross, decorated with images of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helena, as well as portraits of the royal family.

You can get to the monastery from the city of Onega by the sea by way of. In summer, from the city port to the Kyi Recreation Center, once or twice a day, there is a longboat. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Onega Directorate of a holiday home.