Holy Intercession Monastery

The Holy Protection Monastery is located in the historic part of Kharkiv, so it is a popular tourist destination. It was built in 1726 and named after the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. The building is set in one of the scenic places, above the valley of the Kharkiv and Lopan rivers.

Photo from monasteries.org.ua

The monastery grounds impress with their size. The monastic complex includes several buildings: the Ozerianskyi Church, Pokrovskyi Cathedral, the Museum of the History of the Kharkiv Diocese, the theological seminary building, the cells building, the bishop's palace, and the diocesan administration and theological seminary buildings.

During Soviet times, the monastic complex was on the verge of decline, but after the monastery was returned under the church's jurisdiction, its active restoration began. Today it is a majestic architectural monument that impresses with its beauty and has become the epicenter of Kharkiv's spiritual life.

Interesting facts:

• The monastery had a library that held rare books. However, the Soviet authorities destroyed the library and plundered the monastery.
• The monastery keeps holy relics and a list of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, which is used in the treatment of the sick.
• The Pokrovskyi Monastery complex covers about 1,36 ha.