The St.Euphrosyne Monastery in Polotsk is one of the oldest and most revered Orthodox monasteries in Belarus and Russia. Its history is closely tied to the name of Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk, an outstanding enlightener, nun, and patron saint of Belarus. The monastery became a center of spiritual life in the region, and its ancient frescoes represent a unique heritage of 12th-century art.
Saint Euphrosyne (born Predslava) was born around 1104 into a princely family. Her father, Prince Svyatoslav Vseslavich, was a descendant of the famous Polotsk prince Vseslav Bryachislavich. From an early age, Predslava showed a deep interest in spiritual life and education. At the age of 12, she renounced worldly life and took monastic vows, adopting the name Euphrosyne in honor of Saint Euphrosyne of Alexandria.
Euphrosyne of Polotsk became one of the first women in Rus` to dedicate herself to educational activities. She founded two monasteries: the Spassky Convent for women and the Bogoroditsky Monastery for men. Euphrosyne also contributed to the creation of a library, which became an important center of knowledge in the Principality of Polotsk.
Saint Euphrosyne made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where she passed away in 1173. Her relics were returned to Polotsk and became one of the main shrines of the monastery. In 1984, she was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church as the patron saint of Belarus.
The St.Euphrosyne Monastery was founded in 1125 on the initiative of Saint Euphrosyne. The main church of the monastery is the small Transfiguration Church, built in 1159. This church is one of the few surviving monuments of pre-Mongol ancient Russian architecture.
The monastery has endured many trials: raids by crusaders, fires, wars, and destruction. In the 17th century, the monastery was handed over to the Jesuits and later to the Uniates. In the 18th century, it was returned to the Orthodox Church. In the 19th century, the monastery was restored and expanded, and in the 20th century, despite persecution during the Soviet period, it retained its spiritual significance.
Today, the St.Euphrosyne Monastery is an active convent and an important pilgrimage center. Its architectural ensemble includes the Transfiguration Church, the large Holy Cross Cathedral, the Euphrosyne Refectory Church, and the Gate Bell Tower.
Ancient Frescoes of the Transfiguration Church
One of the main treasures of the St.Euphrosyne Monastery is the ancient frescoes of the Transfiguration Church. These murals, created in the 12th century, represent a unique example of ancient Russian monumental art. The frescoes of the Transfiguration Church are distinguished by their high artistic value. They combine Byzantine traditions with local Polotsk features.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit the St.Euphrosyne Monastery to venerate the relics of Saint Euphrosyne, see the ancient frescoes, and experience the atmosphere of spirituality that has been preserved here for nearly nine centuries.
