The Shipka monastery “Birth of Christ” rises above the town of Shipka in the skirts of the central Balkan mountain.
History and general info
The monastery was built in living memory to the Russian soldiers and Bulgarian revolutionaries who died during the Russian-Turkish Liberation War of 1877-1878. The funds needed for the construction of the monastery were raised from donors mostly in Russia, but also in Bulgaria upon the initiative of Olga Skobeleva, mother of the Russian general Skobelev and count Ignatiev. Construction works started in 1885 and finished in 1902 under the guidance of Russian architects. Initially, the monastery was Russian property, but in 1934, it was donated by the Soviet government to the Bulgarian state.
The “St Nikolay” church is a true architectural masterpiece, built in the traditional style of 17th-century Russian cathedrals. The church, declared a monument of culture, shines with its colourful mosaic decoration and golden domes from a big distance. It has one central dome and 4 smaller gilted ones with golden crosses on top. A 53-meter high belltower with 17 bells (the biggest of which weighs almost 12 tons) rises right next to the western façade of the church. Inside the church, visitors can see 24 mosaic plates with the names of 18,491 Bulgarians and Russians who gave their lives during the struggles at the Shipka peak and in the neighbourhood of Kazanluk. The church’s walls were painted twice – first in 1902 by G. Mesoedov and A. Mitov, and then again in 1957-1959 by a team of wall-painters, headed by N. Rostovtsev.
Accommodation and food
At present, the monastery operates as a museum (a part of the Shipka-Buzludzha national park museum), and hence does not offer food and accommodation.
Transport
The Shipka monastery is situated closely to the town of Shipka, 8km away from the town of Kazanluk. The domes of the church can be seen from the outskirts of the villages.
Published by BILL & CAROL. on 03 Mar 2008, 06:43
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Subject: UPDATED SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST.....RECOVERY FROM THE LOSS OF OUR ONLY SON AND OTHER ONGOING SORROWS!
March.2,2008.
Dear Community of Prayer,
Thank you for praying for us in our long dark night of the soul. Darkness at times that goes beyond words ..only pain and sorrow!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US Daily for the long term...March,April,May..2008,2009...or as long as possible?? PLEASE PRAY for God's Healing Peace and Hope in our broken hearts,health and shattered lives!! PLEASE IF POSSIBLE?? Can you help us by passing or E-mailing Our Urgent Prayer Request On: Convents,Monasteries,Parishes,Abbeys,Houses of Prayer and Others you know of in the WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY OF PRAYER...WWW....Who can pray for us daily for the long term?? 2008,2009..?? THE LOSS OF OUR ONLY SON WAS THE FINAL BLOW IN OUR ALREADY BROKEN AND CRUSHED LIVES BY OTHER SORROWS OVER THE YEARS!!! PLEASE PRAY AND PASS ON...WWW....WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY OF PRAYER??? Thank you for Your Patience and Daily Prayer Support in our long dark night of the soul. Bill & Carol, ohio.usa.