St. Eliseevsky Lavrishevsky Monastery

According to the Galician-Volyn chronicle, the eldest son of the first Grand Duke of Mindovga, Voishelk, took monastic vows and three years later "founded a monastery on the Neman River between Lithuania and the New Town, and lived here." This happened around 1260, most likely in 1257 or 1258. After the death of Mindovg, Voishelk was forced to leave the monastery in order to stop the unrest in the state; he led the VKL in 1264-1267, but continued to wear monastic clothes over princely robes. After restoring order, Voishelk handed over the rule to Grand Duke Schwarn Danilovich (his sister's husband) and retired to the Ugrovsky monastery in Volyn land. From the supposed monastic name of Voishelka — Lavrenty (Lavrish) — perhaps the area was named Lavrishevo.

The first abbot of the monastery was Elisha, who, according to the life, may have been the son of the Grand Duke of Troyden (1270-1281). Sometimes he is called the son of Prince Troynat, which could arise from the similarity of names. According to some sources, the spiritual father of Elisha was Lavrenty Turovsky. Elisha was killed by a novice on the night of October 23 (November 5, year unknown), who committed it in a state of confusion. The novice was cured of demonic possession by touching Elisha's body.

Over time, the number of brothers increased, and the monastery became a lavra, which explains its name — Lavrishevo. At the beginning of the XIV century (no later than 1329), the famous Lavrishev Gospel was created for the monastery, an outstanding example of an illustrated handwritten book of the Middle Ages. In the XVI century, the monastery had its own school and library, numbering more than 300 volumes, as well as a stable, printing house, carpentry and other workshops.

However, having survived two Tatar raids and several wars, the number of monks gradually decreased. By the beginning of the 19th century, only five people remained in the monastery, and the last abbot was Hieromonk Leonty (Akolov). In 1836, the monastery was closed.

At the beginning of the XX century, on the initiative of the holy Martyr Mitrofan, the second revival of the monastery began. Although the temple was rebuilt and consecrated, it did not stand for long. During the First World War, the temple burned down, and the rest of the buildings were destroyed. Legend has it that the monastery stood on a peninsula washed on three sides by the Neman River.

The third revival of the monastery began in 1997. In 2007, the parish of the temple was again transformed into a monastery. On November 5, 2009, a bronze monument to the founder of the monastery, St. Elisha Lavrishevsky, was erected on the territory of the monastery.

Archaeological excavations are underway at the site of the monastery's former location in the village of Lavrishevo. In 2016, two previously unknown sarcophagi were discovered during the clearance of an underground structure.

The temple is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and hospitality. Here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of big cities and enjoy the grace. The monastery has a well-developed infrastructure of church and residential premises, which makes it possible to comfortably accommodate pilgrims. Special thanks are due to the vicar of the monastery, Father Aristarchus, who cordially welcomes guests and conducts informative conversations. You can stay in the temple for a few days, offering your help for the benefit of the monastery in return for free accommodation and food. For those who just want to attend the service, take a walk and get some fresh air, the monastery is also open. The entrance fee is symbolic, which makes the visit accessible to everyone. In addition, it is just a wonderful place with picturesque nature, creating an atmosphere of peace and spiritual peace. It is highly recommended to visit.