When the Pskov Kremlin and Truvor settlement in Izborsk already viewed, you can study the map of the environs of Pskov — beautiful names of villages such as “Samovila”, “zaklin’e” and “Yamm”. Among this topographic magnificence are the words of Vybuty and Volenec.
- The feat of St. Olga, and the fate of Russia
- Holy equal to the apostles Princess Olga
- Why are we so fearful? The lesson of Princess Olga
- Saint Olga and we
- The Church reveres memory of St. Princess Olga
Olga and Igor: history of Dating
The churchyard Vybuty 15 km from Pskov up along the great is the birthplace of the Grand Duchess. Getting here is not too difficult: at the right turn there let the only, but a pointer. In the morning by bus, Navigator and Yandex-maps, though not the first attempt to find this place.
Just below the churchyard Vybuty island divides the Great river into two branches. The right sleeve of the river, deeper, is called “Algeny gate”, left (shallow with a rocky bottom) — “Algini mica” (because of the layers of limestone on the river bottom, sluda — pitfall). In this place, according to legend, there was a meeting of young Olga with Prince Igor.
The life tells us that once Prince Igor was hunting near the village, where Olga lived. Approaching the shore of the great river, Igor noticed on the other side of the river a place very convenient for hunting. He wanted to cross there, but there was no boat. Soon he saw the river boy in the boat and cried, that he carried him across the river. When they went, Igor, glancing at the rower, saw that it was not a young man and young beautiful girl in men’s clothes. The beauty of the maiden opened at the Prince of impure desires.
“Please, Prince, you listen to me and leave your bad thoughts, which should to be ashamed of,” said Igor girl on his shameful proposal. “Remember that you are the Prince and you, the ruler and judge of the people, should be an example of good deeds. Like you, making itself an evil, may prevent others from doing evil and to judge rightly in his Principality? Leave your shameful intent, for which you, though you and the Prince, condemn and hate all honest people. Know that while I’m here alone and powerless compared to you, but you did not prevail and will not achieve what you want. My protection is the depth of this river: I will not allow you to dishonor yourself.”
The answer sobered and shamed Igor, so that he during the rest of the way out of shame, did not dare to speak with Olga. Then, when the Prince was going to marry, it brought a lot of girls, but he remembered that he had met on the river, and sent matchmakers to her.
Vybuty: Ford and destroyed bridges
Under the Vybuty centuries was very important for Pskov place — Ford. Watching from the shore — it seems that here it is, it can be seen. Only, except for a shallow crossing, is here and the rapids. Not knowing the Ford, to go into the water, we did not, although they say if the locals use it so far, and we were just need to the other side.
In the old days during the military threat the people of Pskov were sent here post. For example, here in 1407 Pskov met the Germans, by setting up barriers (“shutter”) fords portable fences made of poles. Such fences in the old days was called “thief”, “the Raven,” or “thieves” (“and Brody Sebago shut thieves”). Here, according to legend, Prince Igor first saw his future wife Olga.
Much easier than a Ford, to find here bridges have been destroyed. Above and below are the skeletons of the mighty pillars that once those bridges could go very dimensional trucks. Maybe even tanks. Check on one of the bridges ends of a huge funnel: clearly collapsed it is not from neglect, but from a shell or mine. Locals say that is nearest to the churchyard Vybuty bridge— German, blown up by Soviet troops.
Vybuty temple
The main attraction Vybut today — the Church of the prophet Elijah. It is visible from afar at the entrance to the village (by the way, before turning to Vybuty go as many as three buses from Pskov”the Pskov –my Pokrytie”, No. 107 “Pskov – Palkino”, No. 137 “Pskov – Filatov Mountain”).
The Church at Vybuty classic “Pskov” — domed, with slit Windows, battlements. Only on the side walls at the top of the left large window. The construction date of the Elias Church is unknown, and only architecture it belongs to the XV century (the sign on the Church says about the fifteenth century no doubt). However, in the Tretyakov gallery is the image of the prophet Elijah from the Church at Vybuty, dated XIII century, which means that the Church (for example, the wooden predecessor of the current) here stalai before.
Today, the Church is restoration, not inside something that is not allowed — do not enter, and dusty. In the doorway you can see just what white walls of the temple are dotted with “holes” — holes golosnikov improving the Church acoustics. Pilgrims write notes and light candles next to the small wooden St. Nicholas Church. The icon here is quite unique, stylistically not very suitable either to the ancient white stone Church, nor to the rustic simplicity of wooden. But remember. The caretaker of the temples named Vladimir explains how to order religious rites, and discusses with the pilgrims of the prophecy of the elders about the coming disasters.
All are allowed to climb on two-span belfry — it stands apart and moved away from the river, so as not to overshadow the temple. You can even ring the bells, but we did not dare: it is not Easter.
When you climb to the belfry, right in front of the eyes are novodel mosaic with images of the prophet Elijah, the Holy Princess Olga and her grandson Prince Vladimir, on the walls of the Elias Church.
At the temple cemetery (although historically the word “Pogost” means a place of gathering of a tribute to Prince). Along the fence there are ancient stone crosses. Next — a small archaeological excavation. Speaking of archaeologists. Employees of the Pskov archaeological center digging in Vybuty annually for 25 years. Found the remains of unfortified ancient settlements and burial mounds of X – beginning of XI century, cleared the remains of dwellings and outbuildings. Among the findings were the implements, Handicrafts, items, fishing and hunting, combs, rings, jewelry, and numerous fragments of ancient pottery. It is believed that settlement in Vybuty existed from IX–X to the XVIII century. Here lived the Baltic tribes, and then they were replaced by Slavs.
Holguin stone
The rocks in the vicinity of Pskov are somewhat similar to Solovki and reminiscent of the ice age. The mighty stones. One of these gems, according to legend, had the foot print of the Holy equal to the apostles Princess Olga. In the 1930-ies the Church of Elijah the Prophet in Vybuty closed, and more spacious Church of St. Olga, built in 1914 on the initiative of Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna Romanova, destroyed. However, local believers continued a pilgrimage to a hidden in the woods Uliginosa stone. Found out about it, and a huge stone with an imprint, too, was blown up in the 30-ies of XX century. Now in its place a memorial sign in the form of a pyramid of boulders topped with a wrought iron cross.
They say the Communists are not easily found Holguin stone to blow it up, and not easily detonated. The pilgrims do not always find it. The archaeologist encountered at the excavation, and all told us that without a guide to find. Organized pilgrimage group, despite the presence of a local guide is not going to wander the forest and look for the stone.
Only with the third or fourth attempt we empirically found that the track, leaving a little to the left of the village, rising above the altar of the temple of Elijah the Prophet, in principle, to the remnants of stone and lead. The path of the car was blocked by unknown purpose furrow done by tractor across the track and slightly less than a kilometer we walked between the stunted pines. On a high pine tree directly in front of the monument someone hung toy angels so high, as if they had flown, and so childish, like a decorated Christmas tree.
If you walk from Vybut 4.5 km up great, you can get in the village of Pokrovskoye. According to legend, this village was the birthplace of Olga. There was once a monastery, but in one of the attacks destroyed the Lithuanians, then the ruins of the monastery were washed away by the river.
Holguín well
In times when fording was considered commonplace, and she is the future Princess Olga traveled on the river in a boat and could serve as a carrier hunting the Prince, could be the truth is not important, on the other side of the river lives a man or this. There is a theory that Saint Olga was born in Vybuty, although talking about it all the plaques, and on the right Bank of the Velikaya river in the present village of Volenec (or Algenic).
The shore along the village Olginskaya was named. On this shore, under the steep river cliff is derived from the rock Holguin key, the water of which, according to legend, helps with eye diseases. According to legend, Olga, “being still a peasant girl, went to fetch water and washed it every morning, “his bright face.”
Since then the source has acquired the ability to heal the faithful, anywhich in the face and eyes. Until the mid XIX century here was a large influx of pilgrims from all over Russia.
Here in the district of Volience before showing places Alginic Alginic gardens and cellars, but where exactly — the tradition is not preserved. There is a theory that young Olga was raised by a rich aunt down the river at the village Marina. In Valiance near the source there is a place where a Shrine with icons, but what she notes is unclear. Living near the old lady was so ancient that couldn’t disassemble our questions.
They say that if you go from the shore (from the well) 200 meters perpendicular to the road, and then another slightly to the right, you can find invisible Holguin Palace. Someone even spends the night of 23 to 24 July, to see these buildings first hand, but most people love to Princess Olga still will lead the evening and morning in the temple. If at that place were traces of the Foundation, now completely overgrown with grass. There does not plow and not built because, according to local residents, all household that was built on this place, soon burned: this is the holguín earth.
Find Volenec
Yandex map do not know and navigators do not know how to go to Volenec. It is clear only that if you don’t dare cross the river Ford, you will have to return to Pskov and start the search with its outskirts.
Shuttle bus to Volenec no walks, signage at the turn from the road Pskov-Ostrov either. Several times we slipped need a fork, and has for a couple of miles away from her none of the locals did not know about the existence of the village Volenec. Only unsuccessfully climbed the forest path, available the tractor rather than the car, we realized that we just misjudged the scale of the map. Fold to the river within five minutes after the motorway exit, rather than 10-15, and not on trails or asphalt, and on a wider dirt road. In Volunes can drive not only the tractor but also the big bus. But apparently the village with the sacred source of Holy Olga shows only to those who want to, or as a reward for perseverance: we do not in vain looking for Volenec two days.
