The Znamensky Krasnogrivsky Monastery, also referred to as the Sign of the Theotokos Monastery, stands as a serene Russian Orthodox convent for women in the historic town of Gorokhovets, Vladimir Region. Perched on the left bank of the Klyazma River—directly opposite the main settlement—it occupies a modest elevation known as the Red Mane, a natural feature that safeguards the site from the river's seasonal spring floods, inspiring its distinctive name. The monastery's origins trace back to the late 16th century, with foundational work likely concluding around 1598, making it the oldest monastic establishment in Gorokhovets.
The monastery was initially established in 1598 as a male
institution, never formally incorporated within Gorokhovets' city
boundaries. Historical records from 1725 describe its position in the
nearby village of Znamenka. All early structures were crafted from wood,
financed by Moscow boyar Peter Lopukhin using lands from local taxable
residents. A pivotal development occurred in 1679 when local benefactor
Semyon Ershov funded the construction of the stone Church of the Sign of
the Virgin, marking the first stone edifice in the entire town of
Gorokhovets. This church boasts a robust cubic design with three-part
apses extending to the midpoint of the main quadrangle, adorned by rows
of decorative kokoshniks (semi-circular arches) beneath the cornice,
supported by an intricate ornamental belt. Its large two-light windows
in both the quadrangle and apses feature elaborate figured platbands
resembling columns topped with triangular pediments. Adjoining the
church from the north is a chapel dedicated to the Apostle and
Evangelist John the Theologian, complete with a refectory.
The era
under Ershov's patronage is often regarded as the monastery's "golden
age," during which he donated extensive mowing lands, assigned peasants
to its service, and introduced traditions of wild-honey farming
(apiculture in natural forest settings). However, by 1723, with fewer
than 30 monks in residence, Emperor Peter I issued a decree revoking its
independence, reassigning it as a courtyard (podvorye, or affiliated
estate) of the nearby Holy Assumption Florishcheva Hermitage in the
Nizhny Novgorod province. Around 1753, a striking tented bell tower was
appended, featuring an octagonal upper tier atop a quadrangular base
with a low square foundation, exemplifying evolved local architectural
styles from Gorokhovets. By the late 18th century, the ensemble reached
its mature form with the addition of a surrounding stone fence fortified
by corner towers, enclosing the complex on all sides. No further major
constructions occurred after this period.
The Soviet era brought
profound challenges. In May 1923, the monastery was liquidated as part
of broader anti-religious campaigns, with its assets seized and
buildings handed over to the regional museum authority, which
subsequently leased them to private entities and organizations. During
the 1920s, the temple served variously as a paper mill and straw storage
facility. The most severe devastation unfolded in the 1960s under state
farm operations, when the stone fence was completely dismantled, and the
structures were repurposed as a creamery, barnyard, calf barn, and
warehouses—even converting the main church into stables. A notable
cultural footnote from this time: In 1983, the monastery grounds and
temple interiors were used as filming locations for intense battle
sequences in Yuri Ozerov's epic war film "The Battle for Moscow."
Revival efforts commenced on June 24, 1994, when the buildings were
restituted to the Russian Orthodox Church. Bishop Evlogy (Smirnov) of
Vladimir and Suzdal designated it as a skete (a smaller monastic
settlement) affiliated with the Trinity-Nikolsky Monastery. Restoration
and repair initiatives launched on June 13, 1995, under the guidance of
the affiliated brethren, culminating in the consecration of the altar in
the small Church of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian on
October 6 of that year. On May 28, 1999, Archbishop Evlogy of Vladimir
and Suzdal issued a decree transforming the Znamensky Skete into the
independent Znamensky Diocesan Convent for Women. The following year, on
March 7, 2000, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church confirmed
Nun Raisa (Shibeko) as abbess; in recognition of her dedicated service,
she was elevated to the rank of hegumenia (abbess) in 2006.
Today, the fully restored monastery thrives as a secluded spiritual haven, accessible primarily via a pontoon bridge across the Klyazma River and enveloped by lush surrounding forests, which enhance its tranquil isolation while drawing tourists interested in Russia's religious heritage. Divine services are conducted regularly, with Priest Theodore (Zakirov) presiding. The resident nuns actively sustain a self-sufficient monastic economy, including a barnyard and calf barn for livestock, alongside agricultural activities. Where resources allow, they extend charitable aid to those in need, embodying the Orthodox tradition of hospitality and support.