Turov and Turov crosses

Kirill of Turov

Kirill of Turov born [about 1130 - about 1182, the city Desk] - ecclesiastical writer, Bishop.

In 'Life' Cyril of Turov, placed in the "Prologue" (the list of the XV century), it was reported that he was born in the town of Turov, was the son of wealthy parents, but not loving "perishable glory of this world", devoted himself to the reading of "divine books ", early became a monk, secluded in the" pillar "(tower) and led a solitary life of an ascetic.

At the request of the prince and the people of Cyril of Turov was put Turovskim bishop. To this last period of the life of the writer relates his literary career. Church writer written a parable of the soul and the body ("the blind men and Hromţov"), the story of the king and his carefree wise counselor, the legend of the monastic life, eight "words" (speeches) on holy days, a number of prayers and two canons. It is known that Cyril of Turov wrote "many" letters to Prince Andrew Bogoliubsky, wrote a denunciation of heresy Rostov bishop Theodore, but these works have not survived. The total amount of creativity Cyril of Turov has not yet been elucidated.

The adoption of Christianity in the lands of Belarus

• As you know, in 988 Kievan Prince Vladin areas of Turov and Pinsk. Affected by such a spectacle Polishchuks accepted the new faith. Those who have not accepted, urged military forces from Kiev. A slightly different process of Christianization went to lands Krivichy. Krivichi never been completely subordinated to Kiev. A capital of Polotsk tried keep separate policy. In Kiev there was not enough military force to resolve the issue. However, in Polotsk understood that the acceptance of Christianity is inevitable. In addition, it carries certain benefits. Development of literature and culture, maintaining relations with neighboring countries are already Christian. After all, at that time all the neighbors Krivichy except Lithuania, already Chrest. The first known Christians were Polotsk princess Rogneda (christened Anastasia), and her son Izjaslav. Izjaslav was a devout man, and did much for the development of literature and science in Polotsk. In 992 was established on the lands of Polotsk diocese Krivichy. Somewhat later in Turov was created diocese for Dregovichy. The longest process of Christianization resisted radzimichy. In their land, Smolensk principality, the diocese was organized only in the 12th century. Through the Christian culture of Belarus entered the European civilization. Gradually eradicated remnants of paganism such as polygamy, the vendetta, pagan sacrifices. On the Belarusian land began to appear stone architecture, the most magnificent of which is undoubtedly the church of Hagia Sophia in Polotsk on the Dvina. At churches and monasteries were schools. In the same book rewritten. Educated monks were advisors to princes in public affairs.

Turov - the oldest city in Belarus after Polotsk, mentioned in chronicles since 980 years. He and Polotsk, very early became an important center of Christianity in the Belarusian lands. In the twelfth century, during its heyday, was the capital of Turov Turov-Pinsk Principality, and had strong ties with Kiev. Many princes Turov subsequently passed to reign in Kiev.That Tour - a holy place, says a lot of legends and historical facts. One of the attractions of this city are the large stone crosses (about two meters in height), which, according to local rTurov - the oldest city in Belarus after Polotsk, mentioned in chronicles since 980 years. He and Polotsk, very early became an important center of Christianity in the Belarusian lands. In the twelfth century, during its heyday, was the capital of Turov Turov-Pinsk Principality, and had strong ties with Kiev. Many princes Turov subsequently passed to reign in Kiev.That Tour - a holy place, says a lot of legends and historical facts. One of the attractions of this city are the large stone crosses (about two meters in height), which, according to local residents, sailed along the Pripyat upstream in Desk directly from Kiev. One of the residents of the city who watched this unusual phenomenon, says she saw two floating cross that has touched its horizontal slats (so to speak), like "holding hands". Total crosses was about twelve, and now there are only three: two are in the Elias Church, and one is inside the monument to Cyril of Turov, standing on the Castle Hill.First we went to the very Elijah church to talk with her priors.We met my mother, and our question about Stone Cross said that in the old days, when Russia was baptized only, such crosses in Turov was set, and they stood in the open. Oddly enough, people have long considered them miraculous and make pilgrimages to them. During the Soviet era, when trampled all shrines, crosses, these were destroyed or flooded. And not so long ago, some of them again miraculously appeared on the surface.esidents, sailed along the Pripyat upstream in Desk directly from Kiev. One of the residents of the city who watched this unusual phenomenon, says she saw two floating cross that has touched its horizontal slats (so to speak), like "holding hands". Total crosses was about twelve, and now there are only three: two are in the Elias Church, and one is inside the monument to Cyril of Turov, standing on the Castle Hill.First we went to the very Elijah church to talk with her priors.We met my mother, and our question about Stone Cross said that in the old days, when Russia was baptized only, such crosses in Turov was set, and they stood in the open. Oddly enough, people have long considered them miraculous and make pilgrimages to them. During the Soviet era, when trampled all shrines, crosses, these were destroyed or flooded. And not so long ago, some of them again miraculously appeared on the surface.