Somovka: Monastery History and a Prayer Cross

• In March 1882, the Varvarinsky community in Somovka became a monastery with the approval of the Synod.
• Ruins of the monastery have survived in the village.
• Varvara Petrovna Somova, the widow of a local landowner, founded the monastery and died as its abbess.
• Local Cossacks had a prayer cross erected at the site of the destroyed Nizhnyaya Nedewitsky Varvarinsky Convent.

The history encompasses both the founder’s life and the development of a religious community. Varvara Petrovna Somova founded the monastery in Somovka; the widow of a local landowner, she died as its abbess. In March 1882, the Varvarinsky community became a monastery with the approval of the Synod. The founding and the transition to monastery status thus shed light on different aspects of local history.

The monastery ruins have survived in the village, giving this history a tangible connection to Somovka. Those interested in religious and local history can consider the community’s documented development alongside the surviving structural remains.

After the Revolution, the Nizhnyaya Nedewitsky Varvarinsky Convent was destroyed. At the initiative of local Cossacks, a prayer cross was erected at the site. The cross and the monastery ruins are distinct points of reference: the cross stands at the site of the destroyed convent, while the surviving ruins in the village serve as a reminder of the monastery.

Records from 2013 state that the Cossacks took the monastery grounds under their care. That same year, they cleared away vegetation and opened up an area. A tradition described in 2013 includes annual cross processions through Somovka to the cross erected there. If you would like to attend a procession, check the latest dates before your trip.

The wider destination of Kursk Oblast offers other distinct cultural attractions. A museum was established at the A. A. Fet estate in 2010 as a branch of the Kursk Regional Museum of Local Lore. The “Nightingale Night” is held there every year in late May, followed by the Fet Readings in early July. These two events offer different opportunities to explore the estate and Fet’s work. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the dates for your travel year in advance.

Nature is another feature of the wider Kursk Oblast destination. The “Streltsenskaya Steppe” and “Nature Reserve Oak Forest” ecological trails pass through the Central Black Earth Biosphere Reserve. The reserve’s natural history museum covers its history, climate, soils, plants, and animals. The reserve may only be entered as part of a guided tour; contact the reserve before your trip. This makes it possible to include Somovka’s monastery history and the distinct cultural and natural attractions of Kursk Oblast separately in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Tatarenkova, Nizhnyaya Olshanka, Kalinovka, Dontsy, Rylsk, Gryaznoye, Lgov, Zheleznogorsk.

What remains of the monastery in Somovka?

Monastery ruins have survived in the village. In addition, a prayer cross was erected at the site of the Nizhnyaya Nedewitsky Varvarinsky Convent, which was destroyed after the Revolution.

Who founded the monastery in Somovka?

The monastery was founded by Varvara Petrovna Somova, the widow of a local landowner. She died as its abbess.

When do the cross processions take place?

A tradition described in 2013 includes annual cross processions through Somovka to the cross that was erected there. Check for current dates before your trip.

To the wider travel overview: Kursk Oblast.