European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 5, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A amps photos by Ken George a visitor offers a donation to a Monk. Street vendors Cash in on tourism. A priest walks across the grounds of the monastery. Trinity St. Sergius visitors can to help but be awed by this russian holy site in addition to these pigeons the monastery attracts Over 700,000 visitors a year. By Randy Pruitt staff writer Black boots crunch loudly on the Bright russian Snow. A grand Motherly woman approaches a shabby Brown Scarf framing her wrinkled face. She flashes a crooked tooth smile and Speaks softly. She wants Money Quot she is doing you a favor Quot a russian Friend says. The old woman it is explained is giving those More fortunate the Opportunity to be kind to be generous. To practice their religion. What better place than Here the lady is not a beggar in the traditional sense. For she is at the Trinity St. Sergius monastery at Zagorsky a most holy place 44 Miles Northeast of Moscow. The peasant s presence is Welcome Here among the Gold and Silver and artistic Richness that for years was the Center of russian orthodoxy for most people coming to Zagorskis a religious experience. Even if you Don t intend for it to be. The monastery played an important part in Russia s medieval history. It was founded in 1347 by Sergei Radone Zusky a Monk who launched a movement for National Unity while the mongol Yoke still Lay heavily on the land. He preached Unity under Moscow believing Russia had fallen to the mongols because its princes were 8 stripes Magazine november 5, 1992 the baroque styled refectory was started in 1686 and completed in 1692. The lavishly decorated building is perfectly proportioned and is nearly 240 feet Long. Monastery divided among themselves. His blend of religion and nationalism enabled grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy to and the russian armies to their first Victory against the 4ongols at the Battle of Kulikova in 1380. The Battle determined once and for All Moscow s authority As the it political and military Center of Russia. Sergius died in 1392. In 1408, the mongols devastated he entire Region destroying the monastery. Legend has it hat Sergius body found in the soldering ruins of the wooden Church was untouched by the fire. Today pilgrims visit the Trinity Cathedral built on the same spot n 1422-23, to pay their respects to Sergius. His body is encased inside a Silver sarcophagus presented by Ivan the terrible. The Silver canopy Over it a gift from the Empress Nna weighs nearly 900 pounds. Other lavish detailed buildings followed eventually making Trinity monastery one of the richest in Russia. Its museum filled with icons and jewelled chalices is testament to the wealth left by nobility. In the history of Feudal wars the monastery was where Dmitri Shemaka captured Vasili the second in 1446. Vasili was brought to Moscow and blinded. Forces however rallied around the great Prince and he managed to return to the throne. Dmitri Shemaka was exiled and his death in 1453, put an end to the Feudal War that had lasted a Quarter of a Century. I Ronti Irv  heretics were exiled to the out against the monastery s Landownership and Church vices. He died in 1556 and is buried near the Northern Wall of the Church of the holy ghost. Landownership continued under Ivan the terrible who thought it important to create a United system of defensive fortifications. He surrounded Moscow by a ring of powerful fortresses. At the monastery new Stone Walls replaced wooden ones fortified by towers in 1540-1550. The monastery has seen its share of War As time marched on. In 1941, As the germans moved toward Moscow the domes of its cathedrals were camouflaged and sections of the Walls were turned into weapon emplacements. Many museum items were evacuated deep into the country. The russian government has submitted a request to put the monastery on the world heritage list of Sites administered by the United nations educational scientific and cultural organization Enesco. A total of 358 Sites in 83 countries Are on the list that opens up historic places for research restoration and financial assistance. Today All churches inside the walled Complex Are open for worship. Inside is also a theological College. Visitors will find the grounds a perfect place to stroll in any season. Expect to have a few sad souls ask you for Money though and if you give them something Don t be surprised if they Bend Forward to kiss your hand. On a the Bell Tower has five tiers and once had 40 Bells