This humble 17th Century monastery, which was extensively reconstructed during the 19th Century, derives most of its fame from Matryona of Moscow, the local saint who is buried here. Born in 1885, Matryona, although born blind was blessed from an early age with remarkable prophecy and healing powers. During the communist years she was an important figure in the clandestine Christian movement and is said to have performed many miracles. In 1952 she predicted her own death and died soon after. Her final wishes were that all who needed her should come to visit her even when she was gone and she would strive even in death to offer solace to those in need. She is now interred in the Pokrovsky convent and to this day people arrive in their hundreds to queue up to visit her tomb and ask for help from "the Blessed Elder of Moscow".
