Pochaev city, Ukraine (Pochaiv)

Pochaev overview

Pochaev (also spelled Pochaiv, Pochayiv, Pochayev) is a small city located in Kremenets district of Ternopil oblast of Ukraine. The nearest railway station is situated in Kremenets city about 25 km away. The distance to oblast capital city Ternopil is about 50 km.

Pochaev city population is about 8,000 (2010).

The phone code is +380 3546; the postal codes are 47025-47027.

Pochaev city flag

Pochaev city coat of arms

Pochaev city map location

Pochaev history

According to the legend, Pochaev monastery was founded by monks from Kiev-Pechora lavra (the monastery of the first rank) who escaped Tatars’ invasion in 1240. The first record dates back to 1527. In 1597 the local landowner Anna Goiskaya donated the monastery with considerable lands, estates and the most precious treasure - the Virgin icon.

On August 2nd, 1675, Turkish-Tatar army approached Pochaev. All the people gathered at the monastery which was surrounded only by a wooden fence. Everyone able to hold a weapon defended the monastery. Those who were not able to do that kept praying in front of the Virgin icon at Trinity cathedral as it was their only hope.

Two days fought the defenders of Pochaev monastery. The forces were uneven. There was no help to wait for. According to the legend suddenly clouds were gone and the Virgin appeared in heaven above the cathedral surrounded by angels. The Turks and Tatars saw them and began sending arrows to the heavenly image. But the arrows came back and killed those who sent them. So Pochaev monastery was saved.

Monastery was rather famous in the first half of 17th century, due to Father Superior Iov Zheleza (1551-1651). From 1713 to 1832 Pochaev monastery was a Greek-Catholic one. From 1730 Pochaev printing-house was in process, it published 187 books. The lavra is rich in wall paintings, sculptures and ornaments.

Pochaev views

Pochaev city, Ukraine view

Author: Evgeny Gutyar

Pochaev city view

Author: Evgeny Gutyar

Pochaev theological seminary

Author: Evgeny Gutyar

Pochaev attractions

Pochaev is known all over Ukraine and abroad for the Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra, the second largest Orthodox monastery of Ukraine after Kiev-Pechyorsk Lavra. The monastery is standing on the hill of about 50 meters over Pochaev city.

The monastery was first time mentioned in written sources in 1527. But according to the local tradition it was founded in 13th century by several monks who left Kiev monastery during the Mongol invasion. In 1712 Russian Tsar Peter the Great visited Pochaev monastery several times together with Feofan Prokopovich (Russian Orthodox Church reformer).

There are the following constructions in Lavra:

Assumption cathedral (1771-1782);
Trinity cathedral (1906-1912);
cells (1771-1780);
Bishop’s house (1825);
Belfry (1861-1869) 65 m high;
House above gates (1835).

One can get there by any train from Lviv, Uzhgorod. The stop is called Radivilov. It is 25 km from there to Pochaev, mini vans are at your disposal. Or one can get off at the station Ternopil, mini vans are also available.

There are also direct mini vans going back and forth from the train station in Kiev to Pochaev.