In the Northern part of lake Ladoga, called in the ancient times nevo, there are numerous Islands, the largest of them being Valaam.
Light water rough lake wash an archipelago; without going to the shores of the Valaam Islands, they form picturesque bays and Straits, many of which serve as a refuge for ships seeking salvation from the fury of the waves. The marvelous picture reflected in the clear, calm waters of a high, precipitous cliffs give way to views of thick forest standing on the shores of big and small Islands.
There is a place on earth, as if specially designed to glorify the greatness of the Creator, reminiscent of the primordial harmony of existence. Quite often they are separated from the outside world by a natural barrier. In Russia one of these places was and remains the Valaam archipelago in lake Ladoga located therein Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery.

The area of the 50 Islands is 36 square kilometers. Amazing nature like Valaam, according to hydrograph A. P. Andreeva, “can not be found anywhere in Europe: quite a lot of sheer cliffs, reaching a height and depth, Islands, capes, bays… Straits, lakes among dense vegetation and sullen granite rocks reflect everything in their azure surfaces, and the slender pine forest complements the overall picture, giving it an amazing, amazing view”.

The name “Valaam” is translated from Finnish as “high land”, less likely translation is “land of the oath” or “land of light”. Some believe that the name comes from the name of the pagan God Baal (who is sometimes identified with the Slavic Veles), or the biblical prophet Balaam.

According to the Valaam tradition, in ancient times, when lived in the Ladoga area the Finno-Ugric peoples and the Slavs were preparing to accept the Christian faith, the Islands were a giant pagan altar. The first of the disciples of Christ, St. The Apostle Andrew the first-called, enlightening Scythian and Slavic lands, from Novgorod went to Valaam where he destroyed pagan temples and raised a stone cross. Saint Apostle predicted a great future to Valaam, came with the Foundation and flourishing of the monastery. Valaam is unthinkable without the monastery.
The sacred Islands of Valaam archipelago are located in the Northern part of the biggest lake of Europe – Ladoga. Around the main island of Valaam, who gave the name to the whole archipelago that is over 500 Islands; the total area of the Valaam archipelago is 36 square kilometers, the area of the island – 27,8 sq. km the origin of the name of the island is not known for certain. According to one version it is derived from the name of the pagan God Baal. In the Finnish etymological dictionary is the word valatka, meaning in translation “Ladoga whitefish”.

Although Valaam is the largest island of the archipelago, in size: its length is 9.5 km and width 6 km. He rises above the Ladoga level by 60 meters, which gives the island such a majestic view. Its Western and southern shores rise over the surface of the lake huge impregnable granite rocks, extending for tens of meters under water.

The Northern and Eastern part, by contrast, is gentle, quirky rugged natural Straits, form numerous small Islands, and in other places by shallow fords can even go from one island to another.
The nature of Valaam is unique. On the island there are about 450 species of plants, forests are largely coniferous, but there are here oak groves, fir and larch alleys, and Apple orchards planted by monks in the nineteenth century. Rich and diverse fauna of Balaam, a large number of birds breeds on its rocky shores.
The location of the archipelago in the area of greatest depths of lake Ladoga (233 m) affects the climate of the Islands. The average July temperature is +17 C, February -9.

During his long life, mysterious Valaam attracted the attention of many. Founded here in the XIV century male Orthodox Transfiguration monastery, who during its long history many changes from the short years of prosperity to complete desolation, from the mid-nineteenth century reached its highest peak. It was at this time Balaam went many pilgrims and tourists, artists and writers. Unique rugged beauty of these places is reflected in his works, the artists N. And. Shishkin, A. Kuindzhi, N. To. Roerich, M. K. Klodt, F. A. Nemirovich-Danchenko, A. N. Apukhtin.
At that time from St. Petersburg to Valaam can be reached in two days, now on the modern ships for ten hours. Since 1979, Balaam turned into historical-architectural and natural Museum-reserve, receives tourists and pilgrims from Russia and many other countries.

THE HOLY ISLAND OF VALAAM, HISTORY
The island of Valaam, located on the Ladoga lake, is one of the most famous Holy places in Russia. The history of this island is primarily the history of the monastery. According to legend, the monastery was founded in the X century by Saint Sergius and Herman. However, for the first time in the sources of abode mentioned in connection with the campaign of the Swedes in 1163, which the monks moved all the values in Novgorod the Great. Later, the monastery is surrounded by stone walls, but it does not save its inhabitants from numerous wars. Almost every Swedish invasion of the Russian land began with the capture of Balaam. Fight to the death brethren, as a rule, completely perished in the defense of the monastery. From 1617 the island passes into the possession of Sweden, and the monastery temporarily ceases to operate.

In 1715, by order of Peter I on the island, again reconquered by Russia, built a wooden Church, bell tower, outbuildings. However, two fires that occurred in the eighteenth century, as well as the severity of the local nature, consisting of rocks earth, gave the monastery to develop, and she zapustevaet. Only in 1785 it was decided to revive, and construction was planned to do from the stone. Valamo monastery was the place of exile of the clergy, the island was forbidden to leave. The monastery flourished, the work of the monks even grew fruit and grapes.

After the revolution the monastery, as well as all Karelia, became part of independent Finland. The monks suffered a certain embarrassment, because the island housed the Finnish troops and the services were conducted in Finnish language. In 1940, the island became part of the USSR, the monks fled to Finland, where he founded a new monastery. On the island, first occupied by a school boatswain, and then the German garrison, seized Balaam. Only in 1944 the island was liberated and again became part of the Soviet Union. Since then, the population of Balaam is growing, this region has become a Paradise for tourists seeking to see the famous Northern nature. But this led to negative consequences – visitors leave numerous traces of their stay and serious harm to the unique nature of this amazing island.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BALAAM
Balaam (Karel. Valamoi, fin. Valamo “high, mountainous land”) is an island in the Northern part of lake Ladoga, the largest part of the Valaam archipelago. The island is the village of Balaam, part of the urban settlement of Sortavala and the Valaam monastery, is a monument of Russian architecture.
Also is a popular tourist destination.
Island accounts for more than 2/3 of the area of the Valaam archipelago. Its length 9,6 km, width — 7.8 km Distance from beach — 22 km.
Natural characteristics are determined by the position of the archipelago in the waters of Europe’s largest lake, Ladoga.
The territory of the Valaam archipelago belongs to the middle taiga subzone of taiga zone.
2 inner lake with a highly irregular coastline with a total area of about 100 hectares, connected to each other on Ladoga lake channels;
9 small forest lakes”lamb”;
an extensive network of drainage ditches (XIX century).

Relief
Tectonic. The highly dissected type. Elevation above sea level — in the range from 5.1 to 58.3 M.
Spring comes in late March. Summer on the island, Sunny days at 30-35 more than on the mainland. The average July temperature is +17°. Winter snow starts in early December. In mid-February, improving road links with the nearby town of Sortavala (42 km). Average temperature: -8°.

Flora
On the island there are more than 480 species of plants, many have been cultivated by the monks. Kept gardens with more than 150-year-old fruit trees[1]. The island is covered with mainly coniferous forests (about 65% pine).

FAMOUS PEOPLE ON VALAAM
The island was frequently visited by emperors Alexander I and Alexander II, other members of the Imperial family. Also came to Balaam, St. Ignatius (Bryanchaninov). The nature of Balaam was inspired by the famous geniuses of art and science: artists I. I. Shishkin, F. Vasiliev, A. I. Kuindzhi, writers and poets N. S. Leskov, F. I. Tiutchev, A. N. Apukhtin, I. S. Shmelev and B. K. Zaitsev, the composers P. I. Tchaikovsky, A. K. Glazunov, M. N. scientists. Maclay, D. I. Mendeleev, and many others visited here. In the nineteenth century during his travels in Russia, the island was visited by Alexander Dumas.
Well-known Valaam landscapes painted Ivan Shishkin (“View of Valaam”, 1860), A. I. Kuindzhi (“On the Valaam island”, 1873) and Nicholas Roerich (“Holy island”, 1917). In the 1970-ies has created a series of black-and-white linocuts of famous Karelian graphic artist A. I. Avdysh, devoted to Balaam a number of his works the master volume carving, Sortavala artist Kronid Gogolev.
In 1950, by decree of the Supreme Soviet of the Lithuanian SSR on the island, the building of Winter hotel, a former monastery housed the House of invalids of war and labour.

Administration
In 2003 year when was adopted the Federal law on local self-government, the question arose about the status of the settlement of Valaam. According to this law in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation shall be delineated bodies of local self — government defined rural and urban settlements, established their boundaries. It was adopted the corresponding law in the Republic of Karelia. And the village of Balaam, among others, was included in the list of municipalities and given the independent status of the municipal formation — the Valaam rural settlement. But in early 2005 the head of administration of Sortavala S. V. Ryzhkov was initiated by the decision to abolish the self-government of the village of Balaam and his inclusion into the city of Sortavala. But this solution is not agreed, some of the inhabitants of Valaam rural settlement. The conflict escalated into a legal battle in the Supreme court of the Republic of Karelia, and then in the Supreme court of the Russian Federation.

In July 2006, intervened by Patriarch Alexy II.
Secular settlement on the island, currently has no formal administrative status. Valancy the laity wish their village received the official status of a rural settlement that will give them the opportunity to participate in municipal elections.
The legitimacy of their claims confirmed by the Supreme court of the Republic of Karelia, however, the leadership of the monastery is opposed to this, tightening the process of assigning official status secular settlement.
In the settlement of social infrastructure on the island has a kindergarten, a community center with a universal hall and the nine-year secondary school, hospital (since 2007 medical clinic), library, post office, grocery store.

THE HISTORY OF VALAAM MONASTERY
The history of the monastery :: Beginning of the monastery on Valaam
Since ancient times the Valaam monastery was a stronghold of Orthodoxy in the North of Russia, famous for its high spiritual life, served the spread of Christianity and monasticism in the surrounding lands.
Historians have a common view on the date of the founding of the Valaam monastery. Some attribute it to the time of Baptism, others refer to a later period. The Church and the monastic tradition asserts that the antiquity of the monastery dates back to the time of the spread of Christianity in Russia. Even then, it was founded by Saint Sergius and Herman, the monastery became the spiritual center of Ladoga lands.
It is believed that in ancient times on the island, was located the main temple of Veles (or Volos) and Perun, who worshiped and sacrificed living in the vicinity of the Gentiles. This caught the island of the Apostolic age. Etymological analysis of the Finnish titles “Valamo” confirms the likelihood of surrender: Shaft, Baal, Volos or Veles – the same root word, and “mo” in the Izhora earth. Thus, Valamo – the land of Veles, which is a place dedicated to Велесу1.
The monastic tradition says that the Holy Apostle Andrew, enlightener of the Scythians and Slavs, arrived from Kiev in Novgorod, on the Volkhov river reached lake Ladoga, and then Balaam, where he blessed the mountain of the island cross.
The life of St. Avraamy Ростовского2 shows that already in the X century on the island there existed a monastic brotherhood, ruled by the Abbot. The founders of monastic life on Valaam revered St. Sergius and Herman, who came “from Eastern countries”, Greek svyashennoe. The service says that their “love for God were inseparable Union of true brotherly love, prayer without ceasing, the temper, the meek, tears of a jet – prismatique, fasting, vigils and labours of the ultimate superior nature”. In written records it is also said that the saints Sergius and Herman law have set общежительный3 life in the monastery founded by them.
Who continued on Valaam monastic life immediately after St. Sergius and St. German, is unknown. Undoubtedly, the monastery was the Abbot and the brethren. In the society of monks existed obedience or the temptation of wanting angel image. For the services was built the Church of the Holy Trinity. The brethren of the monastery carried out a godly life and was a good example for others, especially the newly-baptized. About the Valaam monastery already knew in Novgorod, Pskov and other places. Among the remarkable persons of that time belongs to the tonsured of the Valaam monastery of the monk Abraham of Rostov, founder of the Epiphany monastery. The sources mention the Abbot Joachim and Feognost, who headed a monastery in the period of the baptism of Rus, but reliable information about them has survived.

In the Church-historical science did not exist and there is no single answer to the question about the time of occurrence of the Valaam monastery. Missing the most important source of Dating ancient life of St. Sergius and St. Herman. Archival research nineteenth and twentieth centuries relied on indirect evidence, mentions certain events in the life of the monastery in various monuments of Russian literature.
In some modern editions (travel guides, encyclopedias, etc.) often provided conflicting information about the time of the founding of the Valaam monastery. The appearance of the monastery refers to the XIV century, then to the first centuries of Christianity in Rus ‘ – X-XI centuries, Not just in times of enemy invasions (XII, XVII century) the monastery has undergone devastation for many decades was interrupted several monastic service. When the enemy raids destroyed churches, monastic shrines were burned down and plundered the rich monastery library and manuscript repository was so lost and the life of St. Sergius and Herman of Valaam.

Let us consider two main existing to date versions of the origin of the monastery.
The first ones include the Foundation of the monastery to the XII-XIV centuries This Dating in his research supported the Church historians of the nineteenth century: EP. Ambrose (Ornatsky), EP. Filaret (Gumilevsky), E. E. Golubinsky. Currently, this version sticks to a number of modern scholars: N.. Okhotina-Lind, J. Lind, A. Nakazawa. His concept of these researchers is based on manuscripts of the XVI century “Legend of the Valaam monastery” (published by N.. The Okhotin-Lind). Other modern scholars (H. Kirkinen, S. N. Azbelev), noting this manuscript as “new research material in a number of other primary sources relating to the early history of Valaam monastery”, believe that “the publishers of the newly found text along with the people who submitted this source, treated him too confidently from the point of view of critical research. The impulse of his passion — they have not made a thorough source analysis the source”. It should be noted that so far not found other sources that confirmed the data of the “tales of the Valaam monastery”, in particular, the claim that the founder of the monastery is St. Sergius of Valaam, as is commonly believed, based on centuries of Church tradition, as reflected in liturgical texts, and the monk Ephrem of Perekomsk.

The second concept considers the Foundation of the monastery to the X-XI centuries. It is based on one of the editions of the life of St. Avraamy of Rostov, containing mention of the stay of the monk on Valaam in the X century, as well as several historical mention of the transfer of the relics of St. Sergius and Herman of Valaam to Novgorod in 1163. It should be noted that historians of the XIX century (N. P. Palin, I. Y. Chistovich) was only one known recording of the Uvarov chronicle about the transfer of relics. Archival research helped to find other such references: in the collection of the National Library and the Institute of History of material cultures. Such records there are a total of eight. The greatest interest as the most informative is the entry from the collection of Likhachev (f. 238, op. 1, no. 243): “the saints velikonovgorodskiy bishops and archbishops, the monk and the miracle” of the XVIII century In the manuscript marked by the memory of the PDP. Sergius and Herman are listed in modern (seventeenth century) the ruin of the monastery, linked to the ancient Cathedral Chronicler, which shows the date of the finding (1163) and return (1182) of the relics of Valaam.

Ecclesiastical and monastic tradition in the last concept, claiming that the founding of the monastery happened in the era of the baptism of Rus.
It is possible to combine two views on the time of occurrence of a monastery: ancient monastic life on Valaam after the XI century could be stopped and then resumed at the turn of XIV – XV centuries in the future, scientists will open the new historical sources that more fully illuminates the ancient history of the Valaam monastery.

The inner life of the monastery and its Holy ascetics
The internal monastic life and the monastery experienced periods of prosperity and decline. When the whole of Karelia after the conclusion in 1348 the world in Dorpat was returned to the Russian land, Balaam had a rest from persecution Swedes. At this time in the monastery of the monk Sergius and Herman flourished and the Dorm, and unanimous special rate “two and triam” (i.e. their life), and waste the solitary silence (asceticism).
In the days of its prosperity the Valaam monastery was a center and a model of monastic life throughout the Northern region, like the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra in the South-West of Russia and the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in its Central part.
In the XII century on Balaam arrived, the monk Kornilii. Some time later he left the monastery and founded on the lake Onega monastery, in honor of the Mother of God. On behalf of the island it was named Paleostrovsky. In the XIII century, Belozersk Prince Gleb Vasilyevich arranged at the mouth of the river Sheksna Ust-Chechenski monastery. For the device of the monastic order, he asked the Abbot of the Valaam to send to the new monastery Abbot Martyrii. It is known that the elders of Valaam in 1251 sent his postrizhenie Gennady.

About 1393 to Valaam from Novgorod has arrived the future of venerable Arseny Konevsky. Young men, in 1379, he received tonsure at the monastery, the former on lisich hill in the Novgorod lands. After eleven years of living in the Novgorod monastery Arsenios went to mount Athos Mountain and after three years of asceticism with the blessing of the hegumen of Athos, returned to Russian territory. From the hands of the Abbot of Svyatogorsk he received in farewell the icon of the Mother of God and the statutes of the dormitory for the monastery in Northern climes. Arriving in Novgorod, the monk Arsenius, adopting the Episcopal blessing from the Archbishop of Novgorod John II, went to the Valaam monastery and lived here for a while. Seeing Valaam brotherhood crowded, he decided to leave and “through the Providence of God, by the will of the same blessed virgin” reached the Konevsky Islands and held the Konevsky monastery. On Valaam monk Arseny Konevsky left an indelible memory: the brethren loved him. In 1397 the Abbot of the Valaam Force sent him to the island of Konevets monastery of the monk Lawrence with an invitation to return to Valaam, but the monk refused: for three years he labored on the island in silence.

In the XV century lived in the monastery, the future Reverend Alexander Svirsky. Here he passed all the obedience, he accepted monastic tonsure. In silence he made the feat on one of the monastic Islands, still called the Holy Ghost, which are still cave of the ascetic in the cleft of the rock is a monastery, consecrated in the name of the monk. Here at the command of God he went to the Svir river, where he founded his famous monastery.
Before 1429 he lived in the Valaam monastery of the monk Savvatii of Solovetsk, postrizhennyj of the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery. Here he was received by the Abbot of the brotherhood, took place “with SACEM humility and a lot of patience and crocosmia grain” all the monastic obedience, imitating the arduous exploits of the Valaam monks. Compounding the works, he surpassed all his ascetic life. This circumstance inspired him with the thought of leaving Balaam and settle on Solovki island where no one would have been a witness of his exploits. “And molase the Abbot of Valaam, yeah let him go”. The Abbot and brotherhood, not wanting him to leave, begged the elder not to leave them. A certain while the monk stayed with them, but one night, “pomolimsya God and That help lay all”, left the monastery, heading to the Solovetsky island. Here, with the assistance of the Valaam elder Herman, he initiated the monastic life.

At the same time with the monk Savvatii in the Valaam monastery was the monk Evphrosyn Sinoenergy. He lived for sixty years in seclusion Sawin desert near Tver. Tired of the visits of monks and laymen, breaking his silence, the monk withdrew to the island of Valaam. The fame of the virtues he was attracted and here whole families from the surrounding villages. It caused him a few years to return to Savvino deserts.
Under the guidance of the monk Savvatii of Solovetsk lived on Valaam monk Gennady. Savvas was a man, and Gennady student. Subsequently Gennady in the dignity of Archimandrite ran Chudovski monastery. And in 1485 it was erected on the Archdiocesan Department of Veliky Novgorod. For the highest spiritual life and Holy zeal he was canonized by the Orthodox Church canonized.

This time spent on the island a solitary life, the monk Athanasius, the founder Sandanski monastery, disciple of St. Alexander Svirsky.

During the stay of St. Alexander and Athanasius on the island here a few years asceticised Saint Adrian Androsovsky (in the world Andrei, came from a family of nobles Zavalishina). Retiring from Valaam, elder Adrian settled in a solitary place, and founded on the Eastern shore of lake Ladoga Androsovsky abode. This man was such a high life and filled with such wisdom that the Reverend Athanasius Sandusky being the mentor of the brotherhood, he had frequent spiritual conversations for their own learning.
This is a marvelous host of luminaries of monasticism, shone on the mountains of Valaam, acts which testify to the flourishing condition of ascetic life in this period.
The inhabitants of the Ladoga coast was facing the monks of the Valaam monastery from paganism to Orthodox faith. Along the river to the Kexholm (now Priozersk), there were Orthodox churches.
Monastic life on the island in the sixteenth century was so strong that it spread to the shores of lake Ladoga. Here Valaam monks was founded 12 monasteries under the spiritual guidance of their Abbot. The prosperity of the Valaam monastery in XV-XVI centuries gave rise to call it honest and great Lavra.

The revival of the monastery
The end of the 80-ies was the first step in the restoration of the monastery that once was the pillar of the Orthodox faith in the North of Russia. At the initiative of the Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod Alexy, 18 September 1989, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karelia decided to “deliver possession” of the Leningrad diocese of the Transfiguration Cathedral with the inner quads and the nearby monasteries, in addition to the resurrection and Gethsemane. The Abbot of the monastery was determined by Archimandrite Victor (Pyankov), later Bishop of Podolsk.
The first six monks – the monks Varsonophii, gerontius, Photios, Hierodeacon Serafim, novices Leonid and Vadim (now hieromonk Barachiel) – arrived on the island on the night of 14 December 1989 and housed in the former infirmary of the Invalides (“Sea house”).
With the arrival of the monks gradually began to glow with spiritual life on the island. Resumed service in the lower Church in the name of St. Sergius and St. Herman. At the same time the monastery began restoration work. May 25, 1990, on Ascension day, Metropolitan Alexy of Leningrad and Novgorod was consecrated the main altar of the lower Basilica. New important to abode the decision to return abode of all temples and administrative buildings were adopted by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Karelia in 1990-1991.
Since 1990, the Valaam monastery received the status of a stavropegic, i.e., moved to direct the conduct of samenvoegen, his Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexy II. Despite his busy schedule, his Holiness the Patriarch almost every year celebrated the day of memory of venerable Sergius and Herman, Valaam miracle workers, with a solemn service at the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral. During a visit to the abode of His Holiness acquainted in detail with the life of the brethren in the monastery and in the sketes, and talked with the brethren.

Since January 1993 the monastery is headed by the Abbot of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam monastery, Archimandrite Pankraty (Zherdev), previously held in the monks of Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra on the obedience of the economy. The brethren during this time had increased considerably, now it is about 150 people. Revive the tradition of Valaam monasticism employment: construction and restoration, the Navy, agriculture, fleet, stone-cutting, blacksmithing and candle production, publishing theological and Church-historical literature.
In may 1991, the cloister has found a great spiritual treasure that will last forever fragrant relics of Valaam ascetic piety of ieroshimonaha Antipas. Father Antipas was born in Moldavia, in the village Calapodesti, asceticised on Mount Athos, was one of the founders of the Romanian skete Prodromos. In 1992, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church canonized the venerable Antipas Calapodesti canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church of St. Antipas Calapodesti. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexy II in 2000, the name of Saint Antipa of Valaam was included in the calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church (commemorated Jan 10/23). Now the Valaam monastery gained another intercessor at the throne of God. The relics of Saint Antipa of Valaam placed in cancer, which is installed in the lower Church of the venerable Sergius and Herman, Valaam miracle workers. The brethren and pilgrims turn to the venerable elder with a request for prayer intercession and receive by faith the help and healing from disease.

In 1996, the feast day of the monastery – the day of memory of St. Sergius and Herman were awarded special celebrations. The monastery was visited by Patriarch Alexius II and the first time in the history of Balaam – the head of the Local Orthodox Church, Metropolitan of all America and Canada Theodosius, who gave the monastery a priceless gift – a particle of the relics of St. Herman of Alaska, a Patriarch – a large icon of the Saint.July 17, 2002, Valaam monastery hosted a spiritual celebration – a meeting of the Abbot of Athonite monastery Vatopedi, Archimandrite Ephraim, with the brethren and pilgrims. Archimandrite Ephraim, brought as gift to the abode of the sacred image, the miracle-working icon “Pantanassa” (“seven arrows”), which was specially written for the monastery and consecrated on Holy Mount Athos. Archimandrite Ephraim also brought the gift of the Valaam monastery the relics of the revered Athonite ascetic of elder Joseph the Hesychast.

Owing to historical circumstances, almost all remained after repeated destructions of the Valaam monastery shrines and relics were outside of Balaam, or was lost forever in the postwar period. It is therefore of utmost importance for reviving the monastery was the finding of an ancient relic – the cross-reliquary with the relics of great Martyr and healer Panteleimon, which was bought from a private collection and donated to the Valaam monastery benefactor. On 22 April 2004 at Moscow metochion of the solemn transfer of the unique cross-reliquary. Ancient cross embedded in it a major part of the relics of GreatMartyr and healer Panteleimon – a patrimonial relic of boyars Nashchokin.
With the blessings of His Holiness (4 July 1999) was established the celebration of the Council of the Valaam saints on the second day after the Transfiguration, the patronal feast of the monastery. One of the significant for the monastery of the events occurred in the summer of 2000, when the jubilee bishops ‘ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church was glorified by the 34 the Saint of the XVI century the new martyrs and Confessors of the XX century: St. Theophan of Solikamsk (Il), martyrs Aref (Matrenin) and Jeremiah (Leonov). Dec 27, 2000 at session of the sacred Synod of Russian Orthodox Church it was decided to include in the Cathedral of new martyrs and Confessors of Russia of the twentieth century from Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam monastery the names of hieromonk Patrick (Petrov) and Sergius ([), deacon Andronicus (Barsukov), monk Tavrion (Tolokontseva). May 11 at a meeting of the Synodal Commission on the canonization of saints was made the decision to include the name of the nun Nazaria (Kondratieff), as a locally venerated Saint of the diocese of Tambov in the Council of the Valaam saints. In October 2004, with the blessing of his Holiness Patriarch in the Council of the Valaam saints were included the names of the new Martyr and Confessor Athanasius (Yegorov), the Saint Juvenalia (Govorukhin), American canonized by the Orthodox Church and the Reverend elder of Elijah (Chebotareva), canonized on 29 December 2003 in Yekaterinburg diocese.

In 2002, his Holiness was consecrated the first in Russia Church of the Valaam icon of the Mother of God, arranged after the fervent prayers of the whole brotherhood in the room once abolished Nicholas Church in the inner quads of the monastery, where in 1897 and was found the miraculous icon. In 1997, a hundred years, in connection with the same reverence the faithful of this image, His Holiness has determined to make the icon of the Mother of God “Valaam” July 14. Now the image of Valaam mother of God is one of the main shrines of the Holy-Transfiguration Valaam monastery. Before the icon prayer services are held, healings take place.
A new stage in the history of the revived monastery was the creation of the Board of Trustees on restoration of Spaso-Preobrazhenskiy Valaam monastery, which was headed by Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexy II. In 2005, was completed restoration work on the restoration of paintings of the Cathedral on an area of over 5 thousand m2. The consecration of the main Shrine of the monastery was celebrated by his Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexy II on 19 August 2005, the day of Transfiguration – the feast day of the monastery.

In the early XX century near the Valaamo monastery, there were 13 sketes. Now restored eleven.
According to the tradition of the Valaam monastery is monastery in St. Petersburg, one with the Church in the name of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God, and altars in the name of the Holy. Nicholas and the Rev. Seraphim of Sarov, the chapel of the Holy new martyrs Russian (before the revolution – the courtyard the Old-Ladoga Dormition convent, 1904-09., arch. You. A. Kosyakov), one historic, at the former Marina on the Sinopskaya embankment. In Moscow the historic compound on Tverskaya-Yamskaya. There is a new metochion in Priozersk with the Church of All saints (1890-94, architects. I. Ya. Arenberg), in Sortavala with a wooden Church in the name of St. Nicholas in the Caucasus.

The age-old monastic traditions of Valaam, as other Russian monasteries, was interrupted in the years of the godless persecution. Now all the brethren, including employees, lives in a renovated Fraternal body external corner (on the fenced off territory of the monastery) and is located in the premises of the inner square. Brethren are encouraged not only to external deeds, i.e. neopolitana presence in worship, works of obedience, exclusionary rule, but also to the internal, the spiritual, constituting the essence of the monastic life, constant exercise in the Jesus prayer, the struggle with the passions, to the revelation of thoughts, frequent confession and communion.
How prophetically said about Balaam in 1936, the great Russian writer I. S. Shmelev, “the time will come, and will bloom flowers grown spiritual: “the Lord’s planting shall not be cut off”. St. Ignatius (Bryanchaninov) wrote: “Balaam, where you see the granite cliffs and high mountains, made for you the spiritual height from which an excellent transition to the abode of Paradise.” Now Balaam arrive each year thousands of people in recent years more and more pilgrims, seeking to touch the life-giving source Orthodox faith.

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Kostomukshsky State Natural Reserve is located in the territory of the Republic of Karelia within Muezersky and Kalevala district. Its total area – 47,569 hectares. The reserve was established in 1983, December 14.

Throughout the year, on the reserved territory is dominated by the mild climate, the formation of which affects the warm air brought from the Atlantic Gulf Stream.  Winter snow and relatively warm: the temperature rarely drops below -10 C. The snow cover is formed in November and lasts usually until early April, at least until the beginning of May. In combination with a comfortable temperature and flat landscape it creates perfect conditions for winter sports. Spring begins in May, during the active migration of animals and birds. In summer the temperature is 15-17С. In late August, has already felt the breath of autumn, and in the first days of September have already appeared the first frosts.

Relief Kostomukshsky Reserve is unique. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that bed of the river Kamennaya, included in the protected lands, located in the bottom of the great hollow glacial flows. Through tectonic fractures passes its upper reaches. In the lower and middle reaches of the present complex relief forms generated activity flowing waters: buttes and erosion scarps, river terraces and incised meanders. For lower current characterized by a pronounced delta on the surface of the river.

In general, local topography is hilly. He formed separate heights up to 50 meters and moraine ridges. In the southern and central parts of dissected terrain and cross the parallel ridges of granite, absolute marks which in some cases equal to 300 meters.

Hydrological network of the reserve is rich. The share of lakes and rivers account for 23% of the territory, which is 10.9 thousand hectares. The largest lake is Stone Lake, which has tectonic-glacial origin and covers a fifth of the protected land. Stone Lake area is 105.5 km2. Its width – 15 km, length – 23 km. The coastline is characterized by the choppiness.

Kostomuksha state nature reserve and its wildlife.

The fauna of the reserve is largely typical of the Northern taiga. So, contains weasel, marten, squirrel, wolverine, lynx, moose, fox, wolf, hare, bear. Among all animals especially interesting northern forest wild deer, which breeds on the islands of Stone Lake. Only in the Republic of Komi, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Republic of Karelia to keep this kind, if we are talking about the taiga zone of European Russia. In need of protection and the settlement of the Canadian beaver.

Local avifauna is represented by the following species – gray goose, whooper swan, hazel grouse, capercaillie, osprey, golden eagle, white-belohvot.

Contact information:
Address: 186930, Karelia, Kostamuksha st. Priozernaya 2

Pasvik Nature Reserve is located in the northwestern part of the Kola Peninsula, on the border of the forest-tundra and northern boreal forest within the boundaries of the northern taiga subzone. The total area of ​​the reserve, organized July 16, 1992, is 14,687 hectares.

On the conservation area is dominated by a subarctic climate. The lowest temperature values ​​are typical for February, when the thermometer drops to an average -11С. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of +12C. Winter thaw often observed in summer frosts. In late September, the first snow falls, and in October, formed a steady snow cover, which lasts for 180-200 days. The frost-free period lasts for 80-90 days.

Relief Reserve Pasvik – structural-denudation, which was formed as a result of the destruction of mountain systems. In protected areas to be lake Inari, which area – 1050 km2. A fall in the numerous streams and rivers. The depth of the lake is 60 m, its banks are beautiful and are indented. Inari is rich in fish: pike, perch, trout, young trout, grayling, and whitefish. A large part of the lakes are concentrated in the North of the reserve. This shallow water, peaty, silty or sandy shores.

Flora and fauna of the reserve Pasvik.

The flora of the reserve Pasvik represented 331 views angiosperms, 2 – gymnosperms, 10 – fern, 19 – Lycopsida plants. Furthermore, here represented lichens (215), and mushrooms (61). Grow in the reserve are the most northern forests in Europe. Birch and pine and pine forests are characteristic of the flat part. The most common on the reserve territory sparse pine forests, of which 40% – indigenous. They are divided into two groups: the lichen pine (belomoshniki) and moss (shrub, herbaceous, sphagnum, dolgomoshniki, green moss).

Fauna Reserve Pasvik has 34 species of mammals, 218 – birds, 1 – reptiles, 1 – amphibians, 11 – fish. Among the birds are common glaucous gulls, mergansers, Lutkov, Gogol, Teal, Mallard, Black-throated Diver, gray cranes, golden plover, snipe, dandies, capercaillie, grouse and others.

Typical representatives of mammals – elk, brown bear, squirrel, marten, mink, ermine, fox, hare. Much less common deer, wolverine, lynx, fox, wolf.

Contact Information:
Mailing address: Russia, Murmansk, Pechenga, 184424, p. Rajakoski.

State natural Nizhne-Svirsky reserve is located on the territory of the Lodeinopolsk district of the Leningrad region, on the right Bank of the river Svir. Its total area is equal to 41.4 hectares.

About two thousand years ago on reserve lands were Ladoga lake. However, his subsequent retreat, as well as the offset of the shoreline led to the formation of ridge topography: there is a coastal shafts located at a distance of hundreds and tens of meters in parallel to each other. After some time, they are overgrown with forest.

Flora and fauna of the lower-Svirsky reserve.

Today Lower-Svirko Reserve is the realm of swamps, pine forests, cranberry and blueberry bushes, cold picturesque lakes and rivers. It lives 44 species of mammals and 256 species of birds, there are about 538 species of vascular plants. Here there are different types of wood: pine blueberry, mosses, lichens, alder, birch and aspen. Common sphagnum mosses, sedges, cloudberry, cranberry. Swampy shores are covered with reeds and rushes.
On the territory of the Lower Svir reserve can see wolverine, lynx, beaver, otter, flying squirrel, badger, elk, brown bear. Special wealth of different local avifauna.

It is home to rare species of birds, such as snipe, redshank, gray crane, bittern, osprey, ptarmigan, grouse, hazel grouse, black stork, wood grouse, bearded owl, owl, white-tailed eagle. In autumn and spring flock here numerous migratory birds: Tundra (small) swan, whooper swan, different kinds of geese (white-fronted goose, bean and others), various type of waders (golden plover, curlew), ducks (sea and river).

Reptiles are common lizard (viviparous lizard and the sand), veretenitsa fragilis, viper, too. Among the most common amphibians and moor grass frog, toad.
In the waters of Lake Ladoga usual Ladoga ringed seal – endemic to these places. Water Svir lips are the habitat for other species of fish, including – roach, perch, pike, ide, bream, pike and others. Also found here Sirt, lake char, lake trout, burbot, pike, ruff, perch, bream, white bream and roach. Among the valuable species of fish is worth noting landlocked salmon, pike-perch, ripus, whitebait and whitefish.

Area: 9700 km2
Maximum depth: 127 m

Onega lake is a lake in the North-West of the European part of the Russian Federation located on the territory of Karelia, the Leningrad and Vologda regions. The second largest lake in Europe after Ladoga. Belongs to the basin of the Baltic sea Atlantic ocean. The lake area without the Islands is 9690 km2, and the Islands – 9720 km2; the volume of water – 285 km3; length from North to South – 245 km, the maximum width is to 91.6 km. Average depth is 30 m, and the maximum is 127 m On the shores of lake Onega are the cities of Petrozavodsk, Kondopoga and Medvezhegorsk. Lake Onega get about 50 rivers, but only one flows out – Svir.

Shore, bottom topography and hydrography of the lake.

The surface area of lake Onega is 9,7 thousand km2 (excluding Islands), length – 245 km, width – about 90 km North shore is rocky, highly rugged, South – mostly low, undifferentiated. In the Northern part of deep into the mainland numerous lips, elongated like ticks cancer. Here is juts out into the lake huge Zaonezhye Peninsula, South of which lies the island of Great klimenetsky. To the West of them, is the most deep (up to 100 m and more) part of the lake – Big Onego lips Kondopoga (with depths of up to 78 m), ilem-Gorsky (42 m), Lizhemsky (82 m) and Unitsa (44 m). South-West from the Big Onego extends Petrozavodsk Onego with its bays Petrozavodsk lip and small Algumas and Bingoboy. To the East of Zaonezhye stretched North Bay, Northern part of which is called Povenets and South Zaonezhie Bay. Deep sections are alternated with banks and groups of Islands, which dismembered the Bay into several parts. The southernmost of these areas – Small Onego depth of 40-50 meters of Many stones on the shores of the lake.

The average depth of the lake is 31 m, the maximum depth in the most deep-sea Northern part of the lake reaches 127 M. the Average depth in the Central part is 50-60 m, closer to the South the bottom rises up to 20-30 meters To lake Onega characterized by numerous pronounced increase and reduction of the bottom. In the Northern part of the lake a lot of gutters, alternating with high rises bottom, forming banks, which often catch fish industrial trawlers. A significant part of the bottom is covered with silt. Typical forms are Ludi (shallow rocky shoals), Selge (deep improve the bottom with rocky and sandy soils in the southern part of the lake), underwater ridges and ridges and trenches and pits. Such relief, creates favourable conditions for fish life. For the regime of lake Onega is characterized by spring water rise, which lasts 1.5-2 months, with annual amplitude of water level up to 0.9-1 m The lake discharges regulated Verhnesvirsky HPP. Rivers bring to 74 % of the income part of the water balance (15,6 km3 per year), 25 % falls on precipitation. 84 % of the expenditure part of the water balance falls on runoff from the lake on the river Svir (average 17,6 km3 per year), 16 % – on the evaporation from the water surface. The highest water levels of the lake in June – August, the lowest – in March – April. There are frequent unrest, storm waves reaching up to 2.5 m high. The lake freezes in the Central part in the middle of January, in the coastal part and bays, in the end of November – December. In late April, opened the mouth of the tributaries, the open part of the lake in may. Water in open deep parts of the lake is transparent, with visibility up to 7-8 m In bays a little less, up to one meter or less. Fresh water with salinity of 10 mg/L.

Flora and fauna.

Low coast of Onego lake wetlands and flooded when the water level rises. On the banks of the lake and its Islands, in the reed and the reed-beds, there are ducks, geese and swans. The coastal area is covered by dense taiga forests in pristine condition. Lake Onega is distinguished by great variety of fish and aquatic invertebrates, including a significant number of relicts of the ice age. In the lake there are sterlet, salmon lake, lake trout, trout, char Luna, Paliy pit, whitefish, vendace-kylec, whitefish, grayling, smelt, pike, roach, Dace, silver bream, bream, sabrefish, Golden carp, trout, loach, catfish, eel, pike, perch, ruff, slingshot Onega, bullhead, burbot, lamprey eel river and brook. Just Onega lake meets 47 species of fish belonging to 13 families and 34 species.

Islands.

The total number of Islands in the Onega lake reaches 1650, and their area is 224 km2. One of the most famous Islands in the lake is the Kizhi island is situated on the homonymous Museum-reserve with built in XVIII century, the wooden churches of the Transfiguration and intercession. The largest island is a Large klimenetsky (147 km2). It is located several towns and a school. Other Islands: Big Lelikovsky, Suyari.

Area: 18 135 km²
Maximum depth: 230 m

Lake Ladoga is a lake in Karelia (North and East coast) and Leningrad region (the Western, southern and South-Eastern shore), the largest freshwater lake in Europe. Belongs to the basin of the Baltic sea Atlantic ocean. The lake area without the Islands is from 17.6 thousand km2 (including the Islands 18.1 thousand km²); the volume of water – 30 km³; the length from North to South is 219 km, the maximum width is 138 km Depth non-uniformly: in the North part of it ranges from 70 to 230 m, in South – from 20 to 70 m On the shores of the Ladoga lake is located the town of Priozersk, Novaya Ladoga, Shlisselburg, Leningrad region, Sortavala, Pitkyaranta, Lahdenpohja in Karelia. In the lake Ladoga fall 35 rivers, and originates only one – Neva. In the southern half of the lake – three large Bay: Svirskaya, Volkhov and Schliesselburg lips.

Climate.

The climate over lake Ladoga is moderate, transitional from temperate continental to temperate Maritime. This type of climate is explained by the geographical position and atmospheric circulation typical of the Leningrad region. This is due to the relatively small number of arriving at the earth’s surface and in the atmosphere of the sun’s heat. Because of the small amount of solar heat, moisture evaporates slowly. For a year is on average 62 Sunny days. Therefore, throughout most of the year is dominated by days, with cloudy and overcast weather, the scattered light. The length of the day varies from 5 hours 51 minutes on the winter solstice to 18 hours 50 minutes in the summer solstice. Above the lake there are the so-called “white nights”, the upcoming may 25-26, when the sun is below the horizon for not more than 9 degrees, and the twilight practically coincide with the morning. The white nights end on July 16-17. In total length of the white nights over 50 days. The amplitude of monthly sums of direct solar radiation on a horizontal surface under clear skies from 25 MJ/m² in December to 686 MJ/m² in June. Clouds decreases in average per year, the arrival of total solar radiation by 21 %, and direct solar radiation by 60 %. Average annual total radiation 3156 MJ/m². The number of sunshine hours – in 1628 year.

A noticeable influence on the climatic conditions renders the lake itself. It is characterized by smoothing the extreme values of the climatic characteristics, resulting in the continental air masses passing over the surface of the lake, take the nature of the Maritime air masses. The average temperature in the area of Ladoga lake +3.2 °C. the Average temperature of the coldest month (February) ?8.8 °C, and the warmest (July) is +16.3 °C. the Average annual rainfall is about 475 mm, the Lowest monthly precipitation in February – March (24 mm), the highest – in September (58 mm). During the year a greater part of lake Ladoga is dominated by Western and South-Western winds. Average monthly wind speed in the open part of the lake and on the majority of Islands from October to January – February 6-9 m/s, in the remaining months 4-7 m/S. On the coast of the average monthly wind speed varies from 3 to 5 m/S. the Wind are observed seldom. In October, on lake Ladoga, there are often storm winds with speeds of over 20 m/s, the maximum wind speed reaches 34 m/S. the Breezes are observed on the coast in the summer on a calm Sunny days and clear nights. Lake breeze begins around 9 am and lasts until 20 PM, his rate of 2-6 m/s; it spreads on 9-15 km inland. Fogs occur most often in the spring, late summer and autumn.

Shore, bottom topography and hydrography of the lake.

The lake area without the Islands is from 17.6 thousand km2 (including the Islands 18.1 thousand km2); the length from North to South is 219 km, the maximum width is 138 km of the Volume of water lake – 30 km3. This is 12 times larger than annually flows into him rivers and taken by the Neva river. Seasonal fluctuations of water level in the lake is small due to the significant area of the water surface of the reservoir and because of the relatively small annual variation in the number of flowing water. The last is caused by the presence of large lakes within the catchment area of lake Ladoga and the availability of hydropower on all major tributaries that together provides a relatively uniform supply of water throughout the year. Lake shoreline more than 1000 km. North shore, from Priozersk to the West to Pitkaranta in the East, mostly high, rocky, highly rugged, form numerous Peninsula and inlets (fjords and skerries), and small Islands separated by the Straits. The southern shore is low, poorly cut, flooded due to neotectonic submeridional distortion of the lake. The coast here is replete shoals, rocky reefs and banks. In the southern half of the lake – three large Bay: Svirskaya, Volkhov and Schliesselburg lips. East coast Malaysian, it gets two gulfs – Lunkulansaari, Axoloti, separated from the lake one of the largest Islands of Ladoga – Mantsinsaari. Here there are the wide, sandy beaches. The Western coast has less indented. It is overgrown with dense mixed forest and brush, damaged close to the water’s edge, along which the scattering of boulders. Ridge of stones often depart from the capes far into the lake, forming dangerous underwater rocks.

For the relief of the bottom of Ladoga lake is characterized by the depth increases from South to North. Depth non-uniformly: in the North part of it ranges from 70 to 230 m, in South – from 20 to 70 m Average depth of the lake – 50 m, the largest – 233 m (to the North of the island of Valaam). The seabed of the Northern part uneven crossed with troughs, and the southern part of the more peaceful and is more smoothness. Lake Ladoga ranks eighth among the deepest lakes in Russia. Transparency at the Western coast of lake Ladoga 2-2,5 m on the East coast of 1-2 m in the mouth areas of 0.3-0.9 m, and the lake is increased to 4.5 M. the Lowest transparency was observed in the Volkhov Bay (0.5-1 m), and the highest – West of Valaam Islands (summer 8-9, in the winter of more than 10 m). On the lake there are constant unrest. During strong storms water in it “boils”, and the waves are almost entirely covered with foam. The water regime is characterized negative and positive events (water level fluctuations 50-70 cm annually, up to 3 m), seiche (up to 3-4 m), height of waves at storm up to 6 m The lake freezes in December (coastal area) and February (Central part), opened in April – may. The Central part is covered with solid ice only in very severe winters. Because of the long and severe winter cooling water in the lake and the summer is very cold; it warms only in a thin upper layer and the coastal strip. The temperature regime differs in the Central deep part of the lake and the coast. The temperature of surface water in August to 24 °C in the South, 18-20 °C in the centre, near the bottom, about 4 °C, in the winter under ice 0-2 °C. The water is fresh and clean (except the sites polluted by industrial effluents), minerals and salts dissolved in very small quantities. Water belongs to the hydrocarbonate class (low content of salts of calcium and magnesium, slightly more Nickel, aluminium).

Pool and Islands.

In the lake Ladoga fall 35 rivers. The biggest river which runs into it, is the Svir river, which gives it water from lake Onega. Also in the lake receives water through the river Vuoksi from lake Saimaa, and through the Volkhov river – from lake Ilmen. It also fall into the Morje river, Aloha, Stormy, Cokoliniame, soskuanjoki river, Iijoki, Aurajoki, Tohmajoki, Janisjoki, Susquenita, Uksunyoki, Tolemaico, Miinalanjoki, Vidlitsa, Tuloksa, Olonka, Abanka, Veronica, Syas, Lava, Brandy, Naziya and others. The Neva river is the only river that flows from lake Ladoga. The catchment area is 258 600 km². Approximately 85 % (3820 mm) positive part of water balance gives the flow of river water, 13 % (610 mm) atmospheric deposition and 2 % (90 mm) – groundwater inflow. About 92 % (4170 mm) expenditure side of the balance goes to the flow of the Neva river, 8 % (350 mm) – on the water surface evaporation. The water level in the lake is not constant. His hesitation is well marked by more than a light strip on the surface of leaving the rocks into the water. On Ladoga lake is about 660 Islands (the area more than 1 ha) total area 435 km². About 500 of them are concentrated in the Northern part of the lake, in the so-called Northern district, and also in structure of Valaam (approx 50 Islands, including the island Byebye), West of the archipelago, and the island group of Mantsinsaari (approx 40 Islands). The biggest Islands are Riekkalansaari (55.3 km²), Mantsinsaari (39.4 km²), Kilpola (32.1 km²), the Island (30.3 km²) and Valaam (27.8 km). The most famous in the Ladoga lake Valaam Islands – an archipelago of some 50 Islands area of 36 km², due to the location on the main island of the archipelago of the Valaam monastery. Also known island of Konevets, on which the monastery is located.

Flora and fauna.

The Northern and Eastern coast of Ladoga lake belong to the subzone of middle taiga and South and West to the subzone of the South taiga. For characteristic of the middle taiga spruce forests-such as bilberry without undergrowth, with a closed stand and continuous cover of the brilliant green moss. In the subzone of the South taiga’s dominated by dark coniferous breeds with undergrowth, where sometimes there are lime, maple, elm, you receive the herb layer with the participation of Asherah grasses and mosses are less developed than in the middle taiga subzone. The most typical type of forest spruce-kiselychnyk. Island lake rocky, with high, up to 60-70 m, sometimes steep banks covered with forest, sometimes almost glabrous or with sparse vegetation. Southern and South-Western shore of the lake, over 150 km overgrown with reed and cattail. Here are the shelter and nesting of waterfowl. On the Islands many nests of gulls, they grow blueberries, cranberries, and the larger is the mushrooms. In Ladoga there are 120 species of higher aquatic plants. Along the shores of the Islands and the mainland stretch reed-beds with a width of 5-10 m In a deeply embedded in the dry bays are experiencing diverse groups of macrophytes. Width of a strip of vegetation in these areas reaches 70-100 meters. There is almost no vegetation along the Eastern and Western shores of the lake. In the open waters of the lake vegetation is weakly developed. This is because the depth, the water temperature, small quantity of salts dissolved nutrients, coarse sediment, as well as frequent and strong emotion. Therefore, the most diverse vegetation is found in the North of the Northern area of lake Ladoga. In the lake common 154 species of diatoms, 126 species of green and 76 species of blue-green algae. In-depth Ladoga waters contains only 60-70 thousand microorganisms in cm³, and in the surface layer – from 180 to 300 thousand, that speaks about the weak capacity of the lake to cleanse itself.

In the Ladoga lake was revealed 378 species of zooplankton. More than half of the species accounted for rotifers. The fourth part of the total number of species is the simplest, and 23 percent fall together on cladocerans and copepods. The most common in the lake zooplankton species are daphnids and Cyclops. A large group of aquatic invertebrates inhabit the bottom of the lake. In Ladoga they found 385 species (mostly various crustaceans). The first place in the structure of benthofauna belongs to insect larvae, which accounted for more than half of all species of benthic animals 202 species. Further there are worms (66 species), water mites, or hydracarina, molluscs, crustaceans and other. The lake is rich in freshwater fish for spawning go upstream. In lake Ladoga live 53 species and fish species: Ladoga slingshot, salmon, trout, char, whitefish, vendace, smelt, bream, Sirte, blue bream, silver bream, redfin, ASP, catfish, perch, roach, perch, pike, burbot, and others. Human impact on the water reduces numbers of valuable fish – salmon, trout, brook trout, lake whitefish river and others, and the Atlantic sturgeon and Volkhov whitefish listed in the Red book of Russia. The most productive areas refers shallow southern part of the lake with depths up to 15-20 m, where is concentrated the main fish, and the least productive – North skerry area. From the Gulf of Finland on the Neva river for spawning in the Volkhov river and other rivers, passes through lake sturgeon. Along the southern and South-Eastern shore of lake Ladoga usual perch. Resides in the lake salmon, which in the autumn goes to the river, where the spawns. In lake Ladoga and bred the Volkhov whitefish, Siberian sturgeon and other fish. In the Ladoga area meets regularly 256 bird species belonging to 17 orders. On transit migration in spring and autumn it is marked more than 50 species of birds. Travel links Ladoga cover the area from Iceland to India and from South Africa to the New Earth. The most attractive to birds areas is South of the region. Here on migration meet grebes, swans, geese, ducks, waders, gulls, terns, cranes and rails, and the nesting of ducks, tufted ducks, common pochard, gulls, terns, large and medium-Curlew, black-tailed Godwit, common Redshank, Golden shorebirds and other waders, gray crane, white-tailed eagle, osprey, the red-footed Falcon, eagle owl, great grey owl, short-eared owls and other birds. Northern skerries are nesting red-necked grebe, large and medium mergansers, gulls (including sea gulls and lesser black-backed gulls, terns (including Arctic terns), shorebirds and many other species on migration are observed clusters of Arctic ducks and waders. In the Ladoga lake is home to the only pinnipeds, the Ladoga ringed seal. The number of seals in the lake is estimated at 4000-5000 goals (data of 2000). Species listed in the Red book.

 

Before the beginning of mass resettlement of Russian peasants in Karelia most part of the territory of the modern Republic was inhabited by Karelians, Veps settled in Zaonezhye, while the Northern and Central regions were inhabited by the Saami. Russian immigrants have founded their settlements in the whole territory of Karelia, but not settled in densely populated indigenous inhabitants of the areas. The first wave of immigrants consisted of residents of Pskov and Novgorod lands that left the familiar habitat due to constant raids of the Tatars. However, the main reason for the mass migration of Russian peasants in Karelia was the desire of the rulers of the Novgorod Republic to occupy new territory and to protect them from attacks of the Moscow Principality. In General, the citizens could realize their plan, but already in 1478, Prince Ivan III managed to subdue Novgorod, and with it went to Moscow and Karelian land. Once the territory of Karelia became part of the Moscow Principality, Russian immigrants flocked to Пудожье. After some time they appeared in Pomorie, despite the fact that these lands were almost unsuitable for agriculture. In Zaonezhye and Обонежье large Russian settlements appeared after the founding of the Solovetsk monastery, and the colonization of Vigozerye began during the so-called old believers ‘ colonization». Many peasants fled to Karelia in attempts to escape from army service, and some of the Muscovite rulers themselves exiled here for speaking out against the princes or the boyars.

Together with Russian peasants on the Karelian lands migrated Merya, and all other Finno-Ugric tribes. In the XVII century converts to Orthodoxy Karelians also began to move from the Karelian isthmus in the already populated Russian regions. This situation is largely slowed down the process of rusification of small ethnic groups, some of which managed to keep their language and culture until the beginning of the XIX century. Around this time, the Karelians, Veps and Russian were the main part of the population of Karelia. In the Olonets province and some other areas, almost 80% of the population were Russian peasants.

In the early XX century, the descendants of the Novgorod settlers colonized almost the entire coast of the Onega lake and part of Заонежского Peninsula. In the Kem County lived coast-dwellers, who live on беломорскому coast, and the Karelians, which occupied the whole of the rest of the County territory. Thus, on the territory of Karelia was formed 4 of the County, the most part of inhabitants which consisted of Russians. There was also 1 Karelian and 3 mixed County. In the last ratio of Russians and Karelians was about the same.

The most part of Russian peasants Olonets province lived in villages and was engaged in farming. Free time men spent on hunting or catching fish. Population of major cities consisted mainly of Russian and Petrozavodsk since its inception and does positioned as a Russian city.

After the October revolution, inhabitants of Karelia were engaged in the process of fundamental change of traditional way of life. Education of the Karelian labour commune led to the fact that the number of Russians the new regional Association significantly exceeded the number of Karelians.

In the 20s of the XX century on the territory of the Karelian ASSR started to appear in the new production company, and after creation of the plan of economic development of the Karelian-Murmansk region began development of natural resources of the Republic. Rapid development of the industry requires a larger number of workers, but in Karelia them is definitely lacking. Soon in sparsely populated Republic began to move workers of the neighboring regions. Within a few decades, the number of Russian population on the territory of Karelia has increased several times.

Before the beginning of the great Patriotic war immigrants settled in areas of major construction projects. Although Karelian and Russian regions were roughly equal in area, density of the population of the latter was slightly higher. In the postwar years, the Karelian industry felt the acute shortage of workers. The new inhabitants of Karelia came from Ukraine, Belarus, Mordovia and Chuvashia. Thus, the number of Russian population in the Karelian ASSR again started growing. Immigrants settled in the industrial centers and cities. In the late 80-ies of the last century Russians settled throughout the territory of Karelia.

Thus, the Russian ethnos in Karelia constantly increasing in numbers, and eventually surpassed in size all other ethnic groups, including the titular nation. In modern Karelia Russian language is gradually replacing of speaking other languages, but on the territories of traditional settlement of Vepsians and Karelians this process has not yet passed the point of no return phase.

The Karelians are the indigenous people of Karelia, who lived on these lands for hundreds of years. In addition to the common name different ethnic groups Karel preserved their self-designation. So, in the Central and Northern regions of Karelia they call themselves «karyalane», in the Ladoga area – «livvikane», and in the Onega country – «luudilyane».

 

Karelian language belongs to the Finno-Ugric family of languages, and specifically – to the Baltic-Finnish group. The main dialects are considered Karelian, livvikovsky and ludikovski. The last two dialects were formed as a result of frequent contacts ancient Vepsians and Karelians. With regard to the usual Karelian dialect, he appeared in ancient Korela tribe. Its representatives have inhabited the territory of the Ladoga lake. There are also dialect moved to Central Russia Tver Karelians and dialect Tikhvin Karel, who had settled in the area of Tikhvin monastery in the XVI century.

The ancestors of the modern Karel were Korely – the ancient tribe, расселенное the North West coast of Ladoga lake. Some researchers suggest that the Karelian ethnos was formed not only by representatives of the local population, but also of the Finns, who moved to these places from the Western areas of Finland. This theory also explains some of the typical Finnish place names.

Mention of the ancient Karelians meet in буллах Catholic Church, the Scandinavian sagas and the Russian Chronicles. In the XII century Ladoga area was part of the Novgorod Republic, and since the XIV century the Novgorod and Karelian lands became a part of the Moscow Principality. Karelians took part in the struggle with German, Polish and Swedish invaders in the middle ages, and also participated in the battles of the great Patriotic war.

The Northern Karelians visible clouds lapanoid admixture. The most common among Karel religion is considered Orthodoxy, however, in the past, many representatives of the people absented themselves from the old believers and Gentiles. Certain spread duality of religion is an attempt to combine Christianity with pagan beliefs.

Indigenous peoples of Karelia: the Karelians.

For hundreds of centuries, the main economic classes Karel were hunting, fishing, farming, cattle breeding and various crafts. The main cereal crops were considered barley, rye, oats and wheat. In the XIX Karelians also began to grow turnips, onions, potatoes and hemp. For land cultivation have been used ploughs, hoes, harrows and other devices. In pens on a farmstead kept cows, horses and sheep. Caught fish with nets, lines, landing nets, and the relatively calm rivers staged a – boom of the stakes with discontinuities, which housed the special traps. Karelians hunting any animal, which only can be found in forests, for the sake of meat and skins. Representatives of the indigenous people of Karelia were engaged not only in hunting and fishing, but also able to make jewelry made of precious stones, smelt copper, strike while the iron and raft on the rivers.

Karelian villages were usually located on the shores of lakes and rivers. At home there were randomly, much less commonly observed street layout. The hut had no Foundation and located right on the ground. Under the roof placed, not only residential but also household premises. Buffet in the biggest room put the end to the middle window. Before the advent of Russian oven heated the house with the open hearth. Karels, and washed soared in baths.

Indigenous peoples of Karelia: the Karelians (continued)

As a means of transportation in winter Karelians used sledges, skiing, in summer they moved on Karelian expanse on horseback. Floating, they moved on boats, but wheeled vehicles was developed very slightly.

The main dishes of Karelian cuisine – various cereals and ear. Karelians baked breads, pies and pancakes. For the winter everywhere harvested dried fish, which is not only used in food, but also mixed fodder for cattle. A drink Karel was tea, however, the Northern Karelians preferred him подсоленное coffee. When the Karely knew how to cook beer, but today his recipe lost. Vodka and other alcoholic beverages are used extremely seldom.

Embroidery, fancy weaving, manufacturing of pearl and gold embroidery products, as well as painting and wood carving are domestic art of the Karelians. Embroidery has a long tradition of many drawings, and residents of the Central and southern regions were ornamented with not only the festive service, but also used routinely tablecloths. With the development of blacksmith and jewelry Karelians learned to produce rings, necklaces, pendants, medals and other decorations. Paintings and carvings were also of the house, the outbuildings and a variety of devices.

Clothes (as and materials for its manufacture) Karelians were made independently. Men usually wore a shirt and pants. Instead of the last women wore skirts or dresses. Among men was made to wear the belt knife in a sheath. As a Shoe were woven of birch-bark boots, boots from rawhide and koiby.

Typical Karelian family consisted of about three generations of relatives who not only collectively engaged in economic matters, but also jointly owned property. At the head of a large family always stood a man, but a woman also had the right to dispose of property. Pressing and just important problems to be solved on family advice to senior family members are treated with respect and reverence. Children were to work at an early age, but they are not attracted to heavy work. In the end of XIX century the Karelian family consisted of 5-6 people, well and modern reduced to three.

Karelians comply with different traditions, rituals and customs. Especially strictly adhered wedding rites, and the marriage could be as vulgar and withdrawal. The event was accompanied by the songs and traditions, lamentations, reading conspiracy and other rituals. Wedding rites Northern Karelians often supplemented pre-Christian rituals. Divorces occurred very rarely; the similar situation was with безбрачием. By the number of religious-magical action with the wedding could be compared only funeral rites. Very solemnly Karelians celebrated the funeral and the anniversary of the death.

Oral poetry Karel known far beyond the borders of Karelia. It is on the basis of the folklore heritage of this nation, and was created a famous epos «Kalevala». In certain situations was taken to perform lyrical, ritual, wedding and funeral songs. Northern Karelians dedicated amorous adventures ейги. After appearing on the Karelian land the first Russian settlers and local residents began to spread, and Russian folk songs. In the evenings, Karelians often stories of various genres that were heard not only children but also adults. Speaking Karel different saturation of various sayings and Proverbs. With regard to the prosaic folklore, he presented not only legends and traditions, but bylinas, which were based on real events.

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Climate Zaonezhye is very different from the weather regimes in the neighbouring areas of Karelia. The climate Zaonezhye Peninsula and the Northern districts of lake Onega developed due to the unique geographical situation of this area and aggregate properties of the territory. On long-term weather regime affects the relief of the region, its swamps, forest cover, the number and area of water reservoirs, as well as the circulation of air masses over its territory. Zaonezhye is located between 62 and 63 degrees of North latitude. These data help to determine the amount of solar heat that gets this area during the year. Distributed it extremely unevenly, so that the spring-summer period, accounting for about 65% of the sun’s heat, and the remaining 35% are distributed in autumn and winter. Duration of light day in winter is about 5-7 hours, the sun doesn’t rise high above the horizon, and 85% of sunlight reflects a snowy ground. Over the territory of Zaonezhye often held cyclones, which contribute to maintaining a high degree of cloudiness. In summer, weather conditions vary considerably. Compared with the autumn-winter period of cloudiness is significantly reduced, the sun rises high above the horizon, and the duration of day length is 19 hours.

 

The distribution of solar radiation on the territory of Karelia plays a crucial role in the process of formation of the temperature regime of the area. The average temperature here is positive, however, the distinction between summer and winter annual temperatures still exists. Warming in Zaonezhye comes in mid April. In this period pointers thermometers pass the mark of 0 degrees. For the sake of justice it is worth mentioning that in autumn the temperature is also cross the zero line», but this time in a downward direction. It happens most often in the end of November.

Speaking about the climate of Zaonezhye not to mention the Onega lake and the role it plays in the process of creating local weather. The lake area is more 9.720 km2, and in a hollow reservoir contained whole 250 km3 of water, which differs in minimum mineralization. In the summer of shallow water warms up to 20 C, but at a depth of several tens of meters of water temperature does not rise above 5 C. In the process of warming of the lake absorbs enormous amounts of heat, which leads to a decrease in air temperature at the coast. Since mid-summer lake Onega gradually cooled. This process continues until the end of autumn, and only January frosts stifle the surface of the lake ice. Huge masses of water make winter in the area Zaonezhye Peninsula softer and act as a kind of «heating pad» from August to March.

The air temperature in Karelia also affects the formation and transfer of air masses. As a result of the atmospheric circulation in the Republic of arrives cold air from the North Atlantic. In summer it brings low cloudiness, precipitation and relatively cool weather and the winter temperature thanks to him can rise above 0 C. Very rarely come to Karelia air masses from the Mediterranean latitudes. The last such «parish» was recorded in 1972, when the summer in Northern Europe air temperature does not fall below 30 C. In Zaonezhye, receives around 650 mm of rainfall per year. Their number can vary considerably from year to year, but a large part of them falls in summer. Compared to other districts of the Republic in Zaonezhye the climate is warm and mild.

In addition to the huge number of attractions, Karelia has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other regions and countries. One of them is the unique Karelian architecture. It is well known that this wonderful region is a real treasure of the Northern wooden architecture. Why wooden? Long since the tree was a versatile building material, well, Karelian forests, which occupy more than half of the total territory of the Republic, were inexhaustible source. The availability and low cost of timber allowed to build virtually all, ranging from typical barn and ending with the chapels of amazing beauty. Stone for these purposes have started to use only in the middle of the XVIII century.

Examples of traditional architecture are preserved in many Karelian villages. By the way, the place for the erection of churches, chapels and other important facilities in each village to chose the value of the land itself, proximity to roads and characteristics of local climate. New villages settlers often founded on the banks of ponds and facades of the houses of the «must have second sight». Residents of the Karelian lands always respected the lakes and rivers, where they were fishing or just visited on them. Located in the southern part of Karelia village Нурмолицы is a town with typical for these places layout. Here, right on the shore of lake were built several baths, slightly above, there is a village street, but aside from it – grove cemetery.

In Zaonezhie settlements often you can see the Church buildings erected on the hill. A Church or a chapel with a tent roof served as a lighthouse, that the travelers could see from afar and Orient yourself. By the way, tent Church were the most common type of churches in Karelia. Their appearance resembles watchtowers of ancient fortresses. Sights such as the assumption Cathedral in Kemi or assumption Church in Kondopoga are known far outside the Republic. An example of a more complex structure – многоглавая Transfiguration Church, which is part of the Kizhi Pogost.

Atypical Karelia is considered «Indigo» temples. They were building only in the area of the Onega river, near the border with Arkhangelsk region. Their distinguishing feature was quite intricate roof reminding curved cube with small heads. See that Church can be in the Pomeranian village of the wyrm.

As for the peasant houses, their first feature – life. Most ordinary hut could stand for a whole century. The inhabitants of Northern areas of the house was a real complex of residential and business premises under a common roof. Thanks to this solution residents of the house could go into business premises without going outside, thereby saving valuable in Northern climate is warm. In the North, was taken to build a spacious hut with small Windows and narrow doors, which helped significantly reduce heat losses.

By the way, dwelling houses in the territory of Karelia varied depending on the district. Residents of Zaonezhye often built houses of the square form with asymmetrical roof, in a spoken language called «кошелями». The house is designed solely for people, and all the household premises were located in the outbuilding. Several of these houses are presented in the exposition of the Museum-reserve «Kizhi». Also on the whole territory of Karelia were built T-shaped houses and buildings, the economic part of which is adjoined to the living in one line.