Russia:650 years of Simonov Monastery

On 15 October 2020, Russian Post issued a stamp dedicated to the Simonov Monastery Foundation as part of the "Monasteries of Russia" series.

Issue Description
The Simonov Monastery was established in about 1370 by reverend Feodor of Rostov, a disciple of St. Sergius of Radonezh. From the very early days of its foundation, the Simonov Monastery protected the most dangerous southern borders of Moscow. Therefore, its walls were made as ramparts rather than just monastic, and frequently the monks had to become warriors.

Among the few, the Simonov Monastery was regarded stavropegial, that is, it was managed directly by the Patriarch. In 1923, a museum was opened in the buildings of the monastery, which put persistent efforts into archaeological work. It existed until 1929. Then, during the night of January 21, 1930, on the eve of the death anniversary of V. Lenin, all the churches, the greater part of the walls and towers were blown up. As soon as three weeks later, the ZIL Palace of Culture construction according to the Vesnins brothers’ project started on this site. In 1995, the Temple of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God of the Simonov Monastery was restored. .

Stamps
The postal stamp provides an image of the architectural ensemble of the Simonov Monastery and its founder Feodor of Rostov.

Sheet
The sheet with formatted margins (2×5) contains 9 stamps (one design) and a coupon.

First Day Cover
First Day Cover size 114 x.

Series
This issue continues the Monastries of Russia series.

Previous issues include :
 * World Cultural Heritage of Russia: The ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery (30 ₽)
 * 1989-1990 Monasteries of the Russian Orthodox Church