The Saint Nicholas Myletsky Monastery is an ancient abode in the village of Myltsi, Kovel Raion, nestled among the Polissian forests between Kovel and the Shatsk Lakes. The monastery has several centuries of history associated with the Sanguszko princes, and today it operates once again as a men's monastery.
The Sanguszko Abode
According to legend, the monastery was founded by monks from the Verba Monastery. The first written mention dates back to 1522, when Myltsi was referred to as the family abode of the Sanguszko princes. By 1532, the monastery is already mentioned as active, with Joseph Chaplych-Shpanovsky as its archimandrite.
Until 1707, the monastery was Orthodox, then it passed to the Uniate Church, and in 1713 it was renamed the Myletsky Abbey — locals called it the "opatstvo" (abbey). In 1839, the abode was reattached to the Orthodox Church, and according to the 1842 staffing schedule, it became first-class: it was meant to house an archimandrite, a vice-gerent, eight hieromonks, four hierodeacons, and dozens of novices and servants. In 1914, the brotherhood numbered 42 monks.
The 20th Century
In 1915, during the First World War, the monastery was evacuated to Kharkiv. After the Second World War, it was closed, and agricultural institutions were housed in its buildings. The revival began during independent Ukraine.
What to See
The monastery's churches and buildings amidst the forest, the monastery courtyard. The place is peaceful, making it a good stop on the way to Shatsk. The monastery is active, so attire should be appropriate.
Tip
Myltsi is convenient to visit on the way to the Shatsk Lakes: a stop at the monastery will take an hour. Around it are the pine forests and marshes of the Kovel region, making it lovely for mushroom picking in autumn. The monastery lives by its monastic rhythm, so behave quietly and do not disturb the services.
How to Get There
Myltsi is located between Kovel and the Shatsk Lakes, about an hour from Kovel. More details can be found in the article Kovel Raion.
