The Zhydychyn St. Nicholas Monastery is one of the oldest abbeys in Volyn, located in the village of Zhydychyn on the banks of the Styr River, a few kilometers from Lutsk. The monastery belongs to the Volyn Diocese of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Mention in the Chronicle
The monastery was first mentioned in the Hypatian Codex under the year 1227 in connection with the visit of Prince Danylo Romanovych, who came here to pray to Saint Nicholas. Thus, the abbey already existed during the princely era and was a renowned holy site.
What to See
The architectural complex took shape in the early 18th century. Nothing remains of the wooden buildings, but the masonry ones have survived: the Church of Saint Nicholas and the bell tower from 1723, as well as the late 18th-century bishop's residence, built as monastic cells.
The church is a three-nave basilica with an apse and a Baroque fronton above the entrance, which bears the date "1723". The paintings date mainly from the early 20th century, following the 1913 restoration. The two-tier gate bell tower is a characteristic monument of Ukrainian Baroque: the lower tier features the main gateway.
Tip
The monastery is active, so attire should be appropriate. Nearby is the bank of the Styr River, which is a lovely place for a walk after your visit.
Why Visit
Zhydychyn is one of the few monasteries in Volyn whose history is documented in chronicles dating back to the 13th century. The Baroque church and the 1723 bell tower are well preserved, and the monastery itself stands on the picturesque banks of the Styr. Both pilgrims and those interested in Volyn Baroque come here. The location is easily combined with a trip to Lutsk or Olyka.
When to Go
The monastery is open year-round. It is busiest during the feasts of Saint Nicholas in May and December, when pilgrims arrive from Lutsk and surrounding villages. Choose weekdays for a quiet visit.
How to Get There
From Lutsk, it is 10–15 minutes by car or suburban bus. More details can be found in the article Lutsk Raion.
