Danilov Monastery. Heaven on Earth
Recent archaeological research shows that the oldest settlements in the territory of modern-day Moscow arose precisely where the Danilov Monastery now stands. Today, Danilov is the oldest and, undoubtedly, one of the most significant and beloved monasteries in the capital. Its founder, Daniel of Moscow, is rightly called the "Master of Moscow" and "Publisher of the Russian State" – it was his deeds that laid the foundation for the unification of Russian lands around Moscow. The "Danilovtsy" – a youth volunteer movement at the monastery – embodies this desire of everyone in the monastery for assistance and harmony. In addition to traditional icon-painting workshops, a bakery, and an almshouse, the monastery also houses a library – one of the best in Moscow – and a major publishing house. In short, as Saint Daniel, the "Master of Moscow," envisioned, a true metropolitan monastery will be built for the capital. Without unnecessary pathos, but very much our own – a Muscovite one.