Chekotinski Monastery “St. Archangel Michael” is an active male monastery of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, part of the Lovech Diocese. Nestled along the course of the Malak Iskar River, near the village of Svode, it lies approximately 15 kilometers from the town of Pravets. The monastery’s name derives from the eponymous locality where it is situated.
Founded in the late 12th century, the monastery faced destruction during the Ottoman invasions in the 14th century but was restored in the following century. It served as a spiritual hub for the transcription of liturgical literature. The monastery maintained close ties with the Bozhenishki Urvich fortress, located 4 kilometers to the west.
Historical Challenges and Restoration
In the late 17th century, the monastery was set ablaze and plundered by the Kardzhali. However, it was restored from the mid to late 18th century. Several monks from Chekotinski Monastery were involved in the revolutionary committees established by Vasil Levski.
In its modern form, the monastery owes much to Bishop Genadii Melnishki, who served as the abbot from 1981 to 1998. The chapel “St. Genadii,” situated on the eastern part of the second floor, honors St. Genadii, Patriarch of Constantinople.
Architectural and Artistic Details
Chekotinski Monastery comprises the church “St. Archangel Michael,” the chapel “St. Genadii,” residential and utility buildings. The church stands as the only partially surviving structure from the medieval monastery. It is a single-nave, three-conch basilica with an apse, narthex, and cylindrical vault. The church entrance, low and arched, is framed with hewn stones. The narthex was reconstructed in 1841. The wooden iconostasis, richly carved with stylized vine leaves and grapes, is in the style of the Tryavna School. The icons were painted by Dimitar Zograf, Jovan Iconographer from Samokov, and Hadzhi Ivancho from Gabrovo. The frescoes were completed between 2012 and 2013.
The Chapel “St. Genadii”
The chapel “St. Genadii” is located on the second floor of the three-story residential building attached to the monastery. The chapel is lavishly painted and is frequently used for festive church services.
In summary, Chekotinski Monastery “St. Archangel Michael” stands as a beacon of spiritual resilience and artistic heritage, with its turbulent history, architectural splendor, and rich iconographic tradition. From its medieval origins and Ottoman-era devastations to its modern-day revival, the monastery is a testament to faith, culture, and enduring legacy.
