Against the backdrop of the golden domes and painted tiles of the other buildings of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, the white walls of the Hospital Chambers seem modest and unadorned. Nevertheless, these buildings have a great history, for they are among the oldest structures of the monastery.
Since the 17th century, the Hospital Chambers have served as the monastery infirmary, as well as the final refuge for old and infirm monks. When a hermit could no longer carry out the obediences prescribed by the monastery rule, he was assigned to live in one of the rooms in the Hospital Chambers. Those who were ill and could not work or pray with the other brethren also lived there temporarily.
The low and spacious two-story buildings surround the only tent-roofed church preserved in the Lavra. This beautiful old church is dedicated to the Solovetsky wonderworkers Zosima and Savvaty.
When the communists who had come to power closed the Lavra in 1917, they wanted to set up a holiday home there for 500 people. The Hospital Chambers were supposed to be used to accommodate vacationers, and the kitchen was to be set up in the ancient Smolensk Church. Fortunately, this project was never brought to life, and the historic structures were preserved.
Now the quarters of the Vicar of the Lavra and the Cathedral Chambers are located in the Hospital Chambers. The monks are gradually restoring these buildings, planning to set up a monastery hospital here.
