Add a review about the holy key of Panteleimon Healer

There are a lot of interesting sights in Elabuga. At the same time, attention should be paid not only to those who are in its historical center, but also located in the vicinity of the city. One of such natural (and religious) monuments is the holy key, named after Panteleimon the Healer. It is the source of the purest spring water to which miraculous properties are attributed. The key is consecrated by the Orthodox Church, many pilgrims who believe in the healing power of water come here.

Annually on August 9, the feast day of St. Panteleimon, the key is consecrated by the clergy, and then again - during the winter festival of Epiphany. In winter hundreds of people gather here - everyone wants to swim in a holy vein. The spring is located in the national park, a few kilometers from Yelabuga, this place is protected by law and is a natural monument. The holy key of Panteleimon the Healer is considered to be the pride of the entire region.

This is the source that was captured in 1886 by the great Russian artist Ivan Shishkin - a native of Yelabuga - in his painting

This very source was captured in 1886 .the great Russian artist Ivan Shishkin - a native of Yelabuga - in his painting . The canvas with the quite understandable name "The Holy Key near Yelabuga" is now in Kiev, at the State Museum of Russian Art . Thus it becomes clear that this key was known back in those days, but what to say - much sooner! During the merchant period in Elabuga, there were only seven sources that were recognized as saints, and the water in them is endowed with miraculous properties . In unchanged form, only one remains today - the holy key of Panteleimon .

Many legends have been written about the appearance of the source and legends, as it appeared in reality and when it was first consecrated, it is very vaguely known . It is rumored that in ancient times a monastery skit was located at this place . Despite the fact that the holy key is located far from the main car road from Yelabuga to Naberezhnye Chelny, there is a fairly wide and trampled path that a car can run along here. . It's no wonder - many are eager to bathe in the spring or at least wash with its healing water .

According to many believers there are indeed miraculous healings from many ailments, as evidenced by many stories.

Today the holy key is open for visits at any time of the year, but it is most convenient to visit it with a group excursion - the guide will tell you a lot of interesting things acts and tells several legends about the origin of the source. Before going down to the spring, a stone with an inscription-farewell is set not to defile the holy place. The water of the holy key flows down the gutters, built of wood, into a small lake. Not so long ago, fonts were built here, the pavements were paved with stone, several pavilions and rest benches were put in.

Practical information

It's easy to get to the holy key of Panteleimon Healer, he is 9 km from the city, but for this you should not use the public transport. It is most convenient to go here as part of a group excursion by bus - they are made regularly. If you get on your own car, follow the road from Yelabuga towards Naberezhnye Chelny, you will need to turn off and pass some part of the road along the dirt road near the sign to the holy key.

Address: Republic of Tatarstan, Yelabuga LHU, Maly Bor, block 12.