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The small, modest, single-domed,
four-pillared Trinity
Cathedral was finished in 1422. Originally it was a fine example of the
early Moscow version of the Vladimir-Suzdal architecture. It was later deformed
with annexed chapels, Nikon's in 1548 on the south side and a four-sloped roof
that covered almost one third of the drum. As the result of the alterations,
the silhouette of the church considerably changed. To decorate it, Nikon
invited Rublev and Daniil, who covered the inside walls entirely with frescoes.
When this happened is not known, but it must have been sometime between 1422
and 1427.
About two centuries later, the original frescoes were in very poor condition,
and the Monastery authorities decided to repaint them entirely. The frescoes
were renewed again on several occasions and in 1855 painted over with oil
colors. There are only a few fragments and contours, of the original Rublev's
and Daniil's designs that survive. The icons painted by the two masters and
their assistants for the iconostasis of the Trinity Cathedral had better luck.
Here also Rublev added a fourth tier, "The Prophets," to the
iconostasis. The fifth tier, "The Forefathers," was added not long
after by Rublev's followers, making the iconostasis of the Trinity Cathedral
the only one which dates from the 15th century that has not been changed since
then, with the exception of a few icons that had been replaced with later
copies, without change of subject, as with the "Trinity" icon. It is
commonly accepted that the "Deisus" tier icons were painted by Rublev
and Daniil, others by their pupils, and certain icons by Dionisii, Ushakov and
others. In all it is a remarkable collection of beautiful icons, which shows
Russian iconography through three centuries, 15th through 17th.
To the right of the iconostasis is a double silver sarcophagus, containing the
remains of Saint Sergius. The inside of the sarcophagus was a gift of Tsar Ivan
Vasilievich, and the outside a gift of Empress Anna Ivanovna. Prayers at the
sarcophagus are offered, continuously, day and night, with a monk on duty who
conducts the service.
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