The bells of the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, one of the most significant symbols of Ukraine’s historical and cultural heritage, have been included in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This decision confirms the uniqueness and importance of the bell-ringing traditions that have existed in Ukraine since the 15th century.
This is reported by Kyiv24
History and Uniqueness of the Monastery Bells
The first bells of the temple were made of bronze and were lavishly decorated with religious motifs and ornaments. Over the centuries, the techniques of casting and bell construction have significantly improved, contributing to the development of the art of bell-ringing. The uniqueness of the Michael’s carillon lies in the fact that it was the first in the Orthodox world to use a chromatic set of bells combined with a piano keyboard system.
This carillon is the largest in the post-Soviet space in terms of the number of bells, with a total of 51 bells, weighing from 2 kilograms to eight tons. The height of the bell tower exceeds 48 meters. The largest bell, weighing eight tons, is used for the call to worship, while the smaller bells serve as pre-calls and create melodic accents.
Connection to Historical Events and Contemporary Cultural Activities
The practice of ringing bells on the monastery grounds began as early as the 15th–16th centuries. The bells, with their resonant sound, announced important religious holidays, ceremonies, and other significant events in the city. They also served a defensive function, warning residents of approaching enemies or threats. For example, the last bell rang during the Maidan protests in December 2013, when the “Berkut” riot police advanced on the protest camp.
“The tradition of bell-ringing did not cease even during the Soviet era when the St. Michael’s Monastery was destroyed. Masters passed on their craft to functioning churches throughout Ukraine”
In 1997, the monastery walls with the Economic Gate were restored, and just a year later, in 1998, a new bell tower was built and the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral was officially opened. Thanks to the efforts of restorers and the church community, the tradition of bell-ringing is preserved and developed, symbolizing Ukraine’s spiritual and cultural identity.