Monastic Refectory

Russian monks sat down to eat as a single body, symbolising the unity of the monastic fraternity. The prototype of these joint meals was the Last Supper, when Jesus Christ ate with His disciples. Monks dined in a special room called the refectory (trapeznaya). One of the largest rooms in the monastery, the refectory was usually located alongside the chapel and was dominated by a long table. Meals were held in the refectory at strictly defined hours.