In 2010, in the capital on Nakhimovsky Prospekt, the newly-built church was solemnly consecrated in honor of the faithful companion of the life of Prince Dimitry Donskoy - Princess Eudokia (in the monasticism of Euphrosyne). The idea to perpetuate her memory was hatched for many years and was finally realized. At the end of construction, the church of St. Euphrosyne, Grand Duchess of Moscow in Kotlovka, opened its doors.
Wife of Dimitri Donskoy
The Church of Euphrosyne of Moscow in Kotlovka is remarkable first of all because it commemorates the saint, whose life is inextricably linked with key moments in the history of Russia. Before the adoption of monastic tonsure, which the princess performed at the sunset of her days, she bore the name of Evdokia. The daughter of Prince Suzdal, even in his youth, Evdokia married with Moscow Prince Dimitri.
It was an unusually difficult period in the history of Russian land. Fragmented and lacking centralized power, it could not withstand the numerous hordes of invaders who came to Russia from the wild steppes. An important advantage of the enemies was the strictest discipline established in their ranks, based on fear of the ruthless khans who led the troops.
The wedding took place in 1367. Since then, for twenty-two years, Eudokia was a faithful assistant and companion of her husband. When in 1380, Prince Dimitry led Russian soldiers to Kulikovo Field, his wife constantly prayed for the victory over the adversaries, and when on September 21 (ns), the regiments led by her husband knocked over and defeated the hordes of Mamaia, she met him at the Spassky Gate of the Kremlin surrounded by jubilant Muscovites.
The new invasion of the Tatars and the death of her husband
She was next to Dimitri Donskoy at a time of dire trouble, when two years later the Tatar Khan Takhtamysh, taking advantage of the favorable situation for him, plundered and burned Moscow. When the Grand Duke went to the Lord, Evdokia, contrary to the tradition established among the widowed princesses, did not go to the monastery, but began raising six sons - future specific princes, whom she gave to Demetrius at the time of their happy marriage.
When, in her declining years, Evdokia decided to take monastic tonsure, the residents of Moscow wept her off to the monastery. There are records showing that this departure from worldly life was accompanied by many miraculous healings of the afflicted, who at that moment were on her way. So, for example, one seriously ill patient on the eve of her tonsure saw in a dream that the princess promised to heal her from her illness. Along the path of Evdokia, the sufferer approached her, and she touched her with the edge of her clothes. Immediately a miracle happened, and the patient recovered.
In the monastery the widow of the prince adopted the name Euphrosyne, she peacefully departed to the Lord in 1407. Immediately after her death, the relics of the princess became famous for many miracles that happened through prayers over them. The memory of the saint is celebrated on May 30 and July 20.
Temple building
Before the church of St. Euphrosyne of Moscow was erected in Kotlovka, in 2003, the works of its founder opened a temporary church. Under her, teaching the basics of faith was organized, which is important, since the level of knowledge in this area among the population was very low.
The Church of Euphrosyne of Moscow in Kotlovka was founded in 2005. The place for him, allocated by the administration of the capital, was not chosen by chance. The fact is that, according to historical data, it was here that the estate of the pious princess Evdokia, called Kotly, was located. An important historical event is connected with it - in this estate the princess received the future saint - Metropolitan Cyprian. She managed to convince him not to leave Moscow, which elevated the city as the spiritual center of Russia.
When the church of Euphrosyne of Moscow in Kotlovka had not yet been consecrated, the relics of the saint, which had previously been stored in the Ascension Convent , had already been transferred to it . It happened in an atmosphere of special solemnity. The consecration of the temple took place two years later - in 2010. Since that time, the church of Euphrosyne, the Grand Duchess of Moscow, in Kotlovka began to open its doors daily for everyone who wants to attend church services.
Holy relics of the temple
The Church of Euphrosyne of Moscow in Kotlovka keeps in its walls holy images recognized as miraculous. Among them are such icons of the Virgin as Pochaevskaya, Inexhaustible Chalice, and Vladimirskaya. Largely thanks to the miracles revealed through these holy images, the church of Euphrosyne of Moscow in Kotlovka is invariably full of parishioners and residents of other areas of the capital.
In recent years, hundreds of new, newly built temples have opened across the country. This fact pleases our hearts, because for many decades of the struggle against God so much has been hastily and recklessly destroyed from the heritage of past centuries. The time has come to realize this, to repent and, as far as possible, to make up for what was lost.