In the center of the largest historical city of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, more than 100 years ago, a Catholic church was built - the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which belongs to the diocese of St. Joseph (the city of Irkutsk).
Here, within the walls of the church, there is currently an organ hall belonging to the Krasnoyarsk Philharmonic.
This religious building is a striking architectural ensemble of the Gothic style and has a very interesting history.
History reference
The Catholic parish in the city of Krasnoyarsk was created back in 1836. And only in 1855, permission was granted to build a temple. So, two years later, the first wooden Roman Catholic church appeared in the city. In the internal space of the premises, an organ was established for the implementation of religious services.
But for forty years the temple building became unsuitable for use in the needs of the church. Since all of his designs are dilapidated. And then the question arose before the parish about the construction of a new building under the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Krasnoyarsk, this time from brick.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a decree was issued on the start of construction, and six years later, the design of the temple was approved. Donations were collected for several years: both in western Russia and in the Yenisei province (the so-called territories on the Yenisei River, where the city of Krasnoyarsk is located).
By 1911, a modern church building for a thousand people was built, and several additional wooden rooms were erected for a parish school, housing for church attendants and the office. The construction was led by architect Sokolovsky V.A.
Description
In 2011, the building of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Krasnoyarsk (photo) turned one hundred years old.
At present, in addition to church daily services, there are also concerts of organ music.
Many things have been experienced by the building and its parishioners over a century of history. In difficult historical periods, the premises were seized, rented out under lease terms, adapted for storage facilities and so on.
Only in the eighties of the last century the church was restored to its original state: they cleaned the brickwork of the facade from whitewashing, returned the towers, which were removed at the time due to the lack of need for them.
Now the hall with the organ is used as a branch of the Krasnoyarsk Philharmonic. The walls of the church host concerts for everyone. Both local residents and guests from other cities visit it with pleasure.
As for musicians, foreign organists often come here on tour. In general, in terms of sound quality, the instrument is considered one of the best in the country, and in terms of acoustic characteristics, the concert hall of Krasnoyarsk is the best in Europe.
Catholic parish
As for the Catholic community, which partially owns this monastery, church services are held within the walls of the building for several hours a day, and religious groups also work (Mary's Legion, St. Rosary's circle, youth prayer group, catechesis, alpha course). Members of the community also organize various thematic conferences, a parish theater operates, there is a Catholic broadcasting editorial office and a book publishing house.
The city government plans to build a new venue for organ music concerts, thereby finally returning the building of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Krasnoyarsk) to the Catholic parish.
Schedule of Divine Services
On Mondays, the Church hosts the Holy Mass (beginning at 5 p.m.), as well as the worship of sacred gifts and prayer for the needy and the sick.
From Tuesday to Saturday you can get to Holy Mass (beginning at 17.00).
On Sunday, the schedule of services in the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Krasnoyarsk) is as follows:
- rose garden (beginning at 10.00);
- worship of the Holy Gifts (10.30);
- Holy Mass (11.00).
Favorite place of citizens
Residents of Krasnoyarsk are very proud of such an unusual and atypical temple building for the main city buildings. Its tall Gothic spiers are visible from afar. And they always attract the attention of tourists, because the church is located in the city center.
Being close to this grandiose building, it seems as if you are near the eminent Notre Dame Cathedral. As if a piece of Europe came to Krasnoyarsk.
By the way, near the church you can often see wedding couples and lovers who are photographed against the background of the church. In general, this is a favorite place for local photographers.
In order to admire the church not only from the outside, but also from the inside, you just need to buy a ticket for an organ music concert or season tickets for regular listeners.
The unusual atmosphere of organ concerts as if dips every guest in the magical era of the Middle Ages. After all, music for such an instrument was composed just at that time period.
The sounds of the organ are unusually piercing and grand. They force not only to touch the musical art, but also awaken and brighten the soul and heart, inspire.
Tourist info
The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord is located at: Krasnoyarsk, Dekabristov street, 20. Landmark: Central Park of Rest named after Gorky.
You can get to it by public transport, the bus number 31 goes to the city center. Exit should be at the stop "Radio Plant".