As indicated in the annals, the village of Troparevo was a palace, a monastery, a merchant, and a state. But at all times, the Church of the Archangel Michael on the southwestern outskirts was perceived as a source that helps to develop spiritually. Consider the history of this temple, explore the sights that the shrine is famous for.
Construction location
The Church of the Archangel Michael on the southwestern edge of the capital is known as a ceremonial building towering above a hill. For several centuries, the spiritual life of the Troparevo district has been focused here.
The village of Tropareva has always been characterized by a lively vibrant intersections, roads from which lead in a westerly direction. This area previously belonged to a merchant, whose name was Ivan Tropar. Subsequently, the village began to belong to the Novodevichy Convent. So, at the end of the XVII - beginning of the XVIII century, the Church of the Archangel Michael appeared on the southwestern outskirts.
Our days
Over time, the village became an urban area. The area was called "Troparevo - Nikulino." The temple is located on the south side of the park on Vernadsky Avenue, 90.
How to get to the Church of the Archangel Michael? To get here, you can use land transport: buses and taxis. Depending on which part of the city you can get from, you can get up at the stops “Theater in the Southwest” or “Church of the Archangel Michael”.
When are the services held?
To attend the service, you can choose the following time:
- The liturgy is held daily on weekdays from 8 a.m.
- Evening takes place at 17 hours.
- Liturgy is held twice on Sundays - early in the morning (at 7:00) and later (at 10:00).
- On Sundays and holidays, they perform the sacrament of the All-Night Vigil. It starts at 5 p.m.
In case of some changes in the schedule of services, this information can be found on the official website of the church. Messages are systematically updated. The article already indicates the address of the Church of the Archangel Michael in the southwestern outskirts.
This church is visited daily by many parishioners, admiring its external and internal decoration and addressing prayer requests to the Creator.
Historical facts
The history of the Church of the Archangel Michael in Troparev began at the end of the XVII century. The building was created in accordance with the then requirements for the five-domed architectural style. A characteristic feature is that the style combines traditionally Russian forms and new elements, which are more splendid and decorative. Such techniques were borrowed from the architecture of Western countries.
The building is characterized by the symmetry of the composition, which consists of the following elements:
- five-domed two-light main building (or “four”, as it is also called);
- three-part apse;
- refectory;
- three-tier tent bell tower.
Architecture features
According to the famous historian and local historian M. Ilyin, the general composition of the church in Troparevo - Nikulino is similar to many other ordinary churches of that time.
But its architect wanted to apply some spectacular innovations. This explains the use of the techniques and forms of Moscow baroque in relation to this structure. So it became more formal, solemn in appearance.
The bell tower form of the Mikhailovsky Church is a typical example of an octahedron, which is typical of the tent bell towers of the XVII century. It is created in the form of a centric platform, where a light cut-through window of a small shape in the form of an octagonal tent is provided.
To date, neither columns on pillar supports, nor decorative platbands have survived. The bell tower was located as required by the then canons - strictly above the center of the western entrance to the building.
Description of the sights and shrines of the church
From the description of the Church of the Archangel Michael, you can find out that the building is interesting because it combines the rural and luxurious architecture in an unusual way. After all, Moscow baroque (which is precisely what the style of the Mikhailovsky Church is called) is characterized by splendor of decoration, a peculiar pomp. Therefore, the building fits in quite well with the urban landscape.
The main attractions of the temple are:
- Onion domes in the amount of five pieces. They have gilded crosses. The foot is decorated with a crescent. Such symbolism can be traced back in Revelation from John the Theologian. Previously, they depicted a baptismal font or the Bethlehem nursery. This designation can in no way be considered a symbol of the victory of Christians over Muslims.
- Attraction is the main temple mosaic icon. It is located on the right above the gates of the church. The mosaic depicts Archangel Michael as the Archistratigus - the leader of the heavenly warriors. He fearlessly goes to war with evil. With the help of festive red shades, the confidence that good will triumph and the fallen angel will be defeated is emphasized.
- Among the variety of revered temple shrines, the icon of the Virgin “Donskoy” and “Kashinsky” should be highlighted. Also here you can see the relics belonging to the holy martyr Kharlampiy and St. Nicholas.
In addition to those listed, the temple has many other notable icons.
Temple prosperity
Over the past few years, there has been a prosperity of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Troparevo and its further transformation. This can be seen in the updated domes sparkling in the sun against the backdrop of magnificent nature. Strictly and solemnly the new fence looks. The building has acquired a clergy house and a Sunday school. There is an increase in the number of believers who regularly attend the temple. The church is becoming especially popular.
On the east side of the church, where the church fence was installed, a memorial plaque appeared on the exit to Vernadsky Avenue, on which the names of Troparev residents who died during the Great Patriotic War are carved.
Today the Church of the Archangel Michael is subordinate to His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. By status, this is the Patriarchal Compound. The repeated visits of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II to worship here are known.
About the rector of the church, Archpriest George Studenov, it is known that he studied at the Moscow Theological Seminary and the Moscow Theological Academy.
Through the efforts of the abbot, labor and care are invested, the purpose of which is to restore the temple. This person is also known as an honorary professor at Moscow Pedagogical University.
The prosperity of the temple was repeatedly told both in Moscow and in all-Russian publications. The church has earned a reputation as the main attraction on the southwestern edge of the capital.
To summarize
The Church of the Archangel Michael in the southwestern outskirts of Moscow is an old building that previously belonged to the inhabitants of the village of Troparevo. Over time, this area has become one of the urban areas. It can be successfully reached by buses and minibuses from any end of the capital.
Among the sights of this church, the mosaic image of Archangel Michael, who boldly speaks out to fight the forces of darkness, stands out especially. Also, various images of the Virgin are stored here.
The temple owes its prosperity today to Rector Georgy Studenov, whose forces help the church rebuild and become even more beautiful. The atmosphere of the church ensures its popularity among parishioners.