In the city of Engels, Saratov Region, there is a small church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin. It looks very modest, but has a unique history. This simple church is a monument to the faith and courage of the Orthodox inhabitants of the city of past years. Indeed, the erection and opening of the church in the era of the Khrushchev’s struggle with religion is a real feat.
Story
The very first small wooden church in Pokrovsk was built in 1770, but soon died in a fire. In its place in 1781 a single-throne stone church was erected, which was consecrated in honor of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. He gave the city a name - Pokrovskaya Sloboda.
In 1801 the church was expanded, a second parish was consecrated in honor of the erection of the Virgin Mary in the church. By the end of the XIX century, the number of parishes reached 3 thousand people.
After the October Revolution, the temple was closed. According to the plans of the Bolsheviks, it was decided to lay a railway line through the temple. In this connection, they decided to dismantle the church, and use the stone in the construction of other buildings. A few months later, the city of Pokrovsk itself was renamed Engels. Authorities have repeatedly considered the plan for the unification of Saratov and Engels, but this project was never implemented.
In 1954, thanks to numerous applications from believers in the city, the Soviet authorities granted permission to restore the Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin in Engels.
The original place of the Intercession Church was already taken, therefore, one of the townspeople bought a summer cottage located on Stantsionnaya Street, near Lake Bannoye.
The construction of the temple
Parishioners built a new temple on their own. There was no architectural design, so some mistakes were made during the work. Bricks were mined with great difficulty. Someone wrote them out for their own stoves, someone made houses with their own hands.
Worked only at night, at bonfires. Despite the permission of the authorities, they could be kicked out of work for participating in the construction. Ordinary people came to the house of worship and, at the risk of freedom, helped to build the building.
The main building force was older women. Whether there are other churches in Russia erected at such a time and under such conditions is not known.
Simple local artists were also involved in the painting, one of which, A. Lunkov, was a student of Jacob Weber. Mural Lunkova and now preserved over one of the doors of the temple.
In the church choir of the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin in Engels, the best voices of the Saratov Opera House and Conservatory were sung: V. Bulankin, N. Pukhalsky, A. Manstein.
Step by step, overcoming many obstacles, the house of God was built by the efforts of ordinary people, the construction of which lasted almost 40 years.
In 1991, the construction of the Pokrovsky church ended with the installation of a large dome and the prayer house receiving the official status of the temple.
In the period from 2003 to 2013, the facades, roof, dome, windows, doors and iconostasis of the temple were updated.
Current state and activity of the church
In the temple there are particles of the Protection of the Virgin, the Nursery of the Savior and the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. In the right limit is the ark with particles of the relics of 8 saints
A particularly revered icon of the temple is considered the image of the Mother of God "Redeemer." Every Sunday, a prayer service is held with the reading of an akathist in honor of this icon.
At the church in honor of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Engels there is a Sunday school for children, where young parishioners from 4 to 14 years are admitted.
There is also a children's studio "Wonder", which hosts developmental classes for children from 2 to 5 years.
There is a Sunday school for adult parishioners, which is open to all comers. The church library of the temple contains many spiritual books.
The temple carries out great social work. It provides charitable assistance to those in need. City dwellers in difficult situations may receive clothing, medicine, and food at church.
Every Saturday, charity feedings are held for homeless and needy parishioners.
The female choir of the Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin in Engels is a professional singing group. In addition to liturgical activities, participants in the church choir take part in Orthodox events and celebrations.
Schedule of Divine Services
For parishioners, the doors of the temple are open daily from 7:00 to 19:00.
The main services are held as follows:
- Morning Divine Liturgy (on weekdays) - 8:00 a.m.
- Evening service (on weekdays) - 17:00 h.
Sundays and holidays:
- Early Liturgy - 7:00 a.m.
- Late Liturgy - 9:00 a.m.
- Evening service - 17:00 h.
In the temple, you can order trebs and purchase various spiritual literature.
Address
The Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Engels is located at: st. Stantsionnaya, house 4.
The current phone number can be found on the official website of the Intercession Church.
In Engels, you can get to the temple by minibus number 1 and 25. You need to get out at the garrison store stop.
From Saratov to the Intercession Church you can take the bus number 247, 247A, 284K to the stop "Railway Station".