Like Moscow, the Temple of the Nine Martyrs of Kizic has a rich, eventful history. He experienced prosperity and decline, wealth and plunder. In 1992, the temple was finally returned to the fold of the Church. Since then, it has become for many a stepfather's home, without it, not a single important event takes place, such as a wedding or christening, a funeral service or a prayer addressed to God.
Founder
The Temple of the Nine Kizic Martyrs in Moscow appeared thanks to the efforts of the High Priest Hadrian. He was the last patriarch who strictly adhered to the old church system and was an ardent opponent of the reforms carried out by Tsar Peter I.
The future High Priest Adrian in 1685 was appointed Metropolitan of Sviyazhsky and Kazan. At that time, a severe epidemic raged in the city, which residents called fever. He knew that 33 years ago, the plague had already visited Kazan. The infection literally devastated the city, taking the lives of about 40 thousand people.
Upon arrival in Kazan, Metropolitan Adrian immediately vowed to God that if the epidemic was over, he would erect a monastery in honor of this event and dedicate it to the Nine Martyrs of Kizic, as they healed from terrible diseases. Metropolitan Adrian was deeply religious and zealous in prayers, so the epidemic stopped miraculously the next morning. To fulfill his vow, he founded the Kizichesky monastery not far from Kazan. Later, Metropolitan Adrian received the rank of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. Later he continued to honor the martyrs who delivered the city from adversity.
Construction
Once, Patriarch Adrian was dying - he was defeated by paralysis. He again turned to the Nine Martyrs asking for help and made a vow to God that in case of recovery he would build in Moscow the temple of the Nine Martyrs of Kizic. The Lord healed him - the patriarch rose from his dying bed.
The place where the temple of the Nine Holy Martyrs of Kizic will stand was determined almost immediately. By decree of Peter I, land near the Novinsky monastery was placed at the disposal of Patriarch Adrian.
From the very beginning the temple was wooden. Its construction was completed in 1698. It was erected in honor of Saints Favmasiy, Magna, Feostikha, Rufa, Filimona, Antipater, Artem, Theodotus and Theognis.
After 34 years, the priest of this church, Mikhail Timofeev, filed a petition, and he was allowed to build a stone building on the site where the wooden temple of the Nine Martyrs of Kizic was erected. By decree with the blessing of the Holy Synod, money was allocated for the construction of a new church.
In 1735, with the financial support of the Moscow merchant Andrei Semenov, a new church was built and the side chapel of the Archangel Michael.
Pre-revolutionary life
In 1838, two wealthy Muscovites Nerskaya and Chilishcheva donated funds for the construction of a new refectory, where the second chapel, the Barbarian Great Martyr, was consecrated. After 6 years, the construction of a three-tier bell tower was completed. At the end of the 19th century, the temple had 8 bells, the largest of which weighed 315 pounds.
In 1900, funds were raised by parishioners and heating was provided to the church. In the same year, the three-tiered iconostasis was covered with gilding, and the then-famous artist Pashkov skillfully painted the walls with magnificent ornamentation and picturesque biblical subjects. After 3 years, the newly built three-story building was consecrated and placed in it an almshouse and the Devyatinsky parish school.
Post-revolutionary period
As you know, after the revolution, all churches were looted or destroyed, and the clergy were severely persecuted. The temple of the Nine Martyrs of Kizic was no exception. In the spring of 1922, church property was confiscated - all silver and gold utensils were taken away, and in September 1929 all historical and art objects of value to museum workers were removed. The main large icon of the Nine Martyrs was transferred by parishioners to the Church of St. John the Baptist on Presnya. From there she was returned only in February 2004.
Modernity
The events that took place in October 1993 left their markings on the facade of the bell tower of the temple. The fact is that the church itself is located near the city hall and the White House, therefore it fell into the shelling zone - the building’s facade was badly damaged, but in 1994 the Divine Liturgy was held in the church for the first time in many years.
Part of the restoration work is still underway in the Devyatinskaya Church. Murals of the 19th century are already open for public viewing. Some of them were miraculously preserved, and some of the images were updated so masterfully that they completely fit into the general decoration of the temple. Now the Devyatinsky temple has a completed look. For everyone who wants to examine him or take part in a service, his doors are always open. Address of the Temple of the Nine Kizic Martyrs: Moscow, Bolshoi Devyatinsky Lane, 15.