The church of Simeon Stolpnik on Povarskaya has an unusual history. It can be called a special blessing that this temple was not damaged during the laying of New Arbat. Moreover, the architects decided to make an architectural emphasis on this building. The building is succinctly distinguished from the general ensemble.
The Church of Simeon Stolpnik is famous for the fact that many famous personalities, immigrants from the creative intelligentsia and even Count Sheremetyev were married within its walls. He loved to come to this temple Nikolai Gogol, especially in the last years of his life.
The history of the construction of the temple on Povarskaya
The construction of the church dates from 1676. In 1625, on the site of a modern building, there was a small wooden temple. Some sources refer to it as the Church of the Introduction to the Temple of the Mother of God, which was located at the Arbat Gate. Previously, about 500 people lived in this area (cooks, bakers, tablecloths). For this reason, the local streets are called Povarskaya, Khlebny, Table Lane. Royal cooks had several temples. Earlier Povarskaya Street was a road at all, along which goods were transported and the royal nobility moved.
Church after the revolution
The revolution practically did not interfere with temple activity. For some time after her, services were held in the church. Later, the temple building was transferred to Raypromtrest, which decided to place workshops for the deaf and mute. At one time, a kerosene shop was located in the church.
Title
The church got its name thanks to Boris Godunov, the wedding day of which just fell on the celebration of St. Simeon the Stolpnik. There is a possibility that Godunov himself ordered the construction of a wooden temple in this place as a memory of his wedding.
Description
The end of the 17th century was marked by the fact that on the site of a small wooden church began to build a brick church. The temple building is not very large. There is a refectory, a belfry, several aisles with separate aspids. The aisles are lit in the name of Saints Simeon the Stolpnik and Nicholas the Wonderworker, the last of which was later consecrated in the name of Dmitry Rostovsky in 1759. The main throne is Vvedensky. The refectory, to which the aisles adjoin, was initially low, then it was lifted and extended. She seems to be hugging the lower tier of the belfry.
Interior decoration
The Church of Simeon Stolpnik outwardly has a simple decoration, but at the same time it looks quite elegant. The main volume is decorated with kokoshniki, an openwork tent, patterned drums, arched openings of small windows.
In 1966, the temple was restored. As a result, the tiered coating had to be made simpler and more practical.
After the revolution, the temple of Simeon the Stylite had to be closed. They wanted to demolish the building. Part of the building was dismantled. So the church was dilapidated until it was decided to build the Moscow highway. At first they wanted to demolish the church altogether, since it did not fit into most modern buildings. But the public still managed to save her.
After restoration in 1968, the church was transferred to the All-Russian Society for the Conservation of Nature. Within its walls, exhibitions of representatives of the animal world were held. Soon, the building turned into a sort of crib. The interior was completely destroyed. But, fortunately, it quickly ended. Later in the temple began to hold exhibitions of works of art.
In 1992, the church was once again owned by believers, who renewed its lost beauty. The temple to this day receives parishioners and conducts services.
Temple of Simeon the Stylite in Ustyug
In honor of St. Simeon the Stolpnik, another temple was consecrated - in Veliky Ustyug. Previously, two wooden temple buildings stood in its place.
In 1728, the construction of the lower floor of the modern church was completed. Later, pantry tents and several aisles were installed. In 1757 there was a fire during which the temple was badly burned. It had to be completely rebuilt. Then it was decided to erect a bell tower near the temple. There is a terrace in front of the main facade, which can be accessed via an open staircase. The Church of Simeon the Pillars (the great Ustyug) looks very solemn. Not just because it is considered the most decorated temple in the area.
External and internal decoration
On the ground floor there is a warm church, consecrated by the name of Simeon the Pillar. Its aisle was consecrated in the name of Jacob Alpheev - the holy apostle. The second floor is occupied by the cold Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with consecrated aisles in the name of Nicholas the Wonderworker and Prince Vladimir.
The interior of the temple dates from 1765. The main room is luxuriously decorated with stucco. The Church of Simeon the Pillars is famous for one of the most amazing iconostases of the 18th century. One of the icons of this temple today is in the Tretyakov Gallery. The image of Simeon the Pillar was written in the second half of the XVI century.
In 1771, a bell in 154 pounds was cast for a temple by a local master.
In 1930, the church had to be closed. The iconostasis was partially dismantled, the bells were dropped. Since 1960, the temple has been under state protection as a cultural monument and an object of cultural heritage.
Today the church of Simeon Stolpnik (Ustyug) is active. Already in 2001, the first prayer service sounded within its walls.