Few have heard of a small settlement called Sartakovo, which is located just a few kilometers from Nizhny Novgorod. Meanwhile, among knowledgeable people, this village is famous for its temple. We will talk about the village itself and the church in Sartakovo later in our material.
A few words about Sartakovo
The village, located near the district center of Bogorodsk, in the Nizhny Novgorod region, between wide fields and well-shaped birches, has been around for many years. She appeared back in time immemorial, and although hardly anyone can take on her exact date of birth, it is believed that the first mention of her arose in the twenties of the seventeenth century. The first inhabitants of the village were Cheremis, and they were led by a man named Sartak - from here, according to legend, the village is named. However, there is another option: in the first documents the village name supposedly sounds like Starkovo - and it was then that a noble boyar with a similar surname lived in it, which, according to some researchers, could serve as the beginning for the formation of the corresponding toponym. Nevertheless, now it is not possible to establish the true origin of the name of the village.
For quite a long time, the settlement was not famous for anything noticeable and did not stand out from the number of other villages in the region. However, at the beginning of this century-millennium, an event occurred that served as the occasion for the emergence of an unprecedented popularity of Sartakov - now he is talked about not only in the region, but also in the region. This event is the erection of a church in Sartakovo.
What's interesting, besides the temple
Before talking about the church, let's say just two more words about what is interesting in this small village. This is the annual open-air music festival Crystal Key. It has been held in the village for several years and gathers not only local talented musicians under its roof, but also visiting folk (and not only) groups. On this day, a holiday is held in the settlement, a fair is held on the main square, and festivities are organized. They come to Sartakovo from all over the region, because it is really worth seeing such an event. And if you already arrived in Sartakovo, you can’t see the church and the source well! Further about them - in more detail.
Church in Sartakovo, Nizhny Novgorod: the beginning
Sartakovo owes the appearance of his own temple to a man named Vladimir. He was born and raised in this particular place, and becoming an adult and, obviously, financially secure, he wanted to “comb” his native village somewhat. It all started with the restoration of the holy spring, which has long been beaten in the village. In 2003, the forces of Vladimir and his comrades reconstructed a source called the “Prince of Vladimir”. We will say a little more about it later, for now, there will be enough words that this particular source served as the beginning for the construction of a large architectural ensemble, including a chapel, a temple, a museum of crafts, and a bathhouse.
The temple appeared in the village two years later. Many took part in its construction, and among them were both the Nizhny Novgorod Metropolitan George and the same Vladimir, through whose efforts the reconstruction of the holy place in Sartakovo began.
More about the church
Despite the fact that the church in Sartakovo, Nizhny Novgorod region is an example of modern architecture, it is made in the old Russian traditions of ancient architecture. Stylized antique - they say so. And indeed, without knowing you will not say that this temple is the brainchild of a new century. It seems that he remained directly from ancient times, and only wonder how he was able to survive so well.
The church was originally built as a one-throne, but now it is a three-throne (in honor of the Holy Prince Vladimir - by the way, in the territory of the architectural ensemble with the temple to the prince, who baptized Russia, a monument was also installed, the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God and the prophet God of Elijah). These changes occurred with the temple, which, incidentally, received the name also in honor of the baptist Vladimir, after its reconstruction, carried out four years ago (in 2014-2015).
The church in Sartakovo operates to this day. They conduct services there, perform various sacraments - they baptize babies and marry newlyweds.
Matrona Moscow
Often called the temple in Sartakovo Matrona Church. The thing is that the icon of the Matrona of Moscow is one of the most revered in the church. Many people go and go to her specially. It is believed that Matron helps in various requests and deeds: protects against illnesses, helps to improve the financial situation, saves the family, returns lost or stolen, protects from troubles, misfortunes, natural disasters.
The disadvantaged, orphans, cripples and so on can find special protection and support at the Matrona of Moscow. So it is not surprising that it is the Matrona Church in Sartakovo, Nizhny Novgorod Region, that the church is called the icon of this righteous person, who helped people during her lifetime, attracts crowds of petitioners and needy. Every day at exactly noon, a prayer service is held in front of her, where everyone can come.
Holy spring "Prince Vladimir"
Slightly sweet - this is exactly the taste of the water from this restored source, the fame of which, like the temple, went throughout the Nizhny Novgorod region and beyond. You can try it every day from seven in the morning until ten in the evening (on weekends and holidays - until eleven). Women and men have separate baths from different sides - the first on the left, the second on the right.
On Fridays at nine in the morning a special Water Sanctuary is held, which can be attended by any visitor to the temple.
Opening hours and other useful information
The Nizhny Novgorod church in Sartakovo has its own website. And even if it’s quite simple, you can get all the necessary information from it - for example, find out the schedule of services or phone numbers by which you can contact both the rector of the church, Vitaly, and other representatives of the church. There, on the site, you can familiarize yourself with the institution’s working hours and find out that the gates of the temple are open for all the afflicted every day from eight in the morning to eighteen on weekdays. On Saturdays, Sundays and all holidays, the church in Sartakovo opens half an hour earlier.
How to get there
Finding Sartakovo is easy. It is necessary to move from Nizhny Novgorod along the Bogorodsk highway (along the one that leads to the city of Bogorodsk). The path will lie through the village of Novinki; having passed it, after only four kilometers you will need to turn left. The fact that you did everything correctly will be indicated by two pointers: “Church” and “Source”. You need to choose the second one - the thing is that you can drive there by car and conveniently park, there will be no such advantage near the church. A path connects the church to the source, so that when you approach the source, you can easily reach the temple.
However, it is necessary to clarify that public transport also goes to Sartakovo. These are bus routes numbered 206, 218, 219. You can also get to Sartakovo by bus from Nizhny Novgorod to Pavlovo (you can take such a bus at the Shcherbinki bus station). You can also get on the train - however, stomp on foot later from the station will have at least a kilometer.
That's all the information about the church in Sartakovo and this settlement itself. Although it is small, it certainly deserves attention. So, as they say, “be with us in Kolyma” - by all means call in Sartakovo.