The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Simferopol was built in the 19th century, and destroyed in the 20th. Currently, the cathedral is in the process of restoration. The history of the appearance of the temple, its architecture and unusual facts will be described in this essay.
Cathedral History
The idea to build the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Simferopol belongs to Empress Catherine II, who was in this city in 1787. However, the death of her favorite, Prince Potemkin, and then the Empress herself, postponed the start of construction.
In 1810, during the reign of Alexander I, the construction of the cathedral began. But because of World War II with the French in 1812, construction had to be suspended. Four years later, the construction of the temple was decided to continue, but to make a number of structural changes.
The new project was developed by the then-famous architects I.F. Kolodin and I.I. Charleman. The best Russian craftsmen were invited to erect and decorate the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Simferopol.
Start of construction
After the new project was ready in 1816, the craftsmen began construction. The sacristy, church utensils, icons and bells from the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which fell into disrepair, were moved to the new church.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Simferopol was built from local stone - buta. It was delivered to the construction site by the Tatars living here. 13 years later, in June 1829, the consecration of the cathedral took place. This church became the first truly monumental building in Simferopol. In the temple were stored items that were donated by Empress Catherine II to the city.
Synodal period
In 1845, on the donations of parishioners in the church, two chapels were erected (side, additional altar). One chapel was created in the name of the righteous Anna, and the second - in honor of the Intercession of the Virgin. Also, two iconostases were made in the church. New iconostases were made in 1847 by the famous master P.I. Bocherov.
The Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky in Simferopol became in 1860 and was transferred to the newly formed Tauride Diocese. Over time, it became apparent that the cathedral needed expansion, in 1864 it was implemented.
The altar part of the temple was expanded, which needed a new iconostasis. It was made in a short time, the new altar was decorated with 25 icons. The main fresco, The Last Supper, was depicted inside the main dome. The old iconostasis of the cathedral was transferred to a church dedicated to worship the arms of the Apostle Peter, who was in Simferopol prison.
Subsequently, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Simferopol continued to rebuild and expand. In 1869, three altars were created, and a gallery was set up on the western facade of the church. Three years later, a series of work began to lengthen the temple - so that it could accommodate everyone.
Temple destruction
At the end of 1922 the temple was closed, and a year later there was a pogrom. Unknown vandals blasphemously abused the Gospel, stripping jewelry from it, and also cut the garments. The cathedral was used as a repository for church utensils and icons that were confiscated in monasteries and churches of the Crimean peninsula.
In 1929, the cathedral decided to give a more civilian look. Bells were removed from it and crosses were dismantled from the domes. However, the temple interfered with the new leadership of the city by the fact that it was in its very center.
In this regard, at the end of May 1939, the Crimean Executive Committee decided to destroy the cathedral. In September of the same year, on the day when Christians celebrated the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the temple was blown up.
The ruins of the cathedral were disassembled into stones, and they were further distributed around the city for the construction of new buildings. A variety of trees and shrubs were planted on the courtyard of the cathedral, and the new government decided to create a square on the site of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Simferopol. The relics stored here until the destruction of the temple, his servants were transferred to the Church of All Saints.
Cathedral restoration
After the collapse of the USSR and the beginning of the restoration process of churches and monasteries on the former territory of the Soviet Union, the question of rebuilding the cathedral began to be raised more and more often. In 1994, on June 22, at the place where the temple used to be, a worship cross was erected, and in January 2000, the first stones were laid, symbolizing the beginning of construction.
For a long time the construction of this temple took place. To date, it has been built, but the finish is not yet complete. The restoration of the cathedral continues and at present, despite the state support, funds are not enough, since in addition to the temple, the complex of buildings around it is being restored . Many parishioners donate money for the speedy restoration of the shrine.
Schedule and Location
The address of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Simferopol, Crimea, Nevsky Prospekt 6. Despite the fact that the church has not been fully restored, church services are held there. Believers come to worship the relics of saints, which are stored in the cathedral. In particular, here are the relics belonging to St. Gurius of Tauride, as well as the main shrine of the cathedral - the icon of Alexander Nevsky with a particle of his relics. In addition, a particle of the relics of Lazarus the Four-Day is stored in the lower temple.
The schedule of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Simferopol is as follows: services in the church are held daily, from 8-00 to 20-00. On holidays, the schedule changes a bit, for example, night services are added on Easter and night standing.
In addition to the fact that the cathedral is considered a sacred place among the Orthodox, it is a monument of history and architecture. The restored temple immediately became one of the main attractions, not only among numerous tourists, guests of the city, but also among local residents. The magnificent architecture, the golden domes, dazzling with their brilliance in the sunlight, the unique icons inside the temple and the skillfully executed frescoes attract here believers, as well as connoisseurs of beauty.
Arriving to relax in Simferopol, be sure to go to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. You will get acquainted with the history and extraordinary beauty of this temple, as well as you will feel its special energy. The impressions gained from visiting this amazing cathedral will remain with you for life.