The history of the church in honor of the Virgin Tikhvin began a long time ago, in the 70s of the XVI century. Time passed, generations were replaced, and the temple of the Tikhvin Icon at VDNH invariably carried on its ministry. Even in godless years, his power did not close, we will mention this more. Now let's begin our story.
Royal temple
In fact, the Tikhvin Temple (VDNH, Moscow) is closely connected with Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Previously, in the village of Alekseevsky there was a completely different church, built, as you might guess from the name of the village, in honor of the man of God. For those who do not know what they are talking about, we decipher: the name Alexey is translated like this.
Once Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich chose the village, having decided to settle here. No sooner said than done that the owner of these places did not oppose his decision. The king stayed in the village with his son, went hunting and noble persons enjoyed their lives. And then the ruler decided to build a temple. He ordered in 1673 to lay a church in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. More precisely, in honor of Her image - "Tikhvin". But the ruler himself did not live to see the end of the construction of the temple; he soon became calm. For seven years, construction was underway, completed only in 1680.
Further events
There will be no heart-rending story of how the atheists destroyed the temple at VDNH. Although a lot went to the old building, starting from the time of the war with Napoleon. The French army did not think of anything better than how impudent to occupy a church. The main temple became a food warehouse, and a stable was made in the refectory.
After the war, Alexander I took up the restoration of the desecrated shrine, allocating a huge amount of his personal money. But it was possible to refine the temple only in 1836. By this time, the Alekseevskaya church was dismantled, its bricks went to build a bell tower in a restored building. In memory of this temple, at the end of the 19th century, a chapel was built in honor of St. Alexei - a man of God.
The twentieth century is approaching with its bloody atrocities, authorities everywhere are destroying the houses of God. But they bypass the temple at VDNH, services were conducted there regularly, there was no closure. Although not without the intervention of the Soviet government: she ruined the church, taking away her jewelry. A vegetable base was set up in the lower church, but services were mainly held, though without bell ringing so as not to irritate those in power.
The Great Patriotic War affected the monastery in a good sense of the word. There is a legend that Stalin ordered to take the miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Tikhvin and make an air "procession" with her around Moscow. The leader’s order was executed, and after some time our army went on the offensive, which ended in the defeat of the Germans near the city of Tikhvin.
After the war, repair of the temple at VDNH was started. The rector at that time was Father Vladimir Podobedov, who took up this matter.
Almost forty years have passed since the victorious 1945. The 80s are coming, the last Soviet ones. At this time, Archpriest Arkady Tyshchuk, who died in 2012, becomes the rector. Currently, the rector is Archpriest George Gutorov.
Interesting fact
It is known that all his life, Patriarch Aleksei II served in the church on March 30. The date is associated with his heavenly patron Alexei - a man of God, in whose honor the late patriarch received his name.
Address
Would you like to visit an old church and bow to the miraculous image of the Mother of God of Tikhvin? Then write down the address: Moscow city, metro station "VDNH", Prospekt Mira, house 130.
The church is located near the Alekseevsky cemetery, in the immediate vicinity of the VDNH metro station.
Worship services
Does the temple at VDNH have a schedule? Like most churches, this is available. We will please the readers who decided to attend the service with the good news. Services are held daily.
On weekdays, morning service starts at 8:00. On Sunday and holidays there are two liturgies - early at 7:00, late at 10:00.
Evening worship is held regularly. Its beginning is at 17:00 hours.
Conclusion
The temple at VDNH is one of the few that have preserved the old spirit. This is very important, awareness of how great this shrine is. More than one generation prayed in the church, she saw a lot of things in her lifetime. Look into the temple, touch a piece of the past, pray where our ancestors once turned to God - isn't this a miracle? Visit the temple in honor of the Tikhvin Icon of the Virgin.