The history of the church begins in 1593. It was then that the Uglich, exiled to Siberia, brought the “Sign” icon, from which the Znamenskaya Church took its name. The construction of the temple began with a wooden church, which was built by the nobleman Ivan Kachalov in 1703 and named in honor of the icon of the Mother of God.
By the end of the century, the church was already too dilapidated and also suffered greatly from a fire. In 1789, it was decided to erect a stone temple on this site. The builders were the descendants of the nobleman Kachalov, and the construction went very slowly. Only in 1803 the northern aisle of the church was consecrated, and after 7 years - the main throne.
Church restoration
In October 1820, a roof burned in the church on the northern aisle, named after the great martyr Catherine. After the repair, the Znamenskaya Church (Tomsk) becomes a three-altar. In the last northern aisle there were icons of saints in silver salaries, with particles of relics. In the same aisle was the ark with the relics of the Great Martyr Barbara.
Among the shrines of the temple, a piece of the Lord's Tree was especially valuable. According to the memoirs of the parishioners, one night the icon of Christ the Savior was taken out of the temple. When the icon was taken out of the church, it shone in the night with a bright light, and it was immediately returned to the temple. During the years of the persecution of the church, all the shrines were lost.
At the church in 1892, a parish school was opened for girls, in which 63 pupils studied. The temple in 1912 totaled 870 parishioners. There were 156 books in the library. Guardianship was active at the church. The church building after the revolution was nationalized. But the religious community entered into an agreement with the authorities, and services continued in the church.
Second birth
In 1935, the Znamenskaya Church (Tomsk) was closed by a resolution of the authorities . History repeats itself: the dome, belfries and aisles were completely destroyed. By the end of the 80s, the temple looked more like a residential building than a church. In 1984, the building was put on state guard as a cultural monument. In 1992, the church was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, and in 1994 a restoration project was commissioned.
In 1996, the northern side of the temple was restored. A year later - the southern aisle. And in December 2005, the Sign Church (Tomsk) was completely restored.
Sunday School
Since 1996, the church has a Sunday school. The learning process consists of three stages: preschool, primary, basic. Preschool children are introduced to liturgical life. Training takes place in a playful way. The initial stage includes the foundations of the dogma, the introduction to the liturgy. Children take an active part in the life of the church; competitions, exhibitions for the holidays are organized for them.
The main stage of training is a conscious participation in divine services and sacraments of the church, the formation of prayer skills and socialization of the parish. The school year is from September 14 to May 24.
Rehabilitation center
The church has a rehabilitation center for women and men. Its main task is to help dependent people and return full citizens to society. After rehabilitation, the Znamenskaya Church (Tomsk) is actively involved in the life of rehabilitants - it helps to adapt to social life, find a job, and provides spiritual support.
The course of rehabilitation is based on the study of the gospel. Relations in the center are based on trust, Christian love, mutual assistance. Priests hold talks, lectures. In the morning and evening - reading prayers. Between obedience they show films, listen to parables, conduct discussions and games of spiritual content. There is a garden in the center, firewood is being harvested, and premises and territories are being cleaned.
Social ministry
As part of social ministry, the temple provides financial assistance to large families, the disabled and the elderly. The Znamenskaya Church (Tomsk) carries out ministry of mercy in the medical institutions of the city: it helps medical staff in caring for seriously ill patients; conducts conversations with women; provides food and clothing to pregnant women in difficult situations.
Baptismal Memo
The sacrament of baptism takes place after two conversations with the baptized (godparents and parents). Conversations are held in the church daily: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday - 12:00 and 13:00. Tuesday, Sunday - 13:00 and 14:00. Friday, Saturday - 12:00 and 14:00.
Znamenskaya church (Tomsk): schedule of the sacrament of baptism
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday - 14:00. Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 15:00.
- Only Orthodox baptized Christians can become godparents.
- For the baptism of infants, carry a cross, a baptismal shirt, a towel, a diaper.
- For adult baptism, a cross, a baptismal shirt, a towel, a sheet, and slippers.
- A cross purchased not in a church shop must be consecrated.
- Photography and video shooting is done only with the blessing of the priest.
Schedule of services in the Znamensky church (Tomsk)
- Monday to Saturday: morning - 8:30, evening - 18:00.
- Sunday: morning - 7:00, 9:30; evening - 18:00.
The church is located at the following address: 16. Voikova Street, 16, Tomsk. Telephone: 51-44-92.