Somewhere far in Arkhangelsk there is a temple. It is consecrated in honor of St. Alexander Nevsky. Small, unremarkable, which are hundreds in Russia. But the amazing father serves there. Parishioners love him very much. As well as the church of Alexander Nevsky - in Arkhangelsk every resident knows it.
How was created
There should be a beautiful story about the temple destroyed during the Soviet era. And how the Orthodox community sought its restoration.
Alas, the Alexander Nevsky Church in Arkhangelsk is not ancient. And nobody restored it - the temple was rebuilt from scratch.
It all started in 2000. Then the Orthodox community in the district of Varavino-Factoria was allocated land. As you might guess, under the construction of the temple. At the same time, they gave her a wooden one-story house. It was located near the site allocated for the temple. In this house of worship, the first services began.
In 2001, the consecration of the crown and the foundation stone of the future temple took place. Hieromonk Theodosius was appointed its rector. Father is a resident of the Artemievo-Verkolsky monastery. And the temple of Alexander Nevsky in Arkhangelsk is the compound of this monastery.
And then came the year 2006. Five years have passed since the foundation and consecration of the stone. And now it was time to raise the bells on the built temple. They were cast in Tutaev (Yaroslavl region). Made by old technology, purchased with donations from parishioners. Finally, the bells shone on the belfry of the temple in distant Arkhangelsk.
February 2007 is coming. Frost, snow glistens and plays in the sun. And near the temple a crowd of people gathered. Here are representatives of the authorities, and Cossacks, and ordinary people. They all rejoice like little children. Still would! After all, today they will consecrate the newly built temple. The consecration was conducted by Bishop Tikhon of Arkhangelsk and Kholmogorsky.
And again the years fly. Already behind the window in 2011. The parish is increasing significantly. Something needs to be done, for people do not fit in a small temple. And then a decision is made: it is necessary to expand the room. No sooner said than done. The expansion took place due to two logs - from the north and from the south. As a result, the area doubled, and now all the parishioners quietly fit in their favorite temple.
Abbot
You can see the temple of Alexander Nevsky in Arkhangelsk in the photo. His abbot is now abbot. This is the same father Theodosius.
The priest loves his flock very much. Parishioners tell what kind person their father is. He helps the destitute and the poor. In the summer, homeless children and those who need help live at the temple. Father Theodosius does not refuse anyone. He will feed, give water, and give clothes. Even gypsies went to him. And he did not drive him out - he greeted everyone, gave him the necessary.
Parishioners say that the father is quite capable of christening a person for free. If he sees that he who wants to be baptized cannot make a donation, he does not make a problem out of it. There were times when a priest baptized half the young children. Leaving for hot spots, they could not help but go to the temple.
Clergy
In addition to Father Theodosius, three more priests serve in the church of Alexander Nevsky in Arkhangelsk. These are priests Oleg Tryapitsyn, Alexander Shishlevsky and George Shestakov. Each of them has an individual experience of service.
Social work
The temple in question has its own Sunday school for children. But this is not surprising: almost at every church there is one. The project "School of Loving Parents" looks much more interesting. Moms and dads are taught here. What can be taught to adults with children? Love for your children, understanding of them and members of your own family. In addition, the school is taught to communicate with difficult children and adolescents suffering from various addictions.
There is a family center at the temple. It is called the Noah's Ark. Parents with children gather here. They arrange theatrical performances on religious topics, conduct moral conversations. Children often go on various excursions.
But the main task of the center is to provide spiritual and social assistance to families. It will find support and large families of the district.
Sobriety society
A temple of sobriety was created at the church. It is named after the holy righteous John of Kronstadt. The saint was known as the initiator of the sobriety movement in pre-revolutionary Russia.
Society provides support to those who are not able to overcome the disease on their own. It provides social, psychological and spiritual help. Moreover, not only to patients, but also to their relatives.
Every Wednesday in the church of Alexander Nevsky in Arkhangelsk there is a prayer service in front of the icon of the Inexhaustible Chalice. It helps to cope with alcohol and drug addiction. In addition, a sobriety liturgy is held on the last Saturday of each month. Special prayers are read here for those who suffer from this disease.
Where is the temple
Residents of Arkhangelsk were lucky. They have a temple engaged in the implementation of the above projects, and they well know the way to it. But for those who may happen to be in the city by accident, and even in this particular district, it does not hurt to find out the address of the Alexander Nevsky Church: Arkhangelsk, Leningradsky Prospect, 264.
timetable
To get to the services, you need to know their schedule. Here they are held, as a rule, at the indicated hours:
- 9 hours, weekdays - the beginning of the morning service.
- 18:00 - evening service.
- 8 a.m., Sundays - confession.
But the schedule of services in the church of Alexander Nevsky (Arkhangelsk) is desirable to clarify by phone. It can change, especially during the holidays.
You can come to the temple just to relax your soul - it is open daily from 8:00 in the morning until 20:00.
Relations with temple attendants
To know the exact schedule of services in the church of Alexander Nevsky (Arkhangelsk), you should call. If you have questions to the ministers of the temple, they can be sent by e-mail.
Alexandrovsky park
On the territory of the Northern Dvina, near the temple, now there is a boring and dull wasteland. Of course, the parishioners are struggling to ennoble the territory. For example, near the temple there is a children's town, a sports and volleyball court are open.
But that is not enough. Rector, priests and parishioners want to create a park for citizens. He will ennoble the appearance of the Northern Dvina, and people will be able to relax here with the whole family.
Once, a century ago, such a park existed in the city. It was called the Alexander City Summer Garden. The main highlight of it was the complete absence of alcohol. All kinds of holidays were organized here, festivities, literary and musical evenings were organized. And all this without the presence of alcohol.
Now the clergy and parishioners of the church of Alexander Nevsky decided to revive the idea. And the name for the park was invented - Alexandrovsky. This is in honor of the holy noble Alexander Nevsky (the temple is named after him).
Conclusion
Soon articles are being written, but not soon temples are being built. And even more so, parks. While the trees are planted, while they grow or take root, a lot of time will pass. But in the parish of the church of Alexander Nevsky there is always a lot to do. Priests are working - they lead the souls of the parishioners to God. Parishioners are working - they are involved in numerous projects, which are described above.
Touch this wonderful world. Any temple is a house of God, which means you are an earthly miracle. If possible, be sure to visit the church of Alexander Nevsky. Attend the service and feel how easy it has become for your soul.