Located in the south-east of Crimea, the resort of Feodosia is known to travelers not only for its wonderful beaches and warm sea, but also for its original architecture. Centuries-old history has turned this city into a cultural center rich in museums, unique cult monuments.
Church of St. Catherine
Feodosia annually receives thousands of tourists who, in addition to a beach holiday, study local attractions. There are many holy monasteries in this resort town, but one of them is striking in its diversity. This is the church of St. Catherine (Theodosius). Photos of this cathedral, its description and interesting facts we will present in this article.
This monastery of God was built by joint efforts. Its second name is St. Catherine’s Church. Associated with the choice of the patroness is the fact that it was during Catherine II that Crimea became part of the Russian state. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the site was the village of Sarygol. It was home to workers serving the Feodosiya railway station. The Church of St. Catherine, whose address is Fedko Street, 95, was built in 1892 specifically for them. It is noteworthy that the foundation of the temple was laid on the birthday of the Russian Empress.
Story
The synod for the construction allocated only three thousand rubles. Most of the money was contributed by private donors. Ordinary residents of the city did not stand aside, among which fundraising was also carried out. Local merchants who bought building materials, as well as some workers who built the church of St. Catherine on Sundays for free, helped a lot. Theodosius, at that time a small town, already had several small temples, but the locals were especially sensitive to this.
The work was supervised by a committee headed by the director of the local men's gymnasium. The Church of St. Catherine (Theodosius) functioned until 1937, and then, for obvious reasons, was temporarily closed by the Soviet government. Divine services were resumed during the occupation of the city by the Germans, but after the liberation it was no longer closed.
Description
During the construction of the church, traditions of Russian architecture of the eighteenth century were used. This style implied a special elegance of the building using numerous decorative details. That is why St. Catherine’s Church immediately attracts attention. The plan of the temple is based on an isometric cross. The entrance to the church is located on the west side. It is decorated with a portico, above which a relatively small belfry rises. Its decoration is a low colonnade, assembled from columns expanded in the middle part.
The walls of the church stand on a basement of impressive height. Columns are installed in all corners. There is no single dome over the church. In this temple, it is replaced by five small onions, which is also typical of many places of worship in Russia.
Interesting Facts
Some priests who served in the walls of the church, history did not leave unnoticed. For example, the former abbot of the monastery, A. Kosowski, is considered a saint. Andrei Theodosia was shot by the Bolsheviks for allegedly anti-Soviet activities. In her memoirs, Tsvetaeva mentions another minister from the St. Catherine’s Church - Father Makarii. She became close to him during her stay in Feodosia. Archpriest Alexey is credited with initiative in the restoration of the church. It was during the years of his ministry that new work began, thanks to which today the church has been turned into a huge complex.
How to get there
The village of Sarygol railwaymen is currently located in the city, which means that St. Catherine’s Church is also located there. Theodosius is growing rapidly. To get to the monastery, you need to go from the central bus station in the direction of the railway station. And from there right along Turetskaya street, then along Lunacharskaya you can go directly to the church of St. Catherine (Theodosius).
Reviews
Today, the monastery is a fairly large temple complex. Here, in addition to the church, there is a library, a Sunday school, a teaching room and hotels. Recently, a new building was erected, where the baptismal hall of complete immersion is located.
Judging by the reviews, many citizens prefer to conduct rituals of marriage, baptism, etc. in this church. People say that after the restoration work carried out from 1999 to 2002 on the territory of this landmark of the city of Feodosia, it became much lighter and more comfortable here.
Many people like the appearance of the temple, its some variegation, uplifting. Judging by the reviews, people are impressed by its interior space. The area of the church of St. Catherine, originally designed for three hundred parishioners, today is much larger. And therefore it can accept much more people.
Many tourists are attracted by the appearance of the temple. They note that all the buildings around the main church building are designed in the same style, which creates a single architectural ensemble.