Moscow is rich in temples and Orthodox churches. No wonder legends have been circulating about this since ancient times. In this article we will touch upon two parishes located in the capital. Specifically, we will discuss the following temples in Sokolniki: Holy Resurrection and John the Baptist.
History of the Temple of the Resurrection
We begin our short review with the coming in honor of the Resurrection of Christ. The Resurrection Church in Sokolniki was built at the beginning of the 20th century, or rather, in 1913, through the efforts of the notorious priest John Kedrov. It was thanks to his labors that the capital was enriched by this magnificent building in the style of Russian Art Nouveau.
This temple gained special fame thanks to the choir of the blind, which operated under it, as well as the fact that, contrary to the traditional orientation of the altar to the east, this church faces south - toward Jerusalem.
The construction of the temple is associated with legends about the miraculous manifestations of saints. In the beginning, the Mother of God appeared to Father John, who ordered the construction of a spacious, beautiful church to replace a small hospital church, which could not accommodate everyone. The priest hesitated with the execution of the order, since he did not have sufficient funds at his disposal, and then the Virgin appeared to him for the second time, making a severe reprimand. Then, Father John began construction, although he did not know what he would pay. When the deadline for settlement with the builders was already close, a certain businessman saw in a dream the apostles Peter and Paul, who showed him the way to Sokolniki, saying that the new church there needed his donation. So Father John got money, a similar miracle was also associated with St. Nicholas, who, in the form of a pilgrim, visited the church and left a significant amount of money in it.
The Resurrection Church has, in addition to the main one, two additional chapels - in honor of the Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul, as well as in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Joy to all who mourn”.
When the revolution happened, many churches were closed. The same fate befell the temples in Sokolniki, however, the Resurrection Church continued to function and even flourish due to the fact that deprived Orthodox Christians flocked to this after closing their own parishes.
For about ten years, the temple was run by the Renovationist Church, but during the Great Patriotic War, the authorities transferred it to the hands of the Moscow Patriarchate. However, the clergy of the church remained the same - they, together with the church, joined the new church structure.
Resurrection Church is currently
Today, this temple continues to function as a religious building within the Russian Orthodox Church. His rector is Archpriest Alexander Dasayev, who, being dean, coordinates other churches in Sokolniki. Along with him, about ten clergymen serve in the parish.
History of the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist in Sokolniki
The temples in Sokolniki also have in their circle the famous church in honor of the Nativity of the Prophet and Baptist of Christ John. Its history begins in the XVII century, when it was part of the complex of the Transfiguration Palace. It was laid by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. But time and technological progress have radically changed the terrain. Therefore, the modern church of St. John in Sokolniki is the second church.
The new building was sponsored by the widow of a wealthy entrepreneur Olga Titova. She donated one hundred thousand rubles to this business. It was she who initiated the new church to be consecrated in honor of John the Baptist, since he was the heavenly patron of her late husband. She also made the condition that an additional chapel would be dedicated to the Apostle Matthias - in memory of her son, who also passed away. The laying of the temple was completed in 1915, and already in 1917 the consecration of both chapels took place.
Unfortunately, due to changes in the state, they tried to close the temple in 1919. Locals defended the church, but not for long. Three years later, the decision to close the parish was nevertheless adopted. The bells and domes were removed from the church building, the painting on the facade was destroyed, and all jewelry was removed. Later, the room was used as one of the shops of the electromechanical plant.
Temple of John the Baptist now
The government handed over the temple to believers only in 1998. Since then, it has the status of the Patriarchal Compound within the Moscow Patriarchate. For a long time he was in the territory of a private enterprise, which complicated its restoration. Gradually, he still finds its historical appearance.
Resurrection Parish and the Baptist Church in Sokolniki: schedule of services
In both churches, the evening service is held at 17:00. In the Resurrection Church - daily. In the Forerunner - on the eve of holidays and Sundays.
The liturgy in the Resurrection Church is served daily at 08:00. On holidays and Sundays, the additional liturgy is at 06:45.
The liturgy in the Baptist Church is served daily at 08:00 a.m. On holidays and Sundays - at 09:00.