Zvenigorod, located near the capital, is famous for its historical and cultural attractions. The structure of the Alexander Nevsky Church in Zvenigorod impresses with its grandeur and special atmosphere. We offer a description, coordinates and an overview of the main shrines of this magnificent temple.
About Zvenigorod
In accordance with the available archaeological data, there was a fortress on the territory of the modern city. Its appearance dates from the end of the 12th - the beginning of the 13th century. A lot of historically important events had to go through this ancient city:
- times of specific princedom;
- ruin as a result of raids of nomadic tribes;
- burning at the stake applicants to become Moscow rulers.
At the beginning of the 18th century Zvenigorod entered the Moscow province, later becoming a county center. Today the city is known for the development of tourism. There are practically no industrial enterprises here, which most favorably affects the ecological situation of these places.
To travel to Zvenigorod, you can use the railway transport. Bus routes organized from the bus station are also offered.
Majestic attraction
The building of the Alexander Nevsky Church in Zvenigorod was erected at the end of the 19th century. This magnificent structure owes its appearance to the donations of patrons.
The temple was built in memory of Emperor Alexander III. Thanks to this ruler, a significant increase in the military and industrial power of the state was ensured, despite the complexity of the historical era. Also, the people were grateful to Alexander for supporting a peaceful foreign policy without bloodshed.
The place of erection of the shrine was chosen as a cemetery on which the remains of the emperor rested.
The history of the temple
The walls of the temple of Alexander Nevsky in Zvenigorod were originally built of brick. At that time it was already proved that wooden churches suffer destruction in the form of fires.
The architect of the project of the church of Alexander Nevsky in Zvenigorod was L. Shapovalov. The style of creation was chosen eclecticism. On the quadrangle of the church stands a tin drum of eight faces and a tent. The western part of the structure is complemented by a refectory and a bell tower, which has the shape of a rectangle.
In addition to local funding, money was received due to the fact that five acres of wood were sold. To start construction work, a special construction commission was elected. It was headed by the city headman. This fact indicates interest in the creation of the church of the first persons of the city.
The temple owes the appearance of the bell to the funds donated by the local resident A. Andriyanova. She donated 100 rubles for a good purpose. The construction of the building took about three years. Its solemn consecration took place in 1902 with the participation of the bishop of Mozhaisk Partheny.
Difficult period
The destruction of the Soviet period did not spare this shrine. Atheists destroyed the cemetery around the temple. During this period, a terrible event happened - the holy martyr Nikolai Rozanov, the then head priest of the church, was shot. The church could be destroyed like other numerous monuments of religion. But the temple withstood the hardships of a terrible period.
In the difficult pre-revolutionary time, the church building became a women's dormitory. Later it housed a communications center. This led to the loss of an important structural element - the central dome of the church was replaced by an antenna for broadcasting radio broadcasts. Fortunately, the church managed to survive the period of the Great Patriotic War.
Rebirth
Only at the end of the 20th century, during the period of the revival of spirituality, divine services began to be held in the church of St. Prelate Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. And after the appointment of Archimandrite Nestor as abbot, large-scale restoration work began.
So it was possible to return to the world the pristine beauty of the temple. Then Metropolitan Juvenal blessed the building to establish a second throne. He was given the name of Savva Storozhevsky.
Significant Events
Later in the temple opened a children's Sunday school. Parishioners visit her whole families. During the ongoing ongoing restoration work, the interior of the shrine is becoming more beautiful. It is composed of magnificent icons and other church objects.
Later, the Sunday school was replenished with a library in which everyone can take literature on Orthodox subjects. This moment significantly affects the formation of the spiritual culture of parishioners.
Overview of the main shrines
Among the shrines of the temple of Alexander Nevsky, the most important is directly part of the relics of the great emperor. Also here are stored many relics of saints such as:
- the great martyr Fedor Tyrone and the martyr Tatiana;
- Rev. Euthymius of Athos and Ambrose of Optina;
- George Danilovsky and Alexy Bortusurmansky;
- Grand Duchess Elizabeth and nun Barbara;
- Hieromartyrs Alexander and Roman.
Visitor Information
Visiting the city of Zvenigorod, Moscow Region, it is useful to go to this magnificent spiritual center. In addition to visiting shrines, parishioners are offered lectures on Orthodox subjects addressed to adults.
The time of visiting the temple is 9.00-16.00. During this period, its doors are cordially open daily. You can visit the church shop, it is also possible to call the temple for information of interest.
The Sunday service schedule is as follows:
- 6.30 - the beginning of the early divine liturgy.
- 8.40 - the beginning of the divine liturgy.
- 16.00 on Saturday - the beginning of the all-night vigil.
On weekdays and special holidays, service is held in the morning at 8 o’clock and in the evening at 17 o’clock on the eve of the holiday.
The sacrament of Baptism is allotted for 12 hours. If you wish to perform such a rite, a preliminary announcement conversation in the presence of godparents will be required. These people should clearly understand what responsibility they assume.
The address of the church of Alexander Nevsky is easy to remember - it is located on Moskovskaya Street, house 35.
To summarize
From ancient times, there has been a magnificent tradition on Russian land to perpetuate significant historical events and figures by erecting religious buildings. One of the striking examples of this is the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Church of Zvenigorod.
Built thanks to the efforts of local residents, it was created as a tribute to the memory of Emperor Alexander III - the ruler, who was deeply revered by the people. This man not only ensured the development of industry, but also sought to pursue a peaceful foreign policy. His ashes rested in a cemetery where they decided to build this church. Later, the relics were transferred inside the temple.
Despite the terrible period of atheism, with its atrocious laws and the destruction of religious shrines, the building was able to resist so that at the end of the 20th century the doors would open again for parishioners after lengthy restoration work.
Today, this magnificent landmark has rightfully become the center of the spiritual life of the area. Here, for several decades, a Christian school has been operating, a lecture hall for adult parishioners and an Orthodox library for everyone.
Using the example of this magnificent religious construction of Orthodoxy, we can confidently say that the spirituality of the people is invincible, because true values are immortal!