The history of the Orenburg region begins with Khan Tevkel, who back in 1594 asked Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich to accept him with an horde of citizenship. However, the Russian tsars ignored the requests of the steppe khans until 1730. Khan Abulkhair, powerless to overcome the extermination of his small nation, persistently sought the patronage of the Russian tsarina Anna Ioannovna. Almost three centuries have passed since those events, the Orenburg Territory has increased significantly, and with the growth of the population, an Orthodox culture has also developed.
Until 1920, the diocese had 52 churches in Orenburg, most of which were destroyed during the years of Soviet power and re-qualified for the needs of a socialist society. After the collapse of the USSR, Orthodox shrines were rebuilt, and also restored by the diocese and caring parishioners.
Dmitrievskaya church Orenburg
The temple of Dimitry of Solunsky, such is the full name of this church, after the revolution was remade into a cinema. The parish was placed at the disposal of Orthodox Christians only at the end of the last century. The restoration of the temple lasted for almost 20 years. The final work to restore the unique murals of the church of Dmitry Solunsky was carried out in 2012. For six years now, services have been held in the temple, a Sunday school and a library are working.
Church of the Archangel Michael
In this center of Orthodox culture, services are performed in front of the icon of the Virgin, “The Naughty”, famous for many miracles. Like many others, the church of the Archangel Michael was closed by the Soviet authorities in 1931, and all of his clergy were repressed. In 2010, the newly restored church opened its doors to parishioners.
Church of St. John the Evangelist
The majestic red brick temple, built at the beginning of the 20th century, was closed in the 30s. Restoration work began already in the XXI century. Since 2009, the temple is considered a historical landmark. It is located in the city center. Services are held regularly, and a Sunday school is conducting educational work at the church.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
The most visited temple of the city, like other churches in Orenburg, is located in the center. The most revered icon of the Mother of God of Tabyn daily attracts hundreds of Orthodox parishioners and pilgrims. The cathedral originates from a small one-throne church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in 1886. After 25 years, two more were added to the throne. The temple was closed in 1936, but, fortunately, even the Soviet leaders did not raise a hand to destroy it. The cathedral opened its gates in 1944, renewing and rebuilding within half a century. Today it is the pearl of Orthodox architecture.