One of the first and main cathedral temples of Yalta is the church of John Chrysostom. It is located very close to the sea, on Polikurovsky hill, which hangs over the city center. Temple of St. John Chrysostom (Yalta), whose reviews about the beauties are only positive, attracts many tourists. It is the oldest spiritual object of the city with an interesting history. His visit will bring not only the joy of contemplation, but also spiritual peace.
The church on which the temple was built
Scientists believe that in the place where this temple was erected, there was previously a church, which was destroyed by the Turks in the late 18th century. This happened after the Russian troops established control of the peninsula. Just the other day, a peace treaty was to be signed, but the Turks decided to take the last chance and at the same time attacked the Russian troops, having landed from the sea along the entire southern coast.
Despite the fact that their military operation ultimately ended in defeat, they still managed to achieve some success. In particular, Yalta was put on fire, the Russian garrison inside it was knocked out, and Simferopol retreated, many city residents were killed. As a result of this attack, the settlement not only remained without a church for many years, but also lost most of its inhabitants.
Temple construction
Gradually, Crimea, like all the southern regions of Russia, began to be settled by Christians. In cities and settlements, not only administrative and residential buildings were erected, but also churches and temples. Yalta was no exception.
By the middle of the 19th century, it had become a full-fledged city from a small village, in which several thousand inhabitants lived. It had shops, a market, a post office, a marina and much more. Only the church was missing.
The Governor of New Russia M. Vorontsov decided to fix it and, finding the necessary money in the treasury, ordered the construction of the Church of St. John Chrysostom. Yalta took it with glee. The place where it was supposed to be located was chosen by Polikurovsky Hill, which was not far from the embankment.
Initially, the construction was led by the Englishman Elson, but after it was replaced by the Italian Torricelli living in Odessa. For the construction of the temple, limestone was used, from which the workers made blocks that were tinted yellow. In this form, he existed for many years.
In the 80s of the 19th century, a significant reconstruction of the temple was made. The number of domes was reduced to one, and the building itself was expanded. With the coming to power in Russia of the Communists in 1917, services were banned for many years in the USSR, churches were destroyed and closed.
This fate has not passed and the church of St. John Chrysostom. Yalta has lost one of its main spiritual symbols. Only in 1994 did he regain its former appearance and services were resumed in it. The Simferopol and Crimean diocese received one of the best spiritual objects.
Temple related legends
Many tourists are attracted by the secrets surrounding the church of St. John Chrysostom. Yalta holds many legends and myths. Including the hill on which the temple is located. According to legends, he got his name for a reason. "Polycourt" in Greek means "housewarming". Since ancient times, fishermen lived on this hill, whose patron was John, in whose honor one of the capes was named.
In addition, during excavations, archaeologists discovered the ruins of an old church, which was built by the Greeks, but later destroyed during one of the wars. Among other finds is the marble head of Jesus Christ.
Temple visit features
Currently, the Church of St. John Chrysostom is a church with five domes and bells, covered with gold leaf, which are located at an altitude of 45 meters. When you look at him, his majesty and beauty are striking.
Since the temple is operating, managed by the Simferopol and Crimean diocese, there is a schedule of all services that are most often held in the morning. Numerous parishioners gather at them, among which there are many who donated the church of St. John Chrysostom. Yalta thanks to this returned one of its symbols.
On the territory of the temple there are shops where you can buy ritual utensils, scarves, candles, souvenirs. In addition, next to it are the remains of an old cemetery, where many famous people of their era were buried. This graveyard attracts many tourists who like to explore it.
Where is the temple
Finding it is not difficult at all. Where is the church of St. John Chrysostom (Yalta)? His address: Tolstoy Street, 10. All the information you need about him can be found by visiting the official website. The easiest way to get to the temple is by bus or taxi. Due to the fact that it is located on a high hill, it can be seen from afar.
The history of this temple has nearly two hundred years. He connected several generations of Christians who lived in Yalta. He, like the whole country, went through a difficult, thorny path, but nevertheless he was able to revive again. The temple is not only a spiritual building, but also a place popular among tourists. Every year, many vacationers and pilgrims visit it.