The temples of Veliky Novgorod are one of the important attractions of the city, which has a long history. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists come here to visit ancient churches. Some of them will be described in more detail in this review.
Alexander Nevsky Church in Veliky Novgorod
Alexander Nevsky Church was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Historical documents indicate that the temple was decided to be erected in March 1913. The Zemsky Provincial Assembly approved the construction of the church next to the Grigorov Seminary. The construction was dedicated to the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the reigning Romanov dynasty.
Several projects were proposed, of which the work of the famous architect K.K. Romanov was chosen. However, in the future, R. R. Ergle, an engineer from Novgorod, made changes to his project.
In 1915, all the main works on the construction of the temple were completed. In early August of the same year, in a solemn atmosphere, the bells were raised at the belfry. Six months later, the church was consecrated in the name of St. Alexander Nevsky. However, the newly built temple was destined to exist very briefly. Three years later, the authorities began to implement the decree on the separation of the state from the church. At that time, all the temples of Veliky Novgorod faced this situation.
The decline of the church
At the end of March 1919, residents of Novgorod entered into an agreement with the local executive committee on the acceptance of the church for use indefinitely, along with all church utensils. However, in 1922, a partial seizure of certain church values began. In 1930, all the remaining temple utensils, vestments from icons, salaries and part of the altar were seized.
In July of the same year, an act was drawn up and signed that approved the liquidation of the church, and the building was transferred to the Grigorov state farm. Before the Second World War, the temple housed a club for culture and recreation at a veterinary college. Like many churches in Veliky Novgorod, the church of Alexander Nevsky suffered from Nazi occupation. So, in the building during the war, the garage of the Spanish “blue division” was located, and the bell tower served as an observation deck on which automatic weapons were installed.
After being liberated from the Nazis, the hospital was temporarily located in the building, and after the Second World War - a food store and warehouse.
Temple revival
In the mid-90s of the 20th century, a gradual revival of the church began. The mayor of the city, A. V. Korsunov, greatly assisted in its restoration. The construction company "Inzhstroy" also actively participated in the restoration of the building. At that time, the temples of Veliky Novgorod almost all needed restoration, which did not go as fast as we wanted.
In just three months of 2002, colossal work was done, and the church was almost completely restored. Novgorod believers raised funds for the internal improvement of the temple. In mid-2013, painstaking work on the iconostasis was completed.
Currently, the church is fully restored, services are being performed in it. On holidays, the building gathers under its arches hundreds of pilgrims and believers. In the temples of Veliky Novgorod, the schedule of services is inconsistent and varies depending on church holidays. For example, in the church of St. Alexander Nevsky, services are held on weekdays from 8-00 to 18-00, and on weekends - from 9-00 to 19-00.
Cathedral of Christ (Veliky Novgorod)
This is the first church that was built in the city after the 1917 revolution, and V.K. Belov became its architect. The symbolic stone at the very beginning of construction was laid in September 1994.
The beginning of construction was consecrated by bishops from various regions and countries. In December 1999, the state commission signed an act on acceptance of the building into operation. The church was consecrated in early July 2000. The temple turned out to be unique and unlike the surrounding buildings. However, it blends quite harmoniously into the cityscape.
Church Description
The Cathedral of Christ has a rectangular shape with cross-shaped elements protruding from the sides of the building, which are decorated with various architectural elements. The length of the building reaches 55 m, the width is about 35, and the height with the cross is 22 meters. A large foyer was made on the ground floor, and the liturgical hall occupies the second floor, there is also an altar part and a balcony. According to Christian tradition, the front part of the altar is facing east.
The church looks very majestic and impresses with its architecture. The temple belongs to the Gospel Church and is a Baptist church. It is one of the most famous sights of Veliky Novgorod and attracts a large number of tourists. It is amazing that in this Orthodox city there is a similar church.
Divine services in the Cathedral of Christ are held on Saturday and Sunday at 9-00 and 12-00. Everyone can visit the church, regardless of faith or religion. This beautiful architectural creation will amaze everyone with its beauty, as well as numerous Orthodox churches in Veliky Novgorod.