The ancient city of Nizhny Novgorod during its difficult history has experienced many ups and downs. The city was built at the confluence of the two largest rivers - the Volga and the Oka. Today, Nizhny is the largest industrial, economic regional center. With a population of more than one million people, it is naturally the largest religious center. The city united 123 religious denominations, but we will turn to the native Russian - Orthodoxy.
History of Nizhny Novgorod
Getting into the center of Nizhny Novgorod, on the banks of the Oka and Volga rivers, we rest against the walls of an old brick building - this is the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. It was founded to protect the city at the beginning of the 16th century. However, the city itself was founded in 1221, and the predecessor of the massive stone fortress was a wooden fortress.
Later, this Kremlin will play a key role in the militia against the Polish-Lithuanian invaders. In tsarist times, the city was a major trading center. It has been restored more than once. The city grew, acquired new cathedrals, houses, parks and architectural monuments.
In Soviet times, Nizhny Novgorod was renamed Gorky, and it became a major industrial center. The ancient city became the center of Russian Orthodoxy, and in the post-Soviet era revived the lost monuments of its cultural and religious heritage.
The temples and churches of Nizhny Novgorod are unique, beautiful and unique in their kind. From the article you will learn about the main ones.
Religious city
Nizhny Novgorod, as already mentioned above, gathered 123 religious associations. There are 60 Orthodox churches, an Armenian church, a Catholic church, a Lutheran, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish synagogue, as well as a Baptist church on its territory.
Temples and churches of Nizhny Novgorod can rightfully be called symbols of the city. For more than 90% of the Russian population, they play an important role in life.
Orthodox Nizhny Novgorod
Orthodoxy came to Russia in 988. Today it is the official religion of the Russian population. Nizhny Novgorod is the oldest Russian city, and it is not surprising that, after a long historical journey, its “body” left indelible imprints of religiosity.
The most famous and, of course, significant temple is the Temple of the Icon of the Mother of God in Nizhny Novgorod. This temple is also called the Sorrow Church. The building of the modern church was erected under Catherine the Second, and by no means as a church institution. It was originally a hospital. In those years, according to the decree of the queen, a church was to be located at every hospital. The lack of finance did not allow the city to erect a separate church building, and for a long time it was right on the second floor of the hospital. The situation changed in 1893 - a year later the temple was opened.
In Soviet times it was closed, but in 1963 it resumed its work and was again restored. When to visit the Sorrow Church in Nizhny Novgorod? The schedule of services is presented below.
Churches and temples of the city
Speaking of the most beautiful temples of Nizhny Novgorod, one cannot but mention the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The architectural ensemble of this amazing structure with a red spot stands out against the snow-covered beauties of Nizhny Novgorod. The massive building on the river bank rises above the city, presenting itself in all its glory to the residents and visitors of the city.
The temple was built in 1719. In Soviet times it was closed, and only in 1992 it began to be restored. In 2005, a clock was installed on the church tower.
The Transfiguration Cathedral is distinguished by its power and grandeur. The cathedral accommodates more than 2,000 people! In Soviet times, the townspeople almost lost the church relic, but, fortunately, they managed to save the building, although it lost its elegant look. Only in 1990 the church was returned to the Orthodox Church and restored, as a result of which it acquired a new unique look.
The temples and churches of Nizhny Novgorod survived difficult times, and all the more so their value to the people. Today, temples are actively restored, restored and delighted with their golden domes of each.
Another stunning temple is the Temple in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Naughty". Unlike previous church buildings, this gentle heavenly temple is very young - the parish was opened in 2004. Simple and concise, it harmoniously fits into the outstanding landscape of the city.
Schedule of Divine Services
Divine services in the church in Nizhny Novgorod are held as follows:
- Monday - saturday: 7:30 - Divine Liturgy.
- Sunday and holidays: 6:00 - early liturgy, 8:00 - late liturgy.
- Prayers: daily, after the liturgy.
- Baptism (adults, children): Saturday, Sunday at 9:00.
The churches of Nizhny Novgorod, whose work schedules can be found on the official websites, work every day, seven days a week. In temples, morning prayers usually begin at 7:30 - 8:00. On weekends - at 6 in the morning. Baptisms take place every Saturday and Sunday, with the exception of holidays, from 9 am, after morning prayers.
Conclusion
Indeed, the divine beauty of every church in Nizhny Novgorod has repeatedly saved the souls and inspired the stray hearts of citizens and visitors. The Orthodox life of the city, although it was forgotten during the years of Soviet rule, was always revived with renewed vigor and desire to live. Temples destroyed during this period are restored today.
Great church holidays always take place with restrained pomp in a halo of holy simplicity. There are 60 associations of the Russian Orthodox Church in Nizhny Novgorod. This can only say that people need faith, and her house must be condescendingly majestic.
The temples and churches of Nizhny Novgorod have always played an important role in the life of the Orthodox city, and today we admire these unique and divine houses with great love and respect.