The Temple of the Sign is one of the few Moscow cathedrals that has never been closed. If you enter under its arches, you will immediately feel the extraordinary atmosphere that the Orthodox call “salvation”.
Story
In the XVII century, on the site where the temple is located today, there was a wooden church, which was consecrated in honor of John the Baptist.
In 1712, a rather dilapidated building burned down. In its place, with the money of benefactors and parishioners, a new church was built. The main throne was consecrated in honor of the icon "Sign" and the image of the Mother of God. The stone temple began to be built in 1757. And he was consecrated in 1766.
According to the project of architect S.V. Krygin, the temple was expanded (1888): lateral limits were carried forward, two extensions were built to the bell tower, a passage appeared that connected the choirs with the second tier of the bell tower. A marble plaque reminiscent of this event has been preserved. It can be seen on the south wall of the refectory. At the same time, a church fence was built. Its author was also the architect Krygin.
Temple "Sign" on Riga in the XX century
At the beginning of the XX century, an almshouse worked at the cathedral. After the October Revolution, the temple did not close. Icons were transferred to it from the neighboring churches that had closed by that time.
For many years the temple of the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” was led by Archpriest A. M. Derzhavin.
In 1979, the building was renovated. In 1980, a church house was built. In 1980, the consecrated throne was consecrated. It was made from a 250-year-old oak. This truly jewelry work was performed by a wonderful master - cabinetmaker V.I. Kudinov, who was a parishioner of the temple.
In December 1997, the baptismal church was consecrated - a beautiful building made of stone.
Architecture
The Temple of the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign”, which we can see today, is built in the Baroque style. The building is distinguished by a symmetrical axial composition, which was finally formed in 1888. The painting of the monastery was carried out by the artist Ya. E. Epanechnikov (1899).
The temple of the “Sign” icon on Riga has the main shrine - the image of the Mother of God, which is stored in the central part of the cathedral. This is an invaluable list of the 16th century, made from the original of the most ancient Novgorod icon. The image of the Mother of God with her hands raised in prayer is surrounded by hallmarks with images of saints.
The Temple of the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” reverently reveres the Life-Giving Cross, considering it a miraculous one. It is located at the back of the temple against the wall (at the north entrance). It is set on an elevation that symbolizes Calvary.
This Crucifix is ​​expertly carved in wood. Behind the Cross is the image of Jerusalem. Previously, the Cross was in a convent located near Pushkin Square, then it was transferred to the church of St. Pimena. When the Pimenovsky Cathedral was closed, with the blessing of Metropolitan Sergius, the shrine was transferred to the Sign Church on Riga. Since then, he is constantly located here.
The Temple of the Sign on Riga - iconostasis
This is a real work of art. Wooden, carved, gilded iconostasis, made in the late nineteenth century. The iconostasis in the center is five-tiered, in the lateral limits two-tier. It is designed in the best traditions of the XVI century. Icons of the Prophetic and Festive tiers are in round medallions. They are decorated with flame-shaped kokoshniks. Carved images of cherubs crown the top. Of the small belt-shaped images is the Praete row. They are placed in three-bladed kokoshniks. The iconostasis contains icons of Moscow letters.
The Temple of the Sign on Riga in its interior has pendant and carved floor cases, which correspond to the style of the iconostasis. But it is surprising that the motifs of the thread are not repeated anywhere.