Voronezh, founded in 1586, has many ancient temples. They shaped its image and architecture, becoming an integral part of the city. Initially, the churches of Voronezh were made of wood, which eventually transformed into stone cathedrals that adorn the city. The foundation of the Voronezh diocese marked the beginning of a new Orthodox life in the city, which belongs to the holy places of Russia.
Orthodox churches of Voronezh
In addition to the Orthodox knowledge of God and the conduct of services, the churches of Voronezh occupy a leading position in the formation of the architectural appearance of the city. They complement its appearance with high-rise buildings necessary for any city. Churches were erected in Voronezh during the 16th – 20th centuries. And still there are stone buildings of churches a hundred years younger than the city.
Each church in Voronezh was erected in its own individual image, showing the formation of Svyatoressky architecture over the centuries. The priests took the initiative, conducting sermons not only in temples, but also bringing the Word of God to secular educational institutions. Most of them, having served for decades in one parish, handed the case by inheritance to their sons-in-law and sons, creating dynasties of priests.
Pokrovsky Cathedral
Pokrovsky Cathedral in Voronezh is considered fundamental in the region. Until the beginning of the 20th century. It was considered the standard of the classical style, from a number of the most beautiful buildings of the city. It was erected in honor of the celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, established on October 1 (14) and approved in the 12th century in Russia. The date is marked by the vision of the Apostle Andrew and his disciple Epiphanius the Blessed Virgin Mary, blessing her, covering her, praying people in the Blachernae Church of the Mother of God, located in Constantinople. Virgin Mary patronizes Russia, is considered the patroness of the Russian people and revered by him.
The construction of the Intercession Church in Voronezh from wood took place, according to the chronicles, at the beginning of the 17th century. According to the need to build a stone church, with the blessing of St. Metrophanes, in 1736 the construction of the church began, erected in several stages, ending by the end of the XVIII century.
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is lit in honor of St. Nicholas, who patronizes children, sailors, merchants and travelers. He was nicknamed the Miracle Worker according to the miracles he performed throughout his life. There are known cases of miracles performed by the prayers of believers and after his departure to another world.
Before the construction of the St. Nicholas Church in Voronezh in the Nasnaya Sloboda, at the beginning of the 17th century, a wooden church of St. Dmitry Uglitsky was rebuilt. In it was an icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker, revered in Russia. After the fire that occurred here (in 1703), only she and the altar cross survived , transferred to the church built from a stone in 1712. After 8 years, it was lit in honor of Nikolai Ugodnik.
In 1940 it was closed, and during the Second World War it was partially destroyed and on February 5, 1942 it was returned to the church again. In 1943 - 1949 he becomes the only one in town.
Many churches of Voronezh conduct Divine Services, to strengthen the spirit, faith and humility in our ambiguous, complex and full of contradictions time.