The place "Kopteva wasteland" was first mentioned in the scribe book of 1584. Judging by the chronicles, this settlement will celebrate 430 years this year. The territory in different years belonged to different owners, until after the death of the last owner, one of the Georgian princes named George, was not in the Kremlin department. It happened at the end of the 17th century. In 1812, the French almost completely burned the settlement. The district railway laid through Koptevo united the village and the Podmoskovnaya station. In the future, they laid the Novo-Podmoskovnoye automobile road around the Northern Administrative District of Moscow, where Koptevo is located.
The temple as an architectural decoration of the capital
Currently, Koptevo is one of the modern districts of Moscow. The main decoration can be called the church in Koptev George the Victorious. The complex was built by the masters of the Arkhangelsk company "Pomeranian Carpenters" completely from logs. The project was led by an architect, V.V. Ivanov. The traditional "northern" temple style very successfully fit into the stone architecture of the capital. Built in 1997, St. George's Church in Koptevo is equipped with a round-the-clock decorative lighting system. All domes, crosses and the entrance of the architectural complex are equipped with lighting. Automatic lighting is configured so that when ignited and turned off, reflected light creates the necessary effects at different times of the day. Five wooden domes appear in all their splendor, illuminated in the evening twilight with soft or cold shades of light. Above the porch of the church is a small bell tower.
Shrines in the temple
The main throne of the temple was consecrated immediately after construction. Attached, icons
Mother of God "Assistant in childbirth", received a blessing in 2005. The temple in Koptevo (St. George) preserves the relics of the saints and the great martyrs. Hundreds of Moscow and visiting believers come to pray to parts of the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarovsky, St. George the Victorious, Optina Elders, Diveevsky saints, Confessor Matrona, icons with parts of the relics. Liturgy, memorial services, during the service of akathist are included in the daily schedule of services. The temple in Koptevo conducts conversations with those who wish to be baptized, classes at the Sunday school.
About the life of St. George the Victorious
The temple in Koptev is dedicated to the name and glory of a real person, a warrior and a faithful Christian. George the Victorious knows the church as a defender of Christianity and believers. Born around 275 in Beirut in a wealthy family of Christians, George was well developed physically. In addition, he was smart and educated beyond his years. At a very young age, a strong, courageous and handsome young man enters the service in the Roman army. At the age of twenty, George, who is well versed in military affairs, is entrusted with the command of a cohort of inquisitors (military rank). For military courage in the war with the Persians, the emperor Diocletian makes a young warrior his closest.
How tortured great martyr George
Diocletian worshiped the traditional Roman gods. Rejecting the doctrine of Christianity, accusing the supporters of Orthodoxy of witchcraft and arson, he violently exterminated the adherents of the new religion. George courageously defended his fellow citizens from imperial anger and arbitrariness. For this he was subjected to terrible repeated torture. His body underwent wheeling, “burning” in
quicklime, boots with nails inside, poisoned drink. According to legend, George suffered these unprecedented tortures due to his faith in Christ and his help. Thanks to devotion to his convictions, George defeated the terrible bodily sufferings to which he was subjected, and came out of all torture unscathed. Therefore, believers around the world call him the Victorious. The saint was executed by beheading in April 303. His body was buried in the Palestinian city of Lydda. In honor of the holy martyr, the defender of the offended, and built a church in Koptev, St. George the Victorious bears the name.
Patronage of shepherds and military
The name George is translated as "farmer." The saint patronizes shepherds and herds, because even during his life George often did this, appearing on a snow-white stallion. The Russian people revere him as the patron saint of the army. George the Victorious is depicted on the coat of arms of the Russian Empire. The eponymous order is considered the greatest distinction for military exploits. The orange and black colors of the St. George ribbon are symbols that accompany military valor and glory. In the Russian army, an indelible St. George ribbon was attached with the award to the banners of the military units most distinguished in battles. In 1992, the Order of St. George was restored as a sign of the exceptional military award of the Russian Army. Today, the orange-black ribbon is a symbol of victory over fascism in the Great Patriotic War.
Public everyday life of the church in Koptev
The most beautiful church in Koptev - George the Victorious - organizes various events for Christian youth. Here, great attention is paid to the organization of free time of the younger generation: there are various sections in it. Youth can engage in:
- in a theater studio;
- in a student group for art lovers;
- in the brotherhood of travelers and rangers;
- in the military-patriotic "Airborne Forces Club";
- in sports sections;
- at cooking courses.
At the end of the tourism instructor courses conducted by the temple in Koptevo (the class schedule takes into account cadets of all ages), students receive official government documents with the qualification of an instructor. Practical and field classes are held. Unions at the temple contribute to the development of patriotism among young people.
For millennia, the holy great martyr is considered the patron saint of Moscow and Russia. This is evidenced by the famous church in Koptev - George the Victorious, as well as hundreds of his parishioners and believers who worship shrines.