In the 90s, the Orthodox Church got an opportunity for a new stage of development in Russia. Temples began to be restored, traditions of faith in the lives of many people returned. No less important for the spiritual life of society is the ability to build new churches. Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) has become one of the symbols of the continuation of Christianity and a new architectural object of the city.
History of creation
One of the decorations of the Saransk diocese is the cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk). The history of its creation can be described in detail by our contemporaries, since everything happened before their eyes. In 1991, the Saransk diocese was separated from the Penza. To organize services, the city needed a cathedral. The choice was determined right away - it became the ancient centuries-old John the Theological Church.
The number of parishioners was constantly increasing, and when Patriarch Alexy II arrived on a visit in 2000, it became clear that the temple does not accommodate everyone. A liturgy with the participation of the Archpastor was held on the street. There was an urgent need to build a new people's cathedral.
For a long time they chose a place for construction, the choice fell on the central part of the city. It was decided to erect a temple on the square, where two streets go out - Sovetskaya and Bolshevik. The sketch design was approved in 2002, the laying of the cornerstone and the ark with the relics of the saints took place in 2004. Construction was carried out quite quickly, the cathedral was opened in the summer of 2006. Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) was consecrated by Patriarch Alexy II.
Traditions and Modernity
Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) is a grandiose building that inherits the best Byzantine traditions of building churches. An empire style was chosen as the architectural style, and the type of temple was a cross-domed one. The height of the central part of the cathedral together with the dome cross is 62 meters, the total capacity is 3000 people.
The cathedral is crowned with four belfries, which houses twelve bells of different sizes and tones. Masters of the city of Tutaev (Yaroslavl region), where ancient technologies were preserved, were engaged in their ebb tide. The largest bell weighs six tons. On Sundays and on holidays, the Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) convenes parishioners to serve with its unique chime.
At a height of forty meters around the central “drum” of the cathedral, a convenient platform has been built with a view of the whole of Saransk, the entrance to it is paid.
The interior of the temple consists of an iconostasis created from precious woods, followed by gilding. It is divided into three parts: the central limit is consecrated in honor of the heavenly patron saint of the church - St. Theodore Ushakov, the right limit of the iconostasis is dedicated to the Monk Seraphim of Sarov, and the left is consecrated in honor of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Mordovia.
At the top of the temple are balconies where choirs are equipped. Icons, icon cases of the temple are carved and painted by local craftsmen, led the work of I. G. Shemyakin.
The Lower Transfiguration Church, where the baptismal rite takes place, is located in the basement of the cathedral. Administrative rooms are located here, Sunday school classes are held, a refectory and a library are equipped for priests and parishioners.
Activities
One of the priorities of the Orthodox Church has always been the education of children and youth. Since 2006, a Sunday school has been operating at the cathedral. The number of first students was small - only thirty people, now one hundred and eighty people attend classes. The pedagogical staff sees its task in instilling in children love for their land, fostering kindness, and responsiveness. Much attention is paid to the study of religious literature, the history of the church.
Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) invites everyone to attend classes that are held on Sundays. Children from 5 to 18 years old are accepted to school. For adults, there is a school of Orthodoxy, where anyone can sign up. There is also a pilgrimage center at the temple, where trips to Holy places are offered, for example, to the Diveevo convent, St. Optina desert and many others.
Helpful information
How does the cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) work? The service schedule is as follows:
- On weekdays at 07:45 a morning liturgy is held, evening service begins at 16:45.
- On Sundays, the liturgy begins at 08:45, and evening service begins at 16:45.
Everyone can visit the temple, it is open daily and welcomingly welcomes both a parishioner and a tourist.
Where is the Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk)? His address: Sovetskaya street, building 53.