Among the greatest Orthodox holidays is the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The miracle that happened in 910 in the city of Constantinople is still celebrated. In honor of this amazing event, churches are erected throughout Russia, which are under the auspices of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Cathedral in Izmailovo, Moscow
The Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin in Izmailovo was built in the 17th century. Initially, the church was a wooden log building, which was located geographically in the estate of the boyar Romanov. After the lands passed into the possession of Alexei Mikhailovich, it was decided to build a spacious stone cathedral.
The Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin in Izmailovo and its construction are shrouded in legends. One of the most famous says that the construction of the church went in exact analogy with the Assumption Cathedral. However, the official documentation, which has been preserved since the 17th century, indicates that the external structure of the temple came as a copy of the Intercession Cathedral of the Alexander Sloboda.
The famous Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary in Izmailovo was built by the famous Ivan Kuznechik. The interior of the church in the XVII century was striking in its grandeur. The iconostasis was five-tiered. All power, beauty and incredible divine power were concentrated in it. Over 40 great masters worked on the painting of walls and ceilings.
October 1, 1679, on the eve of the Orthodox holiday, the Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin in Izmailovo was consecrated by Patriarch Joachim. The shrine of the church is the Jerusalem icon of the Mother of God.
Cathedral in Yasenevo
One of the most honored holidays among the Orthodox is considered to be the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Yasenevo Temple (a district of the South-Western administrative district of Moscow) was visited by thousands of believers at this time. The construction of the building was due to a tribute to all the sons of the Fatherland, who gave their lives for the good of the motherland. The construction of the cult building dates back to 2008. The construction was financed by donations from believers and legal entities. The consecration and commissioning of the church took place only in 2013.
The Orthodox Church in Yasenevo is a building 36 meters high. The five-domed cathedral holds 800 parishioners at a time. The interior of the temple is decorated with amazing mosaic sculptures, which are made in the Byzantine style.
The main shrines of the cathedral are: the Anointing Stone, the Star of Bethlehem and the Holy Fire Column. On the territory of the church there is a chapel of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a Sunday school.
Cathedral in Otradnoye
Amazing in its beauty, the cathedral is located in the Voronezh region (the village of Otradnoe). The Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected in 1901. The main difference of the building is its neo-Russian style. The design and interior of the church combines Russian and Byzantine notes that give the cathedral a special touch.
The temple was subjected to significant reconstruction in 1914. This was due to the fact that all interested parishioners could not fit in the church. To meet the needs of all believers, it was decided to increase the premises of the cathedral. The church existed in a similar form until 1930, until the building was transferred to a granary.
The modern history of the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary begins only in 1991. At this time, the cult building was returned to the diocese. The restoration of the church began. In 2001, the temple was consecrated and open to parishioners. In 2015, Russian President Putin celebrated the great Christmas feast with parishioners of this church.
Cathedral in Medvedkovo
In 1635, the Church of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected. Medvedkovo is located on the banks of the Yauza River, in the northern part of Moscow. The construction of the cathedral is associated with two events: the liberation of the Russian Empire from Polish intervention and in honor of the late son of Dmitry Pozharsky - Fedor.
The temple in Medvedkovo is an architectural masterpiece. The building was built in the style of the pre-war period. The internal and external decoration of the church embodies the best traditions of Russian architecture. One dome is located on a high tent. Around the perimeter are small domes on drums. The cathedral consists of two floors: warm and unheated.
The Orthodox churches of Russia are striking in their monumentality, luxury and beauty. In most cases, cathedrals are cultural and historical monuments that are protected by the state.