In Crimea, there are a huge number of attractions. Travelers are attracted by the Livadia Palace, the Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai, the Swallow's Nest, the Genoese fortress. A special place in this list is occupied by the church of St. Catherine in Feodosia, in another way the church is called St. Catherine's Church. It is located near the Feodosia bus station, opposite the Aivazovskaya railway station. This is an unusually elegant, very bright, richly decorated church.
Story
Initially, Christianity in the Crimea was laid by the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, who was one of the 12 disciples of Christ, and St. Clement - the Roman bishop. One of the very first cities in Crimea, enlightened by the light of faith, - Theodosius. In 1892, on April 21 (the birthday of the great Empress of Russia Catherine II), the church of St. Catherine in Feodosia was founded in honor of such a memorable moment when Crimea joined Russia.
The construction of the church took place on the donations of residents. About three thousand rubles were allocated by the chief prosecutor. A large sum of money for the construction was donated by the famous doctor of mathematical sciences - V.I. Lapshin. Traders in the city provided construction materials, and the working people worked free of charge on weekends. The construction committee included the first people of the city: Mikhail Ivanovich Altukhov, Nikolai Alexandrovich Ivanitsky, Vasily Ksenofontovich Vinogradov. Help in the construction of this holy place was provided by the doctor of mathematics Vasily Ivanovich Lapshin and the engineer, the founder of the railway in Feodosia, Nikolai Pavlovich Mezhenin. Temple of St. Catherine is an example of iconic Russian architecture. During its construction all architectural traditions of the 17th century were observed.
Church of St. Catherine in Feodosia: photo, description
The basis of the church (as in all Russian churches) is an equilateral cross. The walls are erected on a high base and are separated by columns in the corners. On the west side is the entrance to the church, which is framed by a portico (covered gallery). Above the entrance to the temple is an exquisite belfry, decorated with small patterned columns. The Church of St. Catherine in Feodosia has five arches. The top of the temple is framed by painted kokoshniks repeating the shape of the domes. Domes, in turn, are dotted with stars. The main golden dome is a light drum, which has the shape of a pyramid. On each side are lancet carved windows. Another light source is rectangular, very high windows, which are located in the walls. This church is considered to be one of the most beautiful sights of the city of Feodosia. It has a solemn radiant appearance from the outside and luxurious decoration inside.
20th century events
During the Soviet era, all Russian churches were closed, and this fate of St. Catherine in Feodosia did not pass. In 1937 she was given over to the warehouse. During the war years (1941), German troops occupying the territory of Feodosia began the restoration of the church. Since then, the temple is considered an active church in the Crimea.
Since 1901, the priest Andrei Kosovsky, who was arrested during the service in the 20s of the last century, served in the church of St. Catherine in Feodosia. And later shot - on charges of anti-Soviet activity. In 2000, Father Andrei Theodosia was canonized.
In the late 90s, in honor of St. John the Baptist, a church was added to the church, where there was a room for a Sunday school and a baptismal hall. In 2002, the church was overhauled. During this period of time, a whole complex was built:
- Sunday school facilities
- library;
- methodologist's office;
- hotel.
More recently, another temple was built here, in which there is a baptismal site for complete immersion. For believers who come to admire the beauties of Feodosia, there is also a hotel at the temple. For a quarter of a century he has been the head priest of Father Alexei (Svitansky) church.
Theodosius, St. Catherine's Church: how to get there?
Due to the fact that the Church of St. Catherine is located next to the railway station (about 200 meters), and also very close to the bus station, it will be easy to walk. It will take no more than 2 minutes.
Reviews about the Church of St. Catherine
Visitors to the temple note that an unusual atmosphere of peace and tranquility reigns here. The unusual architectural ensemble is also surprising: despite the domes with crosses, the carved ornament of the building echoes the oriental style. It is noted that all the buildings around the temple (although they were built later), are made in the same architectural style. The courtyard itself is very cozy - there are comfortable benches here, an unusually beautiful fountain is located. Southern and exotic trees grow nearby, amazing flowers bloom everywhere, of various colors. Very beautiful decoration in the temple itself, in the center is a large and beautiful icon of the Great Martyr Catherine, who is considered the patroness of the temple. This place is noteworthy not only for its beauty, but also because it is the temple of God - the house of prayer.