Located near the capital, the city of Zvenigorod is famous for its historical and cultural attractions. The structure of the temple of Alexander Nevsky in Zvenigorod impresses with its grandeur and special atmosphere. We offer a description, coordinates and an overview of the main shrines of this magnificent temple.
About the city of Zvenigorod
According to the available archaeological data, there used to be a fortress on the territory of the modern city. Its appearance dates back to the end of the 12th - the beginning of the 13th century. Many historically important events had to go through this ancient city:
- the times of the specific principality;
- ruin as a result of raids by nomadic tribes;
- burning at the stake of applicants to become Moscow rulers.
At the beginning of the 18th century, Zvenigorod entered the Moscow province, later becoming the county center. Today the city is known for its development of tourism. There are practically no industrial enterprises here, which has a favorable effect on the ecological situation of these places.
Fortravel to Zvenigorod you can use the rail transport. There are also bus routes organized from the bus station.
Majestic Landmark
The building of the Alexander Nevsky Church in Zvenigorod was erected at the end of the 19th century. This majestic building owes its appearance to the donations of patrons.
The temple was built in memory of Emperor Alexander III. Thanks to this ruler, a significant increase in the military and industrial power of the state was ensured, despite the complexity of the historical era. The people were also grateful to Alexander for supporting a peaceful foreign policy without bloodshed.
The cemetery where the ashes of the emperor were buried was chosen as the site for the construction of the shrine.
The history of the creation of the temple
The walls of the Alexander Nevsky Church in Zvenigorod were originally built of brick. At that time, it had already been proven that wooden churches suffered destruction in the form of fires.
L. Shapovalov became the architect of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral project in Zvenigorod. Eclecticism was chosen as the style of creation. On the quadrangle of the church rises a tin drum of eight faces and a tent. The western part of the building is complemented by a refectory and a bell tower, which has the shape of a rectangle.
In addition to funding by local residents, the money was received by selling five acres of forest. A special construction commission was elected to start construction work. It was headedcity elder. This fact testifies to the interest in the creation of the church of the first persons of the city.
The church owes its appearance to the funds donated by local resident A. Andriyanova. She donated 100 rubles to a good cause. The construction of the building took approximately three years. Its solemn consecration took place in 1902 with the participation of Bishop Partheny of Mozhaisk.
Difficult period
The destruction of the Soviet period did not spare this shrine either. The atheists destroyed the cemetery around the temple. During this period, a terrible event happened - the holy martyr Nikolai Rozanov, the then rector of the temple, was shot. The church could have been destroyed like many other monuments of religion. But the temple withstood the hardships of a terrible period.
In the difficult pre-revolutionary times, the church building became a women's hostel. Later, a communication center was placed in it. This led to the loss of an important structural element - the central dome of the church was replaced with an antenna for broadcasting radio broadcasts. Fortunately, the church managed to survive the period of the Great Patriotic War.
Rebirth
Only at the end of the 20th century, during the period of the revival of spirituality, divine services began to be performed again in the church of St. Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. And after the appointment of Archimandrite Nestor as rector, large-scale restoration work began.
So it was possible to restore the original beauty of the temple to the world. Then the MetropolitanJuvenal blessed the building to establish a second throne. He was given the name of Savva Storozhevsky.
Notable events
Later, a children's Sunday school was opened in the temple. Parishioners visit it with their whole families. During the ongoing restoration work, the interior of the shrine is becoming more and more beautiful. It consists of magnificent icons and other church items.
Later, the Sunday school was replenished with a library, where everyone can borrow literature on Orthodox topics. This moment significantly affects the formation of the spiritual culture of the parishioners.
Overview of the main shrines
Among the shrines of the temple of Alexander Nevsky, the most important is directly part of the relics of the great emperor. Also, many relics of such saints as:
- Great Martyr Theodore Tiron and Martyr Tatiana;
- St. Euthymius of Athos and Ambrose of Optina;
- Georgy Danilovsky and Alexy Bortusurmansky;
- Grand Duchess Elizabeth and nun Varvara;
- Martyrs Alexander and Roman.
Visitor information
When visiting the city of Zvenigorod, Moscow region, it is useful to go to this magnificent spiritual center. In addition to visiting shrines, parishioners are offered lectures on Orthodox topics addressed to adults.
Time to visit the temple - 9.00-16.00. During this period, its doors are cordially open daily. You can visit the church shop, there is alsothe opportunity to call the temple for information of interest.
Sunday service schedule is as follows:
- 6.30 - the beginning of the early divine liturgy.
- 8.40 - the beginning of the Divine Liturgy.
- 16.00 on Saturday - the beginning of the all-night vigil.
On weekdays and special holidays, the service is held in the morning at 8 o'clock and in the evening at 17 o'clock on the eve of the holiday.
The time allotted for the sacrament of Baptism is 12 hours. If you wish to perform such a ceremony, you will need a preliminary categorical conversation in the presence of godparents. These people should clearly understand what responsibility they place on themselves.
The address of the Alexander Nevsky Church is easy to remember - it is located on Moskovskaya street, house 35.
Summarize
Since ancient times, there has been a magnificent tradition on Russian soil of perpetuating significant historical events and figures by erecting religious buildings. One of the clearest examples of this is the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Church in Zvenigorod.
Erected thanks to the efforts of local residents, it was created as a tribute to the memory of Emperor Alexander III - the ruler, who was deeply revered by the people. This man not only ensured the development of industry, but also sought to pursue a peaceful foreign policy. His ashes rested in the cemetery, where they decided to build this church. Later, the relics were transferred inside the temple.
Despite the terrible period of atheism with its brutal laws and the destruction of religious shrines, the building was able to resist, so that at the end of the 20th centuryto reopen the doors to parishioners after lengthy restoration work.
Today, this magnificent sight has rightfully become the center of the spiritual life of the area. A Christian school, a lecture hall for adult parishioners and an Orthodox library for everyone have been operating here for several decades.
On the example of this majestic religious building of Orthodoxy, we can say with confidence that the spirituality of the people is invincible, because the true values are immortal!
