The history of the Resurrection Cathedral began at the end of 1692, when it was decided to build it. Since then, the majestic building has undergone numerous changes, was desecrated and closed in godless years. But the revival of the Resurrection Cathedral in Staraya Russa took place.
XVII-XIX centuries
Once upon a time there was a wooden church on the site of the current cathedral. Years passed, the Metropolitan of Novgorod blessed to build a large church instead. Through the efforts of the church elder and parishioners, the construction of the Resurrection Cathedral (Staraya Russa) began. Construction continued for several years, and was completed only in 1698. The new church was consecrated in honor of the Resurrection of Christ, as the name suggests.
At that time there were three chapels in the temple: the central one - Resurrection, the northern one was named after the former wooden church - Pokrovsky, the southern one was named after John the Baptist. The Intercession Altar was installed first in 1706. A year later, the main altar, and in 1708 the turn came to John the Baptist chapel.
80 years after the consecration of the altar in honor of John the Baptist, a copy of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God was transferred to the Resurrection Cathedral in Staraya Russa. The old Russian image was painted by order of the cathedral elder, its list was transferred on May 4, 1788.
Nine years have passed, the year 1797 has come, it was decided to build a new bell tower. Initially, it was three-tiered, construction lasted 4 years. In 1811, a special clock made by Tula craftsmen was installed on the bell tower.
After 16 years, a decision is made to rebuild the Resurrection Cathedral in Staraya Russa. The new project was drawn up by the outstanding architect of that time - V. P. Stasov. The construction lasted 5 years, at the same time the restoration of the bell tower was carried out. In 1835, the fourth tier appeared on it.
XX century (until 1990)
The new century has become the most bloody and godless in the history of the Orthodox Church. Entering a new era, the Orthodox could not even imagine what awaited them. Churches were destroyed, monasteries were closed, priests and parables were killed.
The Resurrection Cathedral in Staraya Russa was closed in 1936. Previously, it was plundered, taking away all the precious utensils. After closing, the building housed a local history museum, but it lasted only five years. When the Great Patriotic War began, the cathedral fell into the hands of the Nazis, who set up a stable indoors.
After the war, the cathedral was turned into a cinema, then glass containers were stored in it. Shortly before the collapse of the USSR, the Museum of the North-Western Front was opened on the premises.
End of XX - beginning of XXI century
The country threw off the veil of godlessness, the restoration and opening of temples began. The Resurrection Cathedral was transferred to the Novgorod diocese in 1992, at the same time it was consecrated. It was made by Vladyka Leo, who was interested in the revival of the shrine. Two years later, Archpriest Ambrose was appointed rector, who heads the cathedral to this day.
In 2007, the shrine was included in the Federal Development and Restoration Program. A complete restoration was carried out in 2008, when domes and crosses were installed.
Interesting facts
Here are not only facts about the shrine, but also an unusual story:
- The cathedral stands at the confluence of two rivers - Polisti and Porusya.
- Excursions to existing temples are held every Saturday. Those who wish can climb the bell tower of the Resurrection Cathedral, from where a marvelous view of the city opens.
- There is a beautiful legend about a magic stone located in the mound of the cathedral. From time to time he "cries" - water flows down the stone. This is apparently due to oozing groundwater. The stone is called "Bel-flammable". Once upon a time, women prayed next to him, sending their husbands and sons to war. Until now, it is believed that the stone helps people cope with sadness.
Address
If readers happen to find themselves in the city, we recommend visiting the amazing cathedral. Address of the Resurrection Cathedral: Staraya Russa, Vozrozhdeniye street, 1.
About Divine Services
Services in the cathedral are conducted daily. The schedule of services in the Resurrection Cathedral (Staraya Russa) is given below:
- Weekdays and Saturday - confession at 7:30, the beginning of the Divine Liturgy - 8:00.
- Sunday and holidays - confession at 8:30, service starts at 9:00.
Patronal feasts
There are three patronal feasts in the Resurrection Cathedral - in honor of the Resurrection of Christ, the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Nativity of John the Baptist:
- Easter is a moving holiday that falls on April 28, 2019.
- Pokrov is a non-transitory holiday, celebrated on October 14.
- The Nativity of John the Baptist, like the Intercession, is a non-passing holiday - July 7.
How to get there?
From Moscow to Staraya Russa can be reached by train. It departs from the Leningradsky railway station at 20:23. Travel time is just over 8 hours. The train arrives in Staraya Russa at 04:26.
Important information
If you are going to visit an ancient shrine, you should take into account the lack of a Pilgrim's House or a hotel at the cathedral, so you will have to look for a hotel where you can stay.
The phone number of the Resurrection Cathedral in Staraya Russa can be found on the official website. For all questions regardingschedule of services or order excursions, call the number indicated.
Conclusion
The Resurrection Cathedral is beautiful. Its exterior and interior decoration attracts the eyes of tourists and pious pilgrims. Once inside the building, you want to freeze in place, admiring it.
Those who are lucky enough to make a pilgrimage are recommended to submit notes of he alth and repose at the cathedral. Prayer for the living and deceased relatives, and even in such an ancient place, will hardly become superfluous.
