As indicated in chronicles, the village of Troparevo was both a palace, and a monastery, and a merchant, and a state one. But at all times, the Church of the Archangel Michael on the southwestern outskirts was perceived as a source that helps to develop spiritually. Consider the history of this temple, explore the sights that the shrine is famous for.
Building location
The Church of the Archangel Michael on the southwestern outskirts of the capital is known as a solemn building towering over a hill. For several centuries, the spiritual life of the Troparevo district has been focused here.
The village of Tropareva has always been characterized by the liveliness of lively crossroads, the roads from which lead to the west. This area previously belonged to a merchant named Ivan Tropar. Subsequently, the village began to belong to the Novodevichy Convent. So, at the end of the 17th - beginning of the 18th century, the Church of the Archangel Michael appeared on the southwestern outskirts.
Our days
SoOver time, the village became an urban area. The area was named "Troparevo - Nikulino". The temple is located on the south side of the park on Vernadsky Avenue, 90.
How to get to the Church of the Archangel Michael? To get here, you can use land transport: buses and taxis. Depending on which part of the city you are coming from, you can get off at the stops "Theatre in the South-West" or "Church of the Archangel Michael".
When services are held
To attend worship, you can choose the following time:
- Liturgy is held daily on weekdays from 8 am.
- Evening at 5 pm
- On Sundays, the liturgy is held twice - early in the morning (at 7:00) and later (at 10:00).
- On Sundays and holidays they perform the sacrament of the All-Night Vigil. It starts at 5 pm.
In case of some changes in the schedule of services, this information can be found on the official website of the church. Messages are regularly updated. Above in the article, the address of the Church of the Archangel Michael on the southwestern outskirts is already indicated.
This temple is visited daily by many parishioners, admiring its external and internal decoration and making prayer requests to the Creator.
Historical facts
The history of the Church of the Archangel Michael in Troparevo began at the end of the 17th century. The building was created in accordance with the then requirements for the architectural style of the five domes. Characteristic is thatthe peculiarity is that the style combines traditional Russian forms and new elements that are more pompous and decorative. Such techniques were borrowed from the architecture of Western countries.
The building is characterized by the symmetry of the composition, which consists of the following elements:
- two-light main building with five domes (or "four", as it is also called);
- three-part apse;
- refectory;
- three-tier hipped bell tower.
Architecture Features
According to the well-known historian and local historian M. Ilyin, the overall composition of the church in Troparevo - Nikulino is similar to many other ordinary churches of that time.
But her architect wanted to apply some spectacular innovations. This explains the use of methods and forms of the Moscow Baroque in relation to this building. So it became more ceremonial, solemn in appearance.
The shape of the bell tower of St. Michael's Church is a typical example of an octahedron, which is typical for hipped bell towers of the 17th century. It is created in the form of a centric platform, where a light cut-out window of a small shape in the form of an octagonal tent is provided.
To date, neither the columns on the pillars nor the decorative architraves have been preserved. The bell tower was located as required by the then adopted canons - strictly above the center of the western entrance to the building.
Description of sights and shrines of the church
Fromdescriptions of the Church of the Archangel Michael, you can find out that the building is interesting because it combines the architecture of "rural" and luxurious in an unusual way. After all, the Moscow baroque (namely, the style of the St. Michael's Church is called) is characterized by splendor of decoration, a kind of pomposity. Therefore, the building fits quite well into the urban landscape.
The main attractions of the temple are:
- Onion domes in the amount of five pieces. They have gilded crosses. The foot is decorated with a crescent. Such symbolism can be traced even in the Revelation from John the Theologian. Previously, the baptismal font or the Bethlehem manger was depicted in this way. This designation should by no means be considered a symbol of the victory of Christians over Muslims.
- The main temple mosaic icon is also an attraction. It is located on the right above the gates of the church. The mosaic depicts the Archangel Michael as the Archangel - the leader of the heavenly warriors. He fearlessly goes to fight evil. With the help of festive red hues, the confidence that good will prevail and the fallen angel will be defeated is emphasized.
- Among the variety of revered temple shrines, one should single out the icon of the Mother of God “Donskoy” and “Kashinskaya”. Also here you can see the relics belonging to the holy martyr Kharlampy and St. Nicholas.
Besides those listed, there are many other remarkable icons in the temple.
Temple Prosperity
In recent years, the prosperity of the Church of Michael the Archangel in Troparevo has been observedand further transformation. This can be seen from the renovated domes, sparkling in the sun against the backdrop of magnificent nature. The new fence looks strict and solemn. The building acquired a clergy house and a Sunday school. There is an increase in the number of believers who regularly visit the temple. The church is becoming especially popular.
From the eastern side of the temple, where the church fence was installed, at the exit to Vernadsky Avenue, a memorial plaque appeared on which the names of Troparevo residents who died during the Great Patriotic War were carved.
Today the Church of the Archangel Michael is subordinate to His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. By status, this is the Patriarchal Compound. His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II has made numerous visits to serve here.
About the rector of the temple, Archpriest Georgy Studenov, it is known that he studied at the Moscow Theological Seminary and the Moscow Theological Academy.
Through the efforts of the abbot, labor and care are invested, the purpose of which is to restore the temple. This person is also known as an honorary professor at the Moscow Pedagogical University.
The prosperity of the temple was repeatedly told both in Moscow and in all-Russian publications. The church has earned a reputation as a major attraction on the southwestern outskirts of the capital.
Summarize
The Church of the Archangel Michael on the southwestern outskirts of Moscow is an old building that previously belonged to the inhabitants of the village of Troparevo. Over time thisthe area became one of the urban areas. You can successfully get here by buses and minibuses from any part of the capital.
Among the sights of this church, the mosaic image of the Archangel Michael stands out, boldly fighting against the forces of darkness. Also, various images of the Virgin are stored here.
The temple owes its current prosperity to the rector Georgy Studenov, whose forces the church is being rebuilt and becoming even more beautiful. The atmosphere of the church ensures its popularity among parishioners.
