Among the numerous artistic and historical monuments of Yaroslavl, the chapel of Our Lady of Kazan, built in 1997, occupies a special place. Her appearance is familiar to many. And the point is not only that it is depicted on our beloved thousand-ruble banknote, but also in its inherent artistic merits, as well as in the importance of the historical event that served as the reason for its creation.
Monument to the People's Militia
The Chapel of Our Lady of Kazan was built in memory of the liberation of Moscow in 1612 from the Polish invaders by the militia of K. Minin and D. Pozharsky. And it is no coincidence that Yaroslavl was chosen as the place for it. The people's army, formed in Nizhny Novgorod, on the way to Moscow, stopped here for four months to give an opportunity to join it to everyone who wanted to serve the Motherland and was in a hurry in connection with this from the most remote parts of Russia.
The period from April to July 1612, while the militia waited for the daily reinforcements arriving, was not wasted. During these months, it was possible to form the composition of the futuregovernment called the "Council of All the Earth". It included many representatives of the most influential princely families at that time, as well as elected from ordinary people. The right to head the council was granted to K. Minin and D. Pozharsky, who, by the way, single-handedly signed documents, since his illustrious colleague was illiterate.
Months spent in Yaroslavl
The Chapel of Our Lady of Kazan (Yaroslavl) is a monument to the diverse work that was carried out here by the militia government during the four months spent in the city. From here, the people's representatives led the liberation of many Russian cities from the Polish-Lithuanian detachments. A plan was also developed and implemented here, as a result of which the invaders were cut off from the main routes for delivering food and ammunition to them.
At the same time, the newly elected council was active in diplomacy. In particular, Prince Pozharsky, through negotiations, managed to almost completely withdraw Sweden from participation in hostilities, which had managed to seize a significant part of the Novgorod lands by that time. In addition, as a result of negotiations with the German ambassador, an agreement was reached on the emperor's support for the militia.
The result of the stay of the militias in Yaroslavl
Summing up everything that was achieved by the militias during their stay in Yaroslavl, it should first of all be noted that their forces were significantly replenished due to the warriors who arrived from Siberia,Pomorye, as well as many other regions of Russia. In addition, under the "Council of All the Earth" elected here, such purely government bodies as the Ambassadorial, Discharge and Local orders were created and successfully worked.
Even before the liberation of Moscow in Yaroslavl, a lot of work was done to restore order in a large territory of the country and eliminate the robber gangs that bred in many at that difficult time and terrorized the population. This made it possible to stabilize the situation to some extent and create prerequisites for the revival of economic activity. In memory of these glorious pages of our past, the chapel of Our Lady of Kazan (Yaroslavl) was erected, the address of which every city dweller knows today.
Opening of the monument
In August 1997, when the whole country celebrated the three hundred and eighty-fifth anniversary of the creation of the militia, on the banks of the Kotorosl River, not far from the place where the Holy Transfiguration Monastery is located, the chapel of Our Lady of Kazan (Yaroslavl) was solemnly opened. Photos of this unique building are presented in the article.
From the very first days, the chapel has become one of the most striking and favorite sights of the townspeople. According to the established tradition, newlyweds are photographed near it on such a joyful day for them, and numerous tourists throw coins, trying to hit the bell - they say it brings happiness.
The icon that patronized the militias
The question is often asked: why was the chapel consecrated in honor of this Kazan icon? The answer must be sought in the events of four hundred years ago. It is known that it was to this holy image that the militia prayed before continuing their march on Moscow, during all the days of which the Most Holy Theotokos was invisibly present among them. Therefore, it was the chapel of Our Lady of Kazan that was erected in Yaroslavl.
Yaroslavl architect G. L. Dainov became the author of the chapel project. His creative workshop won the all-Russian competition, and the company headed by him completed the construction of the building. According to the author's intention, the chapel was given light and sublime outlines, thanks to which it seems to be floating in the air. The snow-white surface of the walls and the simplicity of the forms create a unique architectural image.
The chapel that has become a place of national unity
Today, the Chapel of Our Lady of Kazan in Yaroslavl (address: Kotoroslnaya emb., 27) is not only a monument of the past and one of the brightest works of modern Orthodox architecture - it also plays an important role in the modern life of the city, becoming a venue for nationwide rallies in Days of national unity and consent.
This is its deeply symbolic meaning. As in the difficult times of the Time of Troubles, the Most Holy Theotokos spread her blessed Protection over Russia, so today people gather to her miraculous image in search of a path to national unity and harmony, and it is no coincidence that it unites them on this day. Chapel of Our Lady of Kazan.
