Moscow is rich in temples and Orthodox churches. No wonder there are legends about this since ancient times. In this article, we will touch on two parishes located in the capital. Specifically, we will discuss the following churches in Sokolniki: Holy Resurrection and John the Baptist.
History of the Church of the Resurrection
We will begin our short review with the parish in honor of Christ's Resurrection. The Church of the Resurrection in Sokolniki was built at the beginning of the 20th century, or rather, in 1913, through the efforts of the notorious priest John Kedrov. It was thanks to his labors that the capital was enriched by this majestic building in the Russian Art Nouveau style.
This temple gained particular fame thanks to the choir of the blind, which acted under it, as well as the fact that, contrary to the traditional orientation of the altar to the east, this church faces south - towards Jerusalem.
Legends about the miraculous appearances of saints are connected with the construction of the temple. In the beginning, the Mother of God appeared to Father John, who ordered the construction of a spacious beautiful church instead of a small hospital church, which could not accommodate everyone. The priest hesitated with the execution of the order,since he did not have sufficient funds at his disposal, and then the Mother of God appeared to him for the second time, making a severe reprimand at the same time. Then Father John began construction, although he did not know how he would pay. When the deadline for settlement with the builders was already close, a certain merchant saw in a dream the apostles Peter and Paul, who showed him the way to Sokolniki, saying that the new church there needed his donation. So Father John got money, a similar miracle was also associated with St. Nicholas, who, in the form of a pilgrim, visited the church and left a significant amount of money in it.
The Resurrection Church has, in addition to the main one, two additional aisles - in honor of the Primate Apostles Peter and Paul, and also in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”
When the revolution happened, many churches were closed. The same fate befell the churches in Sokolniki, however, the Resurrection Church continued to function and even flourish due to the fact that the destitute Orthodox flocked to this one after the closure of their own parishes.
For about ten years, the church was run by the Renovation Church, but during the Great Patriotic War, the authorities handed it over to the Moscow Patriarchate. However, the clergy of the church remained the same - they, along with the temple, joined the new church structure.
Resurrection Church at present
Today this temple continues to function as a religious building within the framework of the Russian Orthodoxchurches. Its rector is Archpriest Alexander Dasaev, who, being a dean, coordinates other churches in Sokolniki. Together with him, about ten clergy serve in the parish.
History of the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist in Sokolniki
Temples in Sokolniki also have in their circle the famous church in honor of the Nativity of the prophet and baptist John of Christ. Its history begins in the 17th century, when it was part of the complex of the Transfiguration Palace. It was founded by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. But time and technological progress have radically changed the landscape of the area. Therefore, the modern Church of St. John in Sokolniki is already the second church.
The new building was sponsored by the widow of a we althy businessman Olga Titova. She donated one hundred thousand rubles for this cause. It was she who initiated the consecration of the new temple in honor of John the Baptist, since he was the heavenly patron of her deceased husband. She also put forward the condition that an additional chapel would be dedicated to the Apostle Matthias - in memory of her son, who also died. The laying of the temple was completed in 1915, and already in 1917 both aisles were consecrated.
Unfortunately, due to changes in the state, they tried to close the temple already in 1919. Local residents defended the church, but not for long. Three years later, the decision to close the parish was nevertheless adopted. Bells and domes were removed from the church building, the painting on the facade was destroyed and all the jewels were taken away. Later premiseswas used as one of the workshops of the electromechanical plant.
Church of John the Baptist at present
The government handed over the temple to the believers only in 1998. Since then, it has had the status of the Patriarchal Metochion within the framework of the Moscow Patriarchate. For a long time it was located on the territory of a private enterprise, which complicated its restoration. Gradually, it nevertheless acquires its historical appearance.
Resurrection Parish and Baptist Church in Sokolniki: service schedule
In both temples, evening worship takes place at 17:00. In the Church of the Resurrection - daily. In Predtechensky - on the eve of holidays and Sundays.
Liturgy in the Resurrection Church is served daily at 08:00. On holidays and Sundays, an additional liturgy at 06:45.
Liturgy in the Baptist Church is served daily at 08:00 am. On holidays and Sundays - at 09:00.
