Somewhere far away in Arkhangelsk there is a temple. It was consecrated in honor of Saint Alexander Nevsky. Small, unremarkable, of which there are hundreds in Russia. But there is an amazing father serving there. The parishioners love him very much. As well as the temple of Alexander Nevsky - in Arkhangelsk every resident knows it.
How it was created
There should be a beautiful story about a temple destroyed during the Soviet era. And about how the Orthodox community sought to restore it.
Alas, but the temple of Alexander Nevsky in Arkhangelsk is not ancient. And no one restored it - the temple was rebuilt from scratch.
It all started in 2000. Then the Orthodox community in the district of Varavino-Faktoria was given land. As you might guess, under the construction of the temple. At the same time, she was given a wooden one-story house. It was located near the site allocated for the temple. The first worship services began in this prayer house.
In 2001, the crown and foundation stone of the future church were consecrated. Hieromonk Theodosius was appointed his rector. Father is a residentArtemievo-Verkolsky Monastery. And the temple of Alexander Nevsky in Arkhangelsk is the courtyard of this monastery.
And now the year 2006 has come. Five years have passed since the laying and consecration of the stone. And now it was necessary to raise the bells on the built temple. They were cast in Tutaev (Yaroslavl region). Made according to ancient technology, purchased with donations from parishioners. Finally, the bells shone on the belfry of a temple in distant Arkhangelsk.
February 2007 is coming. Frost, snow glitters and plays in the sun. A crowd of people gathered near the temple. Here are representatives of the authorities, and Cossacks, and ordinary people. They all rejoice like little children. Still would! After all, today the newly built temple will be consecrated. The rite of consecration was conducted by Bishop Tikhon of Arkhangelsk and Kholmogory.
And the years fly by again. It's already 2011 outside the window. Income is increasing significantly. Something must be done, because people do not fit in a small temple. And then the decision is made: it is necessary to expand the premises. No sooner said than done. The expansion occurred due to two cuts - from the northern and southern sides. As a result, the area has doubled, and now all parishioners can easily fit into their favorite church.
Rector
You can see the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Arkhangelsk in the photo. Its pastor is now hegumen. This is still the same Father Theodosius.
The priest is very fond of his flock. The parishioners tell what a kind person their father is. He helps the disadvantaged and the poor. In the summer, homeless children and those who need help live near the temple. Nobody's fatherTheodosius does not refuse. Feed, drink, and even give clothes. Even gypsies used to visit him. And he didn’t kick me out - he greeted everyone, gave them the necessary gifts.
Parishioners say that the priest is quite capable of baptizing a person for free. If he sees that someone who wants to be baptized cannot make a donation, then he does not make a problem out of it. There were times when a priest baptized half a company of young guys. Leaving for hot spots, they could not help but visit the temple.
Clergy
In addition to Father Theodosius, three more priests serve in the Alexander Nevsky Church in Arkhangelsk. These are priests Oleg Tryapitsyn, Alexander Shishlevsky and Georgy Shestakov. Each of them has an individual experience of service.
Social work
The temple in question has its own Sunday school for children. But this is not surprising now: almost every temple has one. The project "School of Loving Parents" looks much more interesting. Moms and dads are taught here. What can be taught to adults with children? Love for your children, understanding them and members of your own family. In addition, the school teaches how to deal with difficult children and adolescents suffering from various addictions.
There is a family center at the temple. It is called "Noah's Ark". This is where parents and children gather. They arrange theatrical performances on religious themes, conduct moral conversations. Children often go on various excursions.
But the main task of the center is to provide spiritual and social assistance to families. Families with many children will also find support herecounty.
Temperance Society
A sobriety society was also created at the temple. It is named after the holy righteous John of Kronstadt. The saint was known as the initiator of the sobriety movement in pre-revolutionary Russia.
The society provides support to those who are not able to overcome the disease on their own. Social, psychological and spiritual help is provided here. Moreover, not only the sick, but also their relatives.
Every Wednesday in the church of Alexander Nevsky in Arkhangelsk, a prayer service is served before the icon "The Inexhaustible Chalice". It helps to cope with alcohol and drug addiction. In addition, a sobriety liturgy is held on the last Saturday of each month. Special prayers are read here for those who suffer from this disease.
Where is the temple
The residents of Arkhangelsk are lucky. They have a temple involved in the implementation of the above projects, and they know the way to it well. But for those who may find themselves in the city by chance, and even in this district, it does not hurt to find out the address of the Alexander Nevsky Church: Arkhangelsk, Leningradsky Prospekt, house 264.
Schedule
To get to the services, you need to know their schedule. Here they are held, as a rule, at the indicated hours:
- 9 o'clock, weekdays - the beginning of the morning service.
- 18:00 - Evening Service.
- 8 am, Sundays - confession.
But it is advisable to check the schedule of Divine Services in the Alexander Nevsky Church (Arkhangelsk) by phone. Itmay vary, especially during holidays.
You can come to the temple and just to relax your soul - it is open daily from 8:00 am to 20:00.
Communication with temple ministers
To find out exactly the schedule of services in the Alexander Nevsky Church (Arkhangelsk), you should call. If you have any questions to the servants of the temple, they can be sent by e-mail.
Alexander Park
On the territory of the Northern Dvina, not far from the temple, there is now a boring and dull wasteland. Of course, parishioners are trying their best to ennoble the area. For example, near the temple there is a children's playground, a sports and volleyball court are open.
But that's not enough. The rector, priests and parishioners want to create a park for the townspeople. It will ennoble the appearance of the Northern Dvina, and people will be able to relax here with the whole family.
Once, a century ago, such a park existed in the city. It was called "Alexandrovsky City Summer Garden". Its main highlight was the complete absence of alcohol. All sorts of holidays were held here, festivities, literary and musical evenings were organized. And all this without the presence of alcoholic products.
Now the clergy and parishioners of Alexander Nevsky Church decided to revive the idea. And the name for the park came up - Aleksandrovsky. This is in honor of St. Alexander Nevsky (the temple is named after him).
Conclusion
Articles coming soonare written, but temples are not built soon. And even more so the parks. Until the trees are planted, until they grow or take root, a lot of time will pass. But there is always a lot to do in the parish of the Alexander Nevsky Church. Priests work - they lead the souls of parishioners to God. Parishioners are working - they are involved in numerous projects, which are described above.
Touch this wonderful world. Any temple is a house of God, which means that you are an earthly miracle. If possible, be sure to visit the temple of Alexander Nevsky. Attend the service and feel how easy it has become for your soul.