The history of the Orenburg region begins with Khan Tevkel, who back in 1594 asked Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich to accept him with the horde into citizenship. However, the Russian tsars ignored the requests of the steppe khans until 1730. Khan Abulkhair, powerless to overcome the extermination of his small people, persistently sought the protection of the Russian Empress Anna Ioannovna. Almost three centuries have passed since those events, the Orenburg Territory has grown significantly, along with the growth of the population, the Orthodox culture has also developed.
Until 1920, there were 52 churches in Orenburg in the diocese, most of which were destroyed during the years of Soviet power, retrained for the needs of a socialist society. After the collapse of the USSR, Orthodox shrines are rebuilt and restored by the diocese and caring parishioners.
Dmitrievskaya Church in Orenburg
The Temple of Demetrius of Thessalonica, this is the full name of this church, after the revolution it was converted into a cinema. The parish was transferred to the disposal of Orthodox Christians only at the endthe last century. The restoration of the temple lasted almost 20 years. The final work on the restoration of the unique murals of the Church of Dmitry Solunsky was carried out in 2012. For six years now, services have been held in the church, a Sunday school and a library have been operating.
Church of the Archangel Michael
In this center of Orthodox culture, services are performed in front of the icon of the Theotokos "Quick Hearer", famous for many miracles. Like many others, the Church of the Archangel Michael was closed by the Soviet authorities in 1931, and its entire clergy was repressed. In 2010, the newly restored temple opened its doors to parishioners.
Church of St. John the Theologian
The majestic red-brick temple, built in the early 20th century, was closed in the 1930s. Restoration work began already in the 21st century. Since 2009, the temple has been considered a historical landmark. It is located in the city center. Services are held regularly, and a Sunday school also conducts educational work at the temple.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
The most visited church in the city, like other churches in Orenburg, is located in the very center. The most revered icon of the Mother of God Tabynskaya daily attracts hundreds of Orthodox parishioners and pilgrims. The cathedral originates from a small single- altar church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in 1886. After 25 years, two more were added to the throne. Templewas closed in 1936, but, fortunately, even the Soviet leaders did not raise their hand to destroy it. The cathedral opened its gates in 1944, being updated and restored over the course of half a century. Today it is a pearl of Orthodox architecture.
