History of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Kazan

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

Among the sights of Kazan, Nikolsky Cathedral, which received the status of a cathedral in 1946 and combines several buildings, occupies a special place. Over the centuries that have passed since its founding, this temple complex has witnessed and participated in many outstanding events in Russian history.

Evidence of historical documents

The chronicle of the Nikolsky Cathedral (Kazan) dates back to 1565, when, according to the records that have come down to us, the wooden St. Nicholas Church stood in its present place. Approximately a century later, at the end of the 17th century, it was demolished due to extreme dilapidation, and with the blessing of the diocesan bishop, a stone single-domed church was laid, also consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and popularly called the Church of St. Nicholas Nizsky. This period was marked by active construction on the territory of Kazan, and St. Nicholas Cathedral was among the new and striking buildings of that era.

The construction of another building belongs to the indicated period, which has becomepart of the general temple complex. This is a stone, but unheated, and therefore used only in the summer period, the Church of the Intercession. It was a rather impressive structure, the roof of which rested on six pillars, and three apses were attached to the eastern side - oval ledges, behind which were located altars. The construction of the Church of the Intercession, which almost closely adjoined St. Nicholas Cathedral (Kazan), was the beginning of the creation of a common temple complex.

Completion of main construction

In the 20s of the 18th century, another one was added to the previously erected buildings - a five-tiered bell tower, and in the middle of the next century, thanks to the labors and cares of the then rector of the church, Archpriest Father Mikhail (Poletaev), a two-story brick house of the clergy appeared. In general, the creation of the architectural complex was completed, but over the next decades, until the tragic events associated with the Bolshevik coup, it was repeatedly rebuilt and renovated.

The generosity of godly donors

From archival documents of that era it is known about the difficulties that were associated with all the work carried out in St. Nicholas Cathedral. Kazan, as is known, was one of the largest cities on the Volga in those years, but the area in which the temple complex was located was mainly inhabited by poor people. Being its main parishioners, they could not make any significant donations necessary to finance the construction. Their penniesbarely enough for current expenses and upkeep of the clear.

It was possible to find a way out of the situation thanks to the initiative of the parish priest, Father Nikolai (Varushkin), a person very respected and well-known among the Orthodox Christians of Kazan. Remembering that from time immemorial the most generous donors in Russia were merchants, he turned to prominent representatives of the Volga merchants with an appeal to provide assistance in such an important and charitable cause. His words were heard, and funds for the reconstruction of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Kazan began to come in the right amount.

Thanks to this, it was possible to carry out a large amount of work. In particular, the church of Nikola-Nizsky was completely dismantled, and in its place in 1885 a new stone church was erected, made in the style of classicism. In addition, significant changes were made to the appearance of the Church of the Intercession, the roof of which was crowned with five domes, traditional for the architecture of the Volga cities.

During the years of militant atheism

After the Bolsheviks, who pursued an active anti-religious policy, came to power, persecution of the Church began throughout the country. They also touched Kazan. Nikolsky Cathedral, unlike other temple buildings in the city, continued to operate until the early 30s. It should be noted that after its closure, only one small church remained at the disposal of Kazan believers, located at the Arsk cemetery.

Only in 1942, when in order to raise the patriotic spirit among the people, Stalin ordered to reduce the heatanti-religious struggle, the doors of several more churches opened in Kazan. As for the Nikolsky Cathedral, it was returned to believers in 1946, and at the same time received the status of a diocesan one. Together with him, the Church of the Intercession also passed to the parishioners.

Restored shrine

Today, this restored temple complex is again one of the largest centers of Orthodoxy on the Volga, which attracts pilgrims from all over Russia. In addition to the St. Nicholas Cathedral, which has retained its former name of St. Nicholas Nizsky among the people, it includes the Church of the Intercession, as well as a separate chapel, a bell tower and several administrative buildings of an old building, well known in Kazan. The iconostasis of the Nikolsky Cathedral, restored by high-class craftsmen and complemented by works by contemporary artists, impresses with its splendor and gives the entire interior a solemn and ceremonial look.

Information about worship services

The schedule of services of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Kazan can be found both on its website and on the stand placed at the entrance. It practically does not differ from the work schedules of most Russian Orthodox churches. On weekdays, services are held twice - in the morning at 8:00, and in the evening at 17:00. On Sundays and holidays, services are added at 7:00 and 9:00. Some of them are held in the Intercession Church.

As for the question of whether lectures are held in the Nikolsky Cathedral of Kazan, the informationthere is no information about this either on the official website or in any printed publications. So all interested parties should contact the rector of the temple directly. Recall that reprimands are usually called a special church rank, in which, with the help of incantational prayers, an unclean spirit is expelled from a person possessed by him.