Among the old Moscow churches, the Church of Ilya Obydenny enjoys special reverence and love among parishioners. It has existed since the 16th century, serving as a support and support for believers in various moments of their lives. A large number of shrines, with which the temple is rich, fills the House of God with special light energy, charging with which, everyone who comes here feels an influx of physical and mental strength, peace and tranquility.
First buildings
The Temple of Elijah the Prophet in Obydensky Lane is a special place. This surprisingly beautiful building organically fits into the surrounding landscape, ennobling and aestheticizing the surroundings. The earliest Christian church in Russia, still in Kyiv, was dedicated to Saint Elijah. The Obydensky Church, which is one of the parish organizations of the capital's Orthodox diocese, is also associated with it.
The history of the building is unusual and interesting. After all, it belongs to the oldest buildings of ancient Moscow. The first temple of Elijah the Prophet in Obydensky Lane was built of wood literally in one day or, in old Russian, “everyday”. There were then craftsmen onRuss! This happened during a period of severe drought, and the people, who always firmly believed in their beloved patron, relied on his help even now. Construction dates back to around 1592, and the area itself was called Skorodomnaya. Here, timber was once rafted on the water, and Muscovites, using a convenient crossing and delivery of materials, hastily set up dwellings for themselves, so that later they could move their houses to more convenient areas of the city. The Church of Elijah the Prophet in Obydensky Lane gave the name to the streets leading to it - Iliinsky. They were renamed to the current one later.
Protection of Holy Russia
The church fell in love not only with the inhabitants of the surroundings. People from all over Moscow flocked here for Orthodox holidays. And on ordinary days it was never empty. In historical documents, the temple of Elijah the Prophet in Obydensky Lane is often mentioned. Prayers are held here for many significant events related to the domestic and foreign policy activities of the Russian rulers.
If there were heavy rains or long dry spells, on the name day of the saint there was a procession from the Kremlin led by the tsar-father and the primates of the Russian Church. It is no coincidence that Obydensky Lane, the temple of Elijah the Prophet, became the places where the clergy, together with the people's militia led by Minin and Pozharsky, prayed to the Almighty and the saints for help in military affairs. We are talking about the era of the Time of Troubles, the Polish intervention and the defense of Moscow from the invaders. On August 24, 1612, after a prayer service, a decisive battle took place, ending with the victory of the Russianweapons.
Rebirth
At the very beginning of the 18th century, the old church building was demolished. A stone building was built in its place. The current temple of Elijah the Prophet in Moscow has largely retained its ancient architectural appearance. Funds for its construction were provided by Gavriil and Vasily Derevnin. In memory of them, marble memorial plaques were installed in the church. Further construction work continued into the next century. The building was renovated, supplemented with new aisles. Since then, services have been regularly held here. And in difficult times for the House of God, when the authorities wanted to close it, the parishioners did not allow it to be done. For example, about 4 thousand people defended the church in 1930.
Temple Shrines
The main chapel of the temple is dedicated to Elijah the Prophet. Additional - to Saints Peter and Paul, the martyrs Anna the Prophetess and Simeon the God-Receiver. Among its most significant shrines are, first of all, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, which is called "Unexpected Joy". The image of the Holy Trinity, before which the folk heroes Minin and Pozharsky prayed, is also extremely important for Christians. Lists of such well-known icons as the Kazan, Vladimir and Fedorov Mother of God, the Savior Not Made by Hands, give their healing power to those who suffer. Particles of the relics of Sergius of Radonezh and Seraphim of Sarov also attract pilgrims from all over the country. The doors of the temple are open for everyone from 8 am to 10 pm daily.
