The icon "Assuage my sorrows": meaning

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

In the center of Saratov is the Orthodox Church "Satisfy my sorrows". The sanctuary got its name in honor of the image of the Mother of God. By the way, the icon "Satisfy my sorrows" is considered an object of cultural heritage in Russia. This article will reveal in detail the history of the creation of the Saratov temple, its architectural features, as well as the changes that have occurred to it in recent years.

"Satisfy my sorrows" (icon): meaning

The image of the Mother of God was first seen in Moscow back in 1640. For many years this holy image was kept in the church of St. Nicholas. Here, for a long time, records were kept of miracles that took place thanks to the power possessed by the icon "Satisfy my sorrows" (a photo of the image is presented in the article). Unfortunately, the fire that occurred in 1771 did not leave such an interesting legacy to the descendants. However, several legends have survived to this day. Among them, one of the most famous stands out. This legend tells about a seriously ill woman of noble origin. For her, in the temple, they searched for a miraculous icon for an extremely long time. But couldn't find the right one. Then it was decided to bring all the images from the temple withMother of God, and even the images stored in the church bell tower were collected. Among all the Orthodox images, only one icon attracted attention - "Assuage my sorrows." As the legend says, a sick woman, unable to even move her fingers, saw her and was able to cross herself. The prayer to the icon "Assuage my sorrows" lifted her to her feet. The woman got up completely he althy. It is worth noting that after this incident, they began to read this image.

The icon depicts the Mother of God. With her right hand she holds Christ. The Child is holding an unrolled scroll. The Mother's left hand is shown leaning against her head, tilted slightly to one side.

Temple. The beginning of the story

Saratov architect P. M. Zybin in 1903 developed a project for a church at the Bishop's court. This construction was approved and received the blessing of the Bishop of Tsaritsyno and Saratov, Hieromartyr Hermogenes. By the way, in 1906 the construction of the temple was already completed. In this holy place, one altar was created - in honor of the icon of the Mother of God - under the name "Consolation in Sorrows and Sorrows". According to legend, Bishop Hermogenes ordered this image on Mount Athos. Tellingly, according to legend, the icon "Satisfy my Sorrows" was completely copied from the miraculous prototype of Athos.

The fate of the temple under the communist regime

During the existence of the USSR, the Saratov planetarium was located in the building of the temple. It should be noted that in these years the building itself was practically nothas undergone any changes. As a result, today visitors to the temple can admire its original splendor. However, in 1960, the crosses were dismantled, and for some time the temple stood without them. But in 1965, Vladyka Pimen turned to the city authorities with a proposal to restore the temple at the expense of the diocese. This request extremely puzzled the statesmen, since at that time it was "not customary" to carry out repair work in the former cultural institutions. As a result, the priest's proposal was rejected. However, against the backdrop of changes beginning in the country, the executive committee itself found the necessary funds and carried out external restoration work, ennobling the facade of the Planetarium. After that, the first secretary of the regional party committee, taking responsibility, ordered to raise and re-install the once dismantled crosses. Later, after all the work carried out, the church building was included in the list of sights of the city. Tourists began to visit it.

Internal changes

At the end of the 20th century, the temple was transferred to the diocese. As a result, after the return of the sacred building of the Orthodox Church, it was decided to organize a chapel in the side extension. In addition, immediately after the completion of the necessary work, the altar was lit. In the name of St. Seraphim of Sarov and Sergius of Radonezh, an antimension was placed on the throne. As the story goes, at one time he was saved from the seminary church, destroyed by the theomachists. Thanks to the efforts of the first rector, Archpriest Lazar the Newly Baptized,a bell tower was built, all the interior rooms were restored and icons were bought. In 1993, the Archbishop of Saratov and Volsky (later Vladyka Pimen) consecrated the throne of the church in honor of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Temple in the 21st century

In 2004, the Bishop's Metochion was organized in the Cathedral "Assuage My Sorrows". At that time, a chapel located on the theater square of the city was assigned to it. In addition, this year was marked by the start of large-scale restoration work in the temple. First of all, they started finishing the altar and installed a new iconostasis. Since images appeared in the temple, including the icon "Satisfy my sorrows", made in the ancient style, it was decided to replace the interior of the temple. In 2005, changes of this kind affected the altar of St. Sergius Church. For your information, reconstruction work was even carried out here. Namely, due to the demolition of the outbuildings, it was possible to increase the area of the chapel. In addition, a vaulted ceiling was created in it and a baptismal font was purchased. It is worth noting that a "vessel" was chosen that meets the Charter of the Church. The roof of the church building was completely replaced and acquired a copper "color". Satisfy My Sorrows Church has at its disposal the best parish library in the diocese. The catalog of this "book world" contains more than 8,000 titles of Orthodox works. In addition, a Sunday school is organized on the territory. There is also a society "Orthodox World" and evenyouth association. The rector of the temple every week after the Sunday evening service holds conversations with the parishioners.

Architectural features

The stone building of the church, made in the form of three kokoshniks and having two vestibules, harmonizes extremely well with the general buildings of the Bishop's estate. In addition, the Saratov temple fully fits into the architectural ensemble of the city. During the construction, the creators of the church gave it a special zest in the form of a large tent. This element is surrounded by a large number of brightly colored small domes.