Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk): history and architecture

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

In the 90s, the Orthodox Church received the opportunity for a new stage of development in Russia. Temples began to be restored, the traditions of faith in the lives of many people returned. No less important for the spiritual life of society is the ability to build new churches. The Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) has become one of the symbols of the continuation of Christianity and a new architectural object of the city.

History of Creation

One of the decorations of the Saransk diocese is the Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk). The history of its creation can be described in detail by our contemporaries, since everything happened before their eyes. In 1991, the Saransk diocese was separated from the Penza. To organize worship, the city needed a cathedral. The choice was made immediately - it was the ancient centuries-old Church of St. John the Theologian.

The number of parishioners was constantly increasing, and when Patriarch Alexy II arrived on a visit in 2000, it became clear that the temple could not accommodate everyone. Liturgy with the participation of the Archpastor was held on the street. There is an urgent need to build a new people's cathedral.

It took a long time to choose a place for construction, the choice fell on the central part of the city. It was decided to build a temple on the square, where two streets go - Soviet and Bolshevik. The preliminary design was approved in 2002, the laying of the cornerstone and the reliquary with the relics of the saints took place in 2004. The construction was carried out quite quickly, the opening of the cathedral took place in the summer of 2006. The Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) was consecrated by Patriarch Alexy II.

Tradition and modernity

The Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) is a grandiose building that inherits the best Byzantine traditions of building churches. Empire was chosen as the architectural style, and the type of the temple was cross-domed. The height of the central part of the cathedral, together with the domed cross, is 62 meters, the total capacity is 3000 people.

The cathedral is crowned with four belfries, where twelve bells of different sizes and colors are placed. The masters of the city of Tutaev (Yaroslavl region), where ancient technologies have been preserved, were engaged in their ebb. The weight of the largest bell is six tons. On Sundays and holidays, the Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) calls parishioners to service with its unique chime.

At a height of forty meters around the central "drum" of the cathedral, a convenient platform was built, from which a view of the whole Saransk opens, the entrance to it is paid.

The interior of the temple consists of an iconostasis made of precious wood with subsequent gilding. It is divided into three parts: the central limit is consecrated inhonor of the heavenly patron of the temple - St. Theodore Ushakov, the right side of the iconostasis is dedicated to the Monk Seraphim of Sarov, and the left one was consecrated in honor of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Mordovia.

In the upper part of the temple there are balconies where the choirs are equipped. The icons and icon cases of the church were carved and painted by local craftsmen, and I. G. Shemyakin supervised the work. Administrative offices are also located here, Sunday school classes are held, a refectory and a library are equipped for priests and parishioners.

Activities

One of the priorities of the Orthodox Church has always been the upbringing of children and youth. Since 2006, a Sunday school has been operating at the cathedral. The number of first students was small - only thirty people, now one hundred and eighty people attend classes. The teaching staff sees its task in instilling love for their land in children, instilling kindness and responsiveness. Much attention is paid to the study of religious literature, church history.

The Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) invites everyone to attend classes that are held on Sundays. The school accepts children from 5 to 18 years old. There is an Orthodox school for adults, where anyone can enroll. There is also a pilgrimage center at the temple, where trips to Holy places are offered, for example, to the Diveevo Convent, St. Optina Hermitage and many others.

Useful information

How does the Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) work? The service schedule is as follows:

• On weekdays at 07:45 a morning liturgy is held, the evening service starts at 16:45.
• On Sundays, the liturgy starts at 08:45 and the evening service starts at 16:45.

Everyone can visit the temple, it is open daily and warmly welcomes both the parishioner and the tourist.

Where is the Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk)? Its address: Sovetskaya street, building 53.