Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk): History and Architecture

In the 1990s, the Orthodox Church received the opportunity of a new stage of development in Russia. The temples began to be restored, the traditions of faith returned to the lives of many people. No less important for the spiritual life of society is the opportunity to build new churches. The Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) became one of the symbols of the continuation of Christianity and a new architectural object of the city.

History of creation

One of the ornaments 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. For the organization of divine services the city required a cathedral. The choice was determined at once - it was the ancient centuries-old John the Theological Church.

The number of parishioners was constantly increasing, and when Patriarch Alexy II arrived in 2000, it became clear that the temple does not accommodate all comers. Liturgy with the participation of the Archpastor was held on the street. There was an acute need to build a new national cathedral.

Long chose a place for construction, the choice fell on the central part of the city. It was decided to erect a temple in the square, where two streets - the Soviet and Bolshevik streets. The draft project was approved in 2002, the laying of the cornerstone and the ark with the relics of saints took place in 2004. The construction was carried out rather quickly, the opening of the cathedral was held in the summer of 2006. The Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) was consecrated by Patriarch Alexy II.

Traditions and modernity

Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) - a grandiose structure, inheriting the best Byzantine traditions of building temples. Architectural style was chosen empire, and the type of the temple - cross-domed. The height of the central part of the cathedral together with the dome cross is 62 meters, the total capacity is 3000 people.

The cathedral is crowned with four belfries, where twelve bells of different size and tone are placed. They excelled in the masters of the city of Tutaev (Yaroslavl region), where ancient technologies were preserved. The weight of the biggest bell is six tons. On Sundays and holidays, the Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) convokes parishioners to serve with his unique chime.

At an altitude of forty meters around the central "drum" of the cathedral a comfortable platform with a view to the whole of Saransk, entrance to it for a fee is built.

The interior of the temple consists of an iconostasis, created from valuable wood species with subsequent gilding. It is divided into three parts: the central limit is consecrated in honor of the heavenly patron of the temple - St. Theodore Ushakov, the right limit of the iconostasis is dedicated to the Monk Seraphim of Sarov, and the left is 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. Icons, temple cottages are carved and painted by local masters, directed by IG Shemyakin.
The Lower Transfiguration Church, where the baptismal ceremony takes place, is located in the basement of the cathedral. There are also administrative offices, Sunday school classes, a refectory and a library for priests and parishioners.

Activities

One of the priorities of the Orthodox Church has always been the education of children and youth. Since 2006, the Sunday School has been working at the cathedral. The number of the first students was small - only thirty people, now the classes are attended by one hundred and eighty people. The pedagogical staff sees their task in inculcating children with love for their land, fostering kindness, and responsiveness. Much attention is paid to the study of religious literature, the history of the church.

The Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov (Saransk) invites everyone to attend classes that are held on Sundays. Children from 5 to 18 years old are admitted to the school. For adults, the school of Orthodoxy works, where anyone can enroll. Also at the temple there is a pilgrimage center where trips to the Holy Places are offered, for example, to the Diveevo Convent, Holy Optina desert and many others.

Helpful information

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

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

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

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