Chernigov Compound in Moscow - the atmosphere of the old city

Chernihiv Lane is a historical place. Here there are buildings that are several hundred years old. Six buildings of the 12th-18th centuries, including two churches, represent the Chernigov Compound in Moscow.

One of them is built in honor of the beheading of the head of John the Baptist, the other is dedicated to Mikhail and Fedor of Chernigov. Until 1991, the churches carried out their work separately from each other. The only thing that united them was one bell tower for two buildings. Now they represent the Chernigov patriarchal metochion in Moscow, that is, they are his residence.

When the first buildings appeared

Construction of Orthodox shrines in this place began in the XIV century, when this area was not the center, but the outskirts of Moscow. Here Ioanno-Predtechensky monastery tried to settle. But the constant raids to which Moscow was subjected at the time, the regular burning of all wooden buildings, including the temple, forced him to change his place. Even a stone church built on the site of the previous one could not stop this migration. The street where the Chernigov Compound is located in Moscow was chosen by Ivan the Terrible for the meeting of the relics of boyar Fyodor and prince Michael. The fact is that they arrived at the nearby Ordynka, that is, on the road from the Golden Horde. This memorable event was immortalized, having built on the Pyatnitskaya Street the Temple of the Chernigov Miracle Workers. First wooden, and then stone.

Hard times

During the Soviet era, the churches were closed to Orthodox believers. But continued to use as warehouses, desecrating the premises, arranging in the altars of the same places. Gradually the temples became dilapidated, they came to desolation. They lost the domes, plaster and gilt peeled off. It's amazing that the buildings themselves survived. Perhaps because they were used as premises for Soviet organizations. For example, in the church of St. John the Baptist was the Food Administration.

First restoration

When the city was preparing for the 1980 Olympics and a meeting of foreigners, many architectural monuments began to be restored. Lucky and these two churches, where today the Chernigov farmstead is located. In Moscow, began restoration work, which, in addition to the main buildings, touched the bell tower and refectory, located here. They worked conscientiously. They restored the dome and crosses, covered the tiles with tiles, whitewashed and plastered the walls, installed a grate and a fence. Restoration lasted even after the Olympic Games were completed, until 1984. It is interesting that during this period the buildings belonged not to the Orthodox Church, but to the Ministry of Building Materials. There was even an exhibition hall, which was called "Art Glass".

Reopening

Christians could go to the temple for service only in the 90s. During the period from 1991 to 1997 the church was consecrated and began its Orthodox activity. Chernigov Compound in Moscow - the address, which now houses the All-Church postgraduate study. And her rector is the rector of the church. A lot of time passed after the last restoration work. The Chernigov Compound in Moscow began to need them again. Therefore, the restoration of temples began in 2009. Completed these works in November 2015. Ancient buildings are also interested in archeologists. They were engaged in the restoration of the foundation.

Preservation of ancient frescoes

After the restoration, the Mayor of the city and the Patriarch of All Russia inspected the Chernigov Compound in Moscow. They found that the quality of the work carried out is very high. Noted that, in addition to the temples, the nearest buildings were rebuilt, adjacent streets were landscaped. In the process, artifacts were discovered. Particularly interesting is the ancient fresco. Previously, the painting of the temples was done according to a special technology, directly on raw plaster with the use of only natural paints.

These days it would be very laborious, and materials are used semi-synthetic. Therefore, the masters did not restore the mural, but preserved. That is, covered with a layer of plaster and painted the wall of the temple on top of it. Thus, preserved the historical figure for future generations. Other interesting artifacts are the original tombstones. At present, Chernihiv metochion is open for Christians in Moscow. Address: Pyatnitskaya street, 4/2, building 9.

Despite the modern technology, which carried out the restoration work, the craftsmen managed to preserve the atmosphere of old Moscow. These ancient temples are not the only ones that are being restored today. Therefore, soon cozy old corners in Moscow will be more for the joy of residents and guests of the capital.