City of Yaroslavl, Assumption Cathedral. Uspensky Cathedral in Yaroslavl

In Russia there are many churches. Some people are surprised by their beauty, mysterious legends are connected with others, and still others keep in their walls relics of the Orthodox world. Uspensky Cathedral of Yaroslavl was recently built on the site of an ancient temple - the oldest stone building of the city. For eight centuries of its existence, it was repeatedly destroyed and restored. Today, the Uspensky Cathedral in Yaroslavl is a beautiful and majestic landmark that attracts citizens and pilgrims from other places into its walls. We learn more about the history of this amazing temple, as well as about the shrines kept within its walls.

The Assumption Cathedral

Uspensky Cathedral of the city of Yaroslavl is the oldest local stone building. His age is only slightly less than that of the city itself. If Yaroslavl, one of the oldest settlements of the country, celebrated its millennium in 2010, then the Uspensky Cathedral has already become equal eight centuries. Of course, we are not talking about the temple in its original form, since it was rebuilt many times, and its present appearance does not resemble the original one.

So, let's imagine the young Yaroslavl. The Assumption Cathedral became the main city church and the first brick architectural structure, which differed from other churches of the North-East of Russia. Its construction began in 1215 at the behest of Prince Rostov of Constantin Vsevolodovich. And they consecrated four years later Bishop Cyril.

According to tradition, it was named as the main city temple, in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God. Constructed from red bricks, it was decorated with a skilled white stone carving, the doors were decorated with gold-plated brass, and the floor was covered with colored majolica tiles. About the general appearance and interior decoration allows you to say some archaeological findings.

History of the Cathedral

However, Yaroslavl did not long admire the Assumption Cathedral - in 1237 the church was devastated and burnt by Batu's army. Then she lost most of her holy relics and luxurious finishes.

After this event, the temple was completely or partially destroyed three times by fires. The very first of them occurred in 1501, as a result of the cathedral, the vaults collapsed. Then all the townspeople began to restore the shrine. At this time, people discovered the imperishable remains of princes Vasily and Constantine Vsevolodovich, who had previously been buried here. Later these relics became the most valuable relic of the cathedral. The temple was rebuilt in the same place and consecrated.

In the XVII century. A small cathedral was not big enough for a rapidly developing city, which at that time was Yaroslavl. Therefore, it was decided to demolish it and build a new temple instead - five-domed, with a high bell tower. Construction lasted three years - from 1643 to 1646th.

But in the same century the cathedral was destroyed twice by fires (in 1658 and 1670). After them it was necessary to carry out major works on the restoration of the church.

Over time, the temple was repeatedly subjected to serious restructuring, however, they were primarily concerned with the external appearance, internal painting and decoration remained virtually unchanged.

In 1788, the city became the center of the diocese, and the Assumption Cathedral (Yaroslavl) received the status of a cathedral. Naturally, this was followed by a significant expansion and decoration of the temple. A warm church with a throne was built to the central building of the cathedral.

In 1836 a new four-tiered bell tower was installed to replace the former tent tower. A few years later the domes were covered with gold - for the first time in the history of the city. Also in the temple there was an amazing beauty and a very valuable iconostasis from five tiers.

Assumption Cathedral in the twentieth century

The difficult 20th century brought many tests to the cathedral, it befell the fate of many churches during the persecution of the church. In 1918, the buildings were very damaged during artillery shelling while suppressing the White Guard mutiny. However, they were restored to parish donations.

Further, the destruction did not decrease. In 1922, many sacred values were confiscated from the vestry, and the building itself was transferred to the labor exchange. Seven years later, the splendid bell tower was demolished, and a grain storage facility was set up in the premises of the church.

And in August 1937 the Uspensky Cathedral in Yaroslavl, the oldest architectural monument, was ruthlessly blown up, and where he was, broke the park zone.

The construction of the new Assumption Cathedral

The idea of recreating the Assumption Cathedral instead of the destroyed church was approved only in 2004. The project was entrusted to the architect from Moscow, Alexei Denisov. Patron of the construction was the well-known capital businessman Viktor Tyryshkin. He invested in the construction of the temple personal funds, making a truly generous gift to the city. The chosen project attracted its scale and monumentality. In 2005, Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad performed the consecration of the foundation stone.

The construction of the church lasted four years and was completed in 2010. At the same time, construction itself was the cause of heated debate, especially its size and the fact that it could change the general appearance of the city. But, in spite of everything, the temple was nevertheless built anew on its historical site.

Solemn consecration of the cathedral

Revealing the newly constructed Uspensky Cathedral, Yaroslavl celebrated its millennium on a grand scale. The consecration of the temple was on the third day of the solemn events. A significant event gathered in the walls of the cathedral many believers, and the broadcast ceremony was displayed on the screens installed near the church.

The consecration was conducted by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill. And at the end of the solemn service, he gave the temple the image of the Sign of the Blessed Virgin.

Assumption Cathedral today

Currently, the cathedral covers an area of approximately two thousand square meters. In its premises can accommodate more than four thousand people at the same time. A seventy-meter bell tower rises above the cathedral. In the basement there is a museum, a refectory, a council hall and the chambers of the archbishop.

And although there are many other churches in the old city, Yaroslavl can truly be proud of this temple - the Assumption Cathedral, like eight centuries ago, embodies the true grandeur of the Orthodox Church.

Shrines of the temple

Sacred relics, attracting believers from different places to the Assumption Cathedral (Yaroslavl) - the relics of princes Vasily and Constantine. Still here is the list of the Yaroslavl icon of the Mother of God. From the Theodore temple, the relics of the holy princes of Yaroslavl, Theodore and his sons David and Constantine, were brought here.

Separately, it must be said that the cathedral is decorated with a gilt tile icon. It is the largest in the world - its area is equal to thirty-seven square meters. In order to create an icon, urban masters used more than one thousand tiles.

The interior of the cathedral

The Assumption Cathedral (Yaroslavl) is beautiful not only externally. The interior of the temple impresses with its splendor - it is bright and joyful. The soft flickering of candles, the faces of saints watching the icons, the solemn silence reigning within the walls of the temple, suggest thinking and turning their thoughts to good. And although its walls do not breathe old times, and the domes sparkle with newness, this does not diminish the feeling of holiness filling even the air in the cathedral.

The number of icons is growing every year, and the church choir is one of the best. In the temple there is a place for the smallest parishioners - there is a special children's playground where children can paint and rest while their parents communicate with God.

Address and service hours

Many pilgrims and visitors simply need information about where the Assumption Cathedral (Yaroslavl) is located. Temple address: Kotoroslnaya embankment, 2/1. To get to the city from Moscow you can take buses and trains departing from the Yaroslavsky railway station.

Unlike many other churches, services in the cathedral are held every day. The morning liturgy starts on weekdays at 8:00 (and on weekends it is held twice: at 7:00 and 9:30). The evening service starts at 5:00 pm.

The share of this glorious temple fell a lot of trials and destruction. They pursued his whole long history. Nevertheless, today the cathedral remains a beautiful and majestic embodiment of the Orthodox faith, and in its walls, as before, sincere prayers and solemn chants sound, awakening in parishioners the most good feelings and thoughts. And for the pilgrims visiting Yaroslavl, the Assumption Cathedral becomes the most important point of attraction.