Great Orthodox churches of Russia: St. Nicholas Cathedral, Orenburg

One of the attractions of the city of Orenburg, a precious architectural monument of the late XIX century and a shrine, miraculously preserved and completely restored, is the St. Nicholas Cathedral. Orenburg during the Soviet era lost more than 40 churches and churches, but the majestic building of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, fortunately, was not destroyed, although it was used for very different purposes.

Construction of St. Nicholas Church

The history of St. Nicholas Cathedral began in the late eighties of the nineteenth century. In the eastern suburb of Orenburg, the Cossack village of Forstadt, a great disaster happened. A series of powerful fires broke out, destroying most of the village. When restoring the burnt settlement by the whole world, it was decided to erect a stone church on the site of the conflagration. For the bookmark, the cottages identified a large plot on the hill. Concerns about raising funds and building the temple were taken over by local residents, as they would say today, the "initiative group", headed by the elder E.G. Kolokoltsov. May 4, 1886, built on the money of the parishioners Cossack church was solemnly consecrated.

So on the site of the great misfortune was built St. Nicholas Church, the future St. Nicholas Cathedral. Orenburg over time, like most cities, has grown, and the Cossack village of Forstadt became part of the city. Today it is known as a street named after V.P. Chkalov. In memory of the village, its legacy remains - a temple founded by Orenburg Cossacks. Here, in the neighborhood of St. Nicholas Cathedral, a monument to the Orenburg Cossacks, no less loved by the residents and guests of the city, was erected.

St. Nicholas Cathedral in the XX century: trials, war and the new life of the temple

Before the revolution, at the beginning of the 20th century, the St. Nicholas Church was actively built up and expanded. In addition to the two side chapels, in the name of the holy healer of the Great Martyr Panteleimon and the Assumption of the Mother of God, three schools and a large refectory appeared at the temple.

The situation changed dramatically after the Bolsheviks came to power. The anti-religious policy conducted led to the fact that the St. Nicholas Church was closed in 1935. All priceless shrines were taken out or destroyed. Subsequently, the building of the temple, fortunately survived, was used by the new masters first as a hostel, and later for the storage of the NKVD archive.

The changes began during a difficult test - the Great Patriotic War, when prayer houses and temples began to open all over the country. Believers of Orenburg appealed to the Patriarch of Moscow Sergius with a request for assistance in the restoration of the St. Nicholas Church. In 1944 the building was returned to Orenburg (Chkalov) diocese. From this moment, the St. Nicholas Church becomes the center of spiritual life for the citizens of Orenburg, and also provides active support to the state, conducting patriotic work among the believers and arranging fees to the Defense Fund.

But the final revival of the temple begins only in the late 80's and 90's. In the year of the Millennium of the baptism of Rus in the St. Nicholas Cathedral, active construction and restoration work begins. Nikolsky Cathedral was restored by 1996, on its territory were built Vodovosvyatnaya chapel, a new bell tower, a large garden appeared.

Holy patrons and miracle-working icon

Originally, as it is clear from the name, the St. Nicholas Church was erected in the name of the most revered saint in Russia - Archbishop Nikolai Mirlikiy, or Nicholas the Wonderworker. Until 1910, the St. Nicholas Church was a single-altar church, but later the church was listed as a three-table church, in the name of St. Great Martyr Panteleimon and the Assumption of the Mother of God.

In addition, St. Nicholas Cathedral (Orenburg) is known for its main shrine. Here is kept the list from the ancient icon - the miraculous Tabynskaya icon of the Mother of God.

How to visit St. Nicholas Cathedral in Orenburg

There is an opinion that visiting churches and churches can be interesting only to Orthodox believers. And this is far from the case: the cathedral in Orenburg is not only a place for prayer. This temple is both an invaluable architectural monument and part of Russian history. Of course, all who are fortunate enough to visit this picturesque old town in the south of the Urals, it is worth including in the tour of the St. Nicholas Cathedral (Orenburg). Address of the temple: ul. V.P. Chkalov, the house 8.

The work hours of St. Nicholas Cathedral: 7.00-20.00 daily.

If this excursion is also a pilgrimage trip, planning to visit St. Nicholas Cathedral (Orenburg), the schedule of divine services can be found out in advance.

Divine services on ordinary days (except for the days of the Great and Twelve Great Feasts) are as follows:

- Monday-Friday: from 8-.00 - morning liturgy, 17.00 - daily evening service;

- All-night vigil is held every Saturday from 5 pm.

In the days of the great and the 120th feasts and on Sunday, Divine Liturgies are held in the cathedral: at 7.00 am, early, 9.30pm.

For more information, you can contact the St. Nicholas Cathedral (Orenburg). Telephone administration (3532) 31-17-45 or 31-48-68.