What can surprise Panteleimonovskaya church in St. Petersburg

The Panteleimon church is one of the oldest in St. Petersburg. It was laid even under Peter the Great. The temple is an excellent example of the Russian Baroque style. But not only is it worthwhile to visit the Orthodox church of the Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteliemon (this is the full official name of the church). It is also a monument to the naval victories of the Russian fleet. The church has an interesting history, which all the connoisseurs of architecture in St. Petersburg must learn. In this essay we will talk about how Panteleimon's temple was built, its appearance and interior decoration.

How to reach this point of interest

This church can be visited by visiting other monuments of the city. After all, it is in the Central District. The address near the temple is very simple: st. Pestelya, 2A, St. Petersburg. The Panteleymon's church is located on the corner of this street, where it intersects with the Salyan lane. You can go to the temple from three metro stations: Gostiny Dvor (fifteen minutes from the subway), Chernyshevskaya (1.4 km) and Nevsky Prospekt (just over one and a half kilometers). The church gave the name Panteleimonovsky bridge across the Fontanka River. And also the street on which the temple is located (Pestel's name was appropriated to her in 1925). If you came to St. Petersburg for a short time and would like to see all the sights of the central part of the city on the Neva in one day, then you can leave the Admiralty and the Summer Garden, from another beautiful church of the Savior on Blood and from the Mikhailovsky Castle to the Panteleymonovskaya church. Walking along the Fontanka embankment, you will go to Pestel Street.

Prehistory of the Panteleymon's Church

At the time of Peter the Great in this place, near the mouth of the Fontanka River, there was a Particular Dockyard. There, workers built and repaired ships for the navy. And on July 27, 1714, Russian sailors won a sea battle with the Swedes at Gangut (modern name Hanko). After this Victoria, Peter the Great ordered to build a small chapel for the shipyard workers. After all, they, albeit indirectly, also were involved in the victory of the Russian fleet. The chapel was small, wooden. It was consecrated in honor of the healer and great martyr Panteleimon, since the victory at Gangut was won on the day when the Orthodox Church honors the memory of this saint. The second event - the Battle of Gragam Island in 1720 - elevated the status of the chapel. After all, a new victory was won exactly the same day that the first one - on July 27. Therefore, Tsar Peter sent a dispatch with the order to build a church in place of the chapel, which would be a monument to the glory of the Russian fleet. Architect Nikolai Gerbel built a temple for two years. The Panteleimonovskaya church was at first a mazanka church.

The modern view of the temple

In 1735, this monument of the Russian flotilla was decided to be rebuilt in stone. Mazanka building was completely destroyed. The architect I. Korobov designed the new church. He decided to decorate the temple outside with Tuscan pilasters, but otherwise survive the construction in the style of the Petrine Baroque. Panteleimonovskaya church was covered with one large tent dome made of wood. Nearby built a bell tower. The interior of the temple was painted by artists A. Kvashnin and G. Ipatov. This church was consecrated by Vologda Bishop Amvrosiy on the feast of St. Panteleimon in 1739. In the damp and cold Petersburg climate, in a building without heating to serve and listen to the liturgy was uncomfortable. Therefore, in 1764 a warm side-chapel dedicated to St. Catherine was built.

In 1834 the church was rebuilt again, giving it a late Empire style. The works were directed by the architect V. Beretti. He decorated the facades of the church with bas-reliefs made of marble. In 1852 the temple was expanded, and twenty years later a chapel was added to it. Finally, in 1896, the church acquired another chapel - in honor of princes Michael and Fedor of Chernigov. In this form, the temple has come down to our days.

Modern History

Under Soviet power, in 1922, the Panteleymonovo church moved to the "Renovationists". But in May 1936 their parish was closed. The temple was a grain warehouse and a textile workshop. Proposals were also made for the demolition of the building. Fortunately, in 1980 there was an exhibition "Gangut Memorial" of the Historical Museum of the city. And only in 1991 the church was returned to the diocese. Restoration work lasted about three years. The first solemn divine service in the church was performed at the Baptism of 1994. Panteleymonovskaya church (St. Petersburg) has the status of an object of cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. Therefore, restoration work is regularly carried out there. So, in 2003 they renewed the facade and domes, and in 2007 they returned the old form to the paintings.

Panteleimonovskaya church: schedule of services

Temple holidays are August 9 (St. Panteleimon's New Style Day), December 7 (Great Martyr Catherine) and February 27 and October 3 (Mikhail and Fedor of Chernigov). The church is open every day from nine in the morning until seven in the evening. Divine services are held on Saturdays, Sundays and twelve holidays. Confession - at half past nine, liturgy at 10.00. In the evening the service is held at 18.00. Looking around the temple, pay attention to the house opposite. There in 1833-1834. Lived Alexander Pushkin.