Did you know that the first Christian churches in Russia appeared long before the Baptism of Rus’? Not only is the fact itself surprising, it is amazing that some of them have survived to this day! Such is the power of faith, it is able to withstand misfortunes, survive in hard times, and survive the seemingly impossible. And where there is faith, there is worship. Although not all ancient temples are well preserved, some of them are in ruins, some are in need of restoration. The main thing is that we have the opportunity to see them, participate in the restoration, and pray in those that are
in action. Just hurry, not all temples are taken care of, and they may disappear, taking with them a story of resilience and hope.
1. Temples of Arkhyz
Arkhyz is not only a ski resort in Karachay-Cherkessia. This is also the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement — a huge open-air museum. It is believed that these are the remains of the capital of the once powerful Alan state — Magas. The settlement ceased to exist by the 12th century, but the village of the diocese existed until the end of the 14th century. The remains of 3 churches have been preserved in the settlement. The oldest of them is Northern, built in the 10
century. You can learn more about this temple at link.
2. Church of Boris and Gleb
A small church in honor of the first Russian saints in the village of Kideksha, near Suzdal, was built by order of Yuri Dolgoruky. It is generally accepted that it was from here, in 1152, that the era of white stone architecture began. The church was built at the meeting place of the brothers, the sons of Prince Vladimir, who were in a hurry to say goodbye to their sick father. But the prince died before they reached Kyiv, and the treacherous brother Svyatopolk, later nicknamed the Accursed, ordered his rivals in the struggle for the throne to be killed. The church from the outside makes a stern impression, more like a fortress. It was rebuilt many times, so we only have general ideas about its original appearance.
3. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Not many buildings from the pre-Mongol era have survived to this day. What the Mongols did not destroy, the Soviet government destroyed. But the Assumption Church in Vladimir survived and continues to delight parishioners, pilgrims and tourists. It was built by order of Andrei Bogolyubsky. They were finished with white stone and polished copper. The beauty of the city took the breath away. Fires destroyed the building three times, but each time it was restored. The temple remained in ruins for the longest time after it was set on fire by the Mongols, along with the inhabitants and the princely family. But by the 15th century the temple was restored. Now the Assumption Cathedral shone not only from the outside, but also from the inside. It was painted with frescoes by famous Russian painters: Danila Cherny and Andrei Rublev. You can find out more about the temple here.
4. St. Sophia Cathedral
The main temple of Veliky Novgorod was consecrated in 1150. The Novgorodians firmly believed in the intercession of St. Sophia and did not skimp on the decoration of the temple. The iconostasis, choirs, frescoes on the walls — everything amazed with its richness and splendor. The Mongols did not reach Novgorod, so the temple was not damaged by them. It is pleasant for a believer to know that the soul of Northern Orthodoxy, St. Sophia Cathedral, is a functioning temple. Within its ancient walls, services are held and the prayers of believers are said, just as many centuries ago. More information about the cathedral here.
5. Peter and Paul Church
The glorious city of Smolensk has experienced a lot in its lifetime, and with it its most ancient temple — the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Smolensk Prince Rostislav built it for his family in 1146. The temple survived the Mongol invasion, the occupation of the Poles, numerous fires and shelling. But he could not resist the harsh machine of anti-religious propaganda of the Bolsheviks. Learn about the history of the temple
6. Church of the Intercession on the Nerl
At the crossroads of trade routes, Prince Andrei, nicknamed Bogolyubsky, ordered to build a church. Small, but slender, graceful, so that it could be seen from afar. In Rus’, churches were built in honor of victories and achievements, but this church is the cry of the father’s soul. It was built in the year when Prince Andrei’s son, Izyaslav, died in a campaign against Volga Bulgaria. Why this
church is unusual and why it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List can be found out here.
Visiting ancient temples helps you see the world from a different point of view, better understand how our nation and culture were formed, how faith was strengthened. For this purpose, the Orthodox Charitable Foundation “Holy Land” organizes charitable pilgrimage trips to holy places. Trip schedule and directions here.
Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Investments in Soul!
