The Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov in Saransk is a chapter in the modern history of Russian Orthodoxy. The temple was built in 2006 in honor of the admiral Fedor Ushakov to the rank of saints. The brethren of the Sanaksar monastery were concerned about the canonization of the naval commander. In their monastery served the admiral’s uncle the Monk Theodor of Sanaksar (Ivan Ignatievich Ushakov). The answer to the prayers of the brothers was the inclusion of the naval commander as a saint in 2001.
The central dome with a cross reaching 62 meters is surrounded by 4 bell towers. 12 bells were cast for them in Tutaev, in the Yaroslavl region. Strictly adhered to the old technology. It was not easy to bring bells, the heaviest of which weighs 6 tons. But now the bell ringing is heard over Saransk like angelic singing.
The cathedral is large, can accommodate 3,000 people. It is divided into 3 limits: the central one is dedicated to Saint Theodore Ushakov. The right is Seraphim of Sarov, and the left is for the new martyrs and confessors of Mordovia.
The iconostasis of the cathedral is richly decorated with gold leaf. Carvers used valuable species of wood. All icons were painted by I.G. Shemyakin and his students. In the Baptism Church of the temple there is a font, which is suitable for baptism of children and adults.
There is a Sunday school at the cathedral. Children are taught the Law of God in an accessible, playful way. The elders sing in the choir, study Orthodox worship. For pupils of Sunday school organize pilgrimage trips to Mordovia and the holy places of Russia.
Older children spend holidays in monasteries. They live according to the rules, bear obedience in the garden, in the kitchen, in the temple.
The work of the school is led by enthusiasts, for whom the introduction of children to the Orthodox faith is a ministry at the behest of the heart.
Acquaintance with the history of Russia in school begins with the study of the life of Russian naval commander Fyodor Ushakov.
The future hero of Russia was born in the family of a poor nobleman, a retired sergeant of the Preobrazhensky regiment. The family lived in the Yaroslavl region, in the village of Burnakovo. The pious parents and uncle, who later became the rector of the Sanaksar monastery, brought up in the young Fyodor the desire to serve the Lord and Russia. In 1761, sixteen-year-old Fedor became a cadet of the Naval Cadet Corps. He studied diligently, did not miss lessons and after 5 years was released with good grades and the title of midshipman.
Fedor Ushakov began his service on the Baltic Sea, but gained fame on the Black Sea.
In 1778, a shipyard and fortress were laid, which turned into the city of Kherson. This was the first step in the creation of the Black Sea Fleet.
By this time, Fedor Ushakov had already become captain, received his first award — the Order of St. Vladimir and was noticed by Prince Potemkin.
The Russian-Turkish wars began. In the first of them (1768-1774) Ushakov showed himself as a brave officer, a skilled tactician and a commander who thought about his subordinates. He was called the father of the sailors.
Fedor Ushakov has always relied on God. He began every battle with prayer and thanked God for it.
When the second war with Turkey began in 1787-1791, Ushakova became commander of the Sevastopol squadron. For military service he was awarded the rank of rear admiral. But it was clear that the brilliant naval commander deserved more and soon he was already in command of the entire Black Sea Fleet.
The famous battle of Kerch, where, thanks to the tactical decisions of M. Ushakov, the Russian fleet defeated the superior forces of the Turks, is still studied in military naval schools.
The Battle of Cape Kaliakria in 1791 ended the war. Despite the considerable superiority in guns, the Turkish fleet was completely and completely defeated.
During the Mediterranean campaigns, the admiral (1799) proved to be a skilled diplomat. He helped liberate the Ionian Islands from the French. At the end of the campaign, grateful residents presented him with a gold medal with the inscription: «All the Ionian Islands to the savior.»
After his resignation, Fedor Fedorovich lived in his estate, near the Sanaksar monastery, where he spent a lot of time. He did a lot of charity, helped the poor and poor, made significant donations to the monastery. He lived a solitary life, prayed a lot.
He died in 1817. After the funeral service, the people did not allow the coffin to be placed on the cart, but carried it in their hands to the Sanaksar monastery, where the hero of Russia and a companion of the Orthodox faith Fyodor Ushakov was buried.
The cathedral dedicated to St. Fedor Ushakov reminds of the glorious naval commander and his deeds, not only as an admiral, but as a believer whose life was dedicated to serving the Lord and the Motherland.
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Russian Temples and Monasteries
