There are buildings whose fate is full of dramatic moments. This is the fate of the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in the Watchmen. Why «Watchmen»? Apparently, in the 15th century, when the temple was first mentioned, there was a fortress nearby — a protective structure against Tatar raids.
When the first king of the Romanov family — Michael, the wooden temple burned down. The tsar’s daughter-in-law, Natalia Naryshkina, lived near that place, and she wanted a stone temple for herself. The mother of Peter the Great allocated funds for the construction and in 1689 the temple was consecrated. In the same year, Peter was crowned king.
Under Catherine the Great, the temple was decided to expand. Still, it became a regimental temple of the Transfiguration regiment. It was thanks to this regiment that Catherine ascended to the throne. And commanded the regiment Gregory Potemkin, the favorite of the Empress. During the alterations, it became clear that the old foundation of the load would not withstand and the construction was moved to the courtyard of the estate of Grigory Potemkin. In order to distinguish between the old churches, they began to call the Small Church and the new the Great Ascension.
Neither Potemkin nor Ekaterina waited for the completion of construction. Potemkin didn’t even live to see it begin. The temple was built for a long time, and when it was almost finished, the war of 1812 began. During the Moscow fire, the building was badly damaged. Architects changed almost every year and everyone tried to bring something of their own to the concept. Construction was delayed again.
It was not until 1848 that construction was finally completed. The cathedral turned out monumental, but restrained, without pomp. Famous for excellent acoustics, laconic shapes and strict decoration.
After the revolution, the church operated for some time, but then it was closed, the bell tower was demolished. Used premises for economic needs. Only in 1990 was the ROC returned. Services began immediately, without waiting for the restoration. In 1999 he was consecrated bishop. In 2004, the construction of the bell tower was completed.
Interesting facts
- In the unfinished Church of the Great Ascension were married Natalia Goncharova and Alexander Pushkin
- Chaliapin sang in the temple. It was his daughter’s wedding ceremony.
- His last service Patriarch Tikhon held the Church of Ascension
Charitable Foundation Holy Land
Russian Temples and Monasteries
