The history of the temple of Cosmas and Damian is interesting. These saints were called unmercenaries because when they healed people they did not take payment. In the West, since ancient times, they have been considered the patrons of doctors and pharmacists. In Rus’, blacksmiths chose them as their patrons. It is no wonder that in the 17th century, when crafts flourished in Kaluga, a church appeared in honor of these saints.
Although at first the church was St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and only the chapel was dedicated to the holy healers. In 1754, the temple was badly damaged by fire, it was dismantled, and a stone one was erected in its place. But after 40 years the temple was dismantled again. He was given a new place and, with the money of the parishioners, they invited an architect who clearly belonged to the school of Rastrelli. His name has not been preserved, but the architecture of the cathedral is an example of Baroque in the style of Rastrelli. They consecrated it in honor of the Savior Not Made by Hands, and a little later they added a chapel — St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and Cosmas with Damian.
The architectural ensemble of the building consists of 4 semicircles, each of which is decorated with an onion. The fifth chapter is located in the middle. Five chapters symbolize Christ and the 4 evangelists.
The building has many columns, as a reference to the era of classicism. It is all elongated, directed upward. The bell tower stood separately for some time, but in 1824 it was connected to the temple by a refectory.
After the revolution, the temple operated for quite a long time, despite the fact that its servants were subjected to repression in 1926. It was closed only in 1937. It was used as a prison, but not for long. For many years, the building housed warehouses, even after it was recognized as a cultural heritage.
The revival of the temple began in 1992, when it was returned to the church.
The temple is operational, services are held daily. There are 2 Sunday schools at the temple — for children and for adults.
Charitable Foundation Holy Land
Temples and Monasteries of Russia
