Church of St. Catherine in Feodosia: photo, description, location

In the Crimea there is a huge numberattractions. Travelers are attracted to the Livadia Palace, the Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai, the Swallow's Nest, the Genoese fortress. A special place in this list is occupied by the church of St. Catherine in Theodosia, in another way the temple is called the St. Catherine's Church. It is located near the Feodosiya bus station, opposite the railway station "Aivazovskaya". This is an unusually elegant, very bright, richly decorated church.

History

Initially, Christianity was laid in the Crimeathe Apostle Andrew the First-Called, who was one of the 12 disciples of Christ, and Saint Clement-the Roman bishop. One of the very first cities of the Crimea, enlightened by the light of faith, is Theodosius. In 1892, April 21 (the birthday of the great Empress of Russia Catherine II), the Church of St. Catherine was founded in Feodosia in honor of such a memorable moment when Crimea joined Russia.

The erection of the church took place on donationsresidents of the city. About three thousand rubles was allocated by the Chief Procurator. A large amount of money for construction was donated by the famous doctor of mathematical sciences - VI Lapshin. Traders of the city provided construction materials, and the working people worked for free on weekends. The construction committee included the first people of the city: Mikhail Ivanovich Altukhov, Nikolai Ivanitsky, Vasily Ksenofontovich Vinogradov. The assistance in the erection of this holy place was provided by the doctor of mathematics Vasily Ivanovich Lapshin and the engineer, the founder of the railway in Feodosia - Nikolai Pavlovich Mezhenin. The Church of St. Catherine is an example of the iconic Russian architecture. When it was built, all the architectural traditions of the 17th century were observed.

Temple of St. Catherine in Feodosia: photo, description

The basis of the church (as well as in all Russiantemples) is an equilateral cross. The walls are erected on a high plinth and separated at the corners by columns. On the west side there is an entrance to the church, which is framed by a portico (covered gallery). Above the entrance to the temple there is an exquisite belfry, decorated with small patterned columns. The Church of St. Catherine in Feodosia has five arches. The top of the temple is framed with painted kokoshniks, repeating the shape of the domes. Domes, in turn, are studded with stars. The main gold dome is a light drum that has the shape of a pyramid. On each side there are lancet carved windows. Another source of light is a rectangular, very high window, which is located in the walls. This church is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful sights of the city of Feodosia. It has a solemn radiant view from the outside and a luxurious decoration inside.

Events of the XX century

In the days of Soviet power, all Russian churchesclosed, did not pass this fate and the Church of St. Catherine in Feodosia. In 1937, it was given to the warehouse. During the war (1941), the German troops, occupying the territory of Theodosia, began the restoration of the church. It is from this time that the church is considered an active church in the Crimea.

Since 1901 in the church of St. Catherine in Feodosiathe priest was Andrei Kosovsky, who was arrested in the 1920s during the service. And later shot - on charges of anti-Soviet activities. In 2000, Father Andrey Feodosiysky was counted among the saints.

In the late 90's in honor of St. John the Baptist toThe church was attached to the church, where there was a room for Sunday school and a baptismal. In 2002, the church was renovated. During this period of time a whole complex was built:

• a room for Sunday school;
• library;
• Methodist's study;
• hotel.

More recently, another temple was built here,in which there is a baptismal for full immersion. For believers who came to admire the beauties of Theodosia, there is a hotel at the temple. Already a quarter of a century is the rector of the church Father Alexei (Svitan).

Theodosius, St. Catherine's Church: how to get there?

In connection with the fact that the church of St. Catherine is located next to the railway station (about 200 meters), and very close to the bus station, it will be easy to walk. It will take no more than 2 minutes.

Reviews of St. Catherine's Church

Visitors of the church note that there reignsan unusual atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Surprising and unusual architectural ensemble: despite the domes with crosses, the carved ornament of the building echoes with the oriental style. It is noted that all the structures around the temple (although they were built later) are made in the same architectural style. Very cozy and the courtyard itself - there are comfortable benches, an unusually beautiful fountain. Nearby grow southern and exotic trees, everywhere blossom amazing flowers, a variety of colors. Very beautiful decoration and in the temple itself, in the center is a large and beautiful icon of the Great Martyr Catherine, who is considered to be the patroness of the temple. This place is noteworthy not only for its beauty, but also for the fact that it is a temple of God - a house of prayer.