There are many churches and temples in Prague, but almost all of them are Catholic churches. This is understandable, because the Czech Republic, located in the very center of Europe, was part of the Roman Empire in the Middle Ages.
However, there are also Orthodox churches in Prague. Where can I see them? The article provides an overview of some of them.
A bit about religion in Prague
The history of any country is closely connected with religion, and more often than not, it is she who does it. Since the end of the X century, the Czech Republic has become Catholic, but the Orthodox faith in the IX century managed to "seep" into its territory. Today, Catholics in this state account for approximately 39% of the total population. It should be noted that every year there is a weakening position of the Catholic Church. There are even fewer Orthodox Christians, with the bulk being Russian immigrants.
Among tourists who come to enjoy the sights of the Czech Republic and try local beer, as well as strengthen their health in the mineral springs of Karlovy Vary, there are also those interested in Orthodox Churches. In Prague they are, there are several of them.
Cathedral of St. Cyril and Methodius
The main of all Orthodox churches is rightfully considered this cathedral. He was originally Catholic. Where is the Orthodox church in Prague located? It is located in Nove Mesto - the historical district of the capital of the Czech state, which was founded 650 years ago by King Charles IV. He combined Vysehrad and Stare Mesto. The cathedral was built in 1730-1736 (project by Kilian Dienzenhofer) as the church of St. Karl Borromei, Archbishop of Milan, famous for his mercy and good deeds towards poor people. He was considered the savior of many people from the plague.
After the church reforms that took place at the end of the 18th century, liturgical processes were stopped, and since 1933 the church was given to the Czech Orthodox faith. As a result, it was consecrated in honor of Cyril and Methodius. The Bulgarian Church presented the icon of St. Cyril and Methodius, and on behalf of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1951 he was granted independence (autocephaly), and he became a cathedral.
Within the walls of this Orthodox church in Prague during the Second World War, tragic events took place. Slovak and Czech patriot paratroopers who came from England after the murder of the German police general, the ruthless Reinhard Heydrich, hid here. While they were hiding in the basement, they were raided. Rumors circulated that the Nazis were told about them by a priest, a minister of another Catholic church. The patriots did not give up, fought to the last bullet, and in the end committed an act of suicide in order to avoid captivity. The priest of this Orthodox church, the Nazis shot before the image of the Savior, and the archbishop of Gorazd was executed.
In memory of past dramatic events in the crypt of the cathedral, a museum was founded in memory of the heroes of the Resistance (opened in 1995).
Church of St. Nicholas
Orthodox church in Prague, built in honor of St. Nicholas stands on Old Town Square. This religious building was erected in 1732-1735 at the location of the old church, which is mentioned in the annals of 1273. It burned down in the XVII century. The author of the new temple project is Kilian Dintsenhofer. From almost all points of the city, its magnificent turquoise domes are visible.
During the reign of Joseph II (emperor), this church was closed. This was done only so that the Russians did not pray for the strength of their weapons. Almost depriving the beautiful decorations of the interior, the building was used as a warehouse. In 1871, the church was surrendered to the Russian Orthodox Church, and since the 20th year of the 20th century it has become the main Hussite church. During the Second World War, local artists worked in the church. It was they who restored the ancient frescoes.
The main highlight of the temple is the chandelier (large chandelier), donated by the Orthodox Church by the Emperor of Russia. It was made in 1880 at a glassworks in Harrachov. The mass of this amazing design, in shape resembling the Russian crown, is 1,400 kg.
This Orthodox church in Prague is operational. On Easter and Christmas, a procession is held here. The church also hosts classical music concerts performed on a church organ.
Basilica of St. George the Victorious
In the Czech Republic, Orthodoxy is associated with the name of Princess Ludmila - the daughter of Prince Slavibor. She was the wife of Borzhivoy I (the Czech prince), who was baptized with her according to Christian customs in 871. After the change of government of many princes, the heir to the throne was the grandson of Lyudmila - Wenceslas, who at that time was only 8 years old. The princess raised him in the spirit of Christianity and in the spiritual plan exerted a strong influence on him. The daughter-in-law of Lyudmila Dragomira (the mother of Wenceslas) decided to kill her, sending murderers to her chambers at night.
After 1143-1144, Lyudmila was counted among the saints. Since then, she has become the patroness of grandmothers, mothers, and teachers. In 925, it was decided to transfer its remains to the Basilica of St. George the Victorious, which was built in Prague in 920. In the fire of 1142, the church was badly damaged, but was rebuilt again, and two new towers in the Romanesque style appeared on it.
In the interior there are tombs with the remains of the founder of the church and his grandson (Vratislav I and Boleslav II). The relics of St. Ludmila is located in a Gothic style chapel attached to the basilica.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This Orthodox church in Prague was built in 1924-1925 according to the design of Brandt V.A. (professor) and Baron Klodt S.G. Most of the murals and mosaics were performed by I. Bilibin, a well-known artist. After the closure of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Stara Mesto in 1945, the Assumption Church began to conduct services for parishioners.
In the crypt lie the remains of the great martyr Sofia and the following celebrities:
- Czech politician Karel Kramarge;
- Russian historian and archaeologist Kondakov N. P;
- Ipatiev E. N. - an engineer in whom members of the royal family were killed in the house;
- Russian commander - Schilling N.N.
New Temple in Prague
On January 7 (Christmas), 2013, the very first service was held in the Orthodox Church of St. Lyudmila - patroness of the Czech Republic. The temple is named after the holy martyr Princess Ludmila of Czech. It was built in the northwestern district of Prague, near the Stromovka park.
The former exhibition pavilion of the Russian trade mission was rebuilt under the temple. Divine services are held in the consecrated church.
On church icons, Lyudmila is depicted in a long dress, her head is covered with powder, and in some with a princely hat. Day of Remembrance of the Princess Martyr - Saint Missus the Great is celebrated on September 16th.