The year 2007 was marked for the residents of Russia with good news about the increase in the church heritage of the region. This time, the changes affected the Western administrative district of the Russian Federation.
The city administration of the small town announced a decision to build a new Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Solntsevo, named after the holy founder of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
About Rev. Sergius of Radonezh
St. Sergius was a mentor to many saints canonized by the church, he tirelessly taught them and later became an intercessor and hegumen of all Russia. The entire Russian Land honored the face of the Holy and elevated it to a model of humility and meekness for the lay people and monks here.
The Monk Sergius gave his heart to the blessing of princes and troops during the Battle of Kulikovo, tirelessly prayed for victory in the battle by Dimitri Donskoy, and suffered from heart disease during the years of the Tatar yoke in Russia. He commemorated all those who had sacrificed their lives for the Holy Land and laid down their heads day and night.
Sergius of Radonezh was a faithful servant of the Church, the Holy Trinity and bowed low to the image of Divine Love.
About the construction of the Temple
Local authorities decided to build the Temple of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Solntsevo in the western part of the district, on Bogdanov Street.
The decision to implement the project on the construction of an object called the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh was made after the appeal of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II to the local authorities. He supported the Orthodox parish in the intention to erect the Temple of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Solntsevo from the Moscow diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church and blessed him to carry out the work.
Yuri Alpatov, the prefect of the Moscow Western administrative district, and Vladimir Resin, the first deputy mayor of Moscow in the Government, were tasked with overseeing the implementation of the order for the construction of the Temple.
The first stage of the upcoming work was the release of the occupied area and the cleaning of the surrounding area. Previously, this place was an open-air car park, which could accommodate about 70 cars. It was decided to erect the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh at the expense of attracted and own funds of church ministers. Initially, the timing and construction plans were not agreed.
Temple of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Solntsevo, description of the object
As a result of construction, a building was erected with a total area of 1770 m², covering an area of approximately 0.54 ha. As planned, funding came from donations — funds raised from legal entities, individuals, and Orthodox parishioners.
The walls of the Temple are designed in the Byzantine style, which prevails in the architecture of many churches and cathedrals. The building itself houses the Upper Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh and two chapels, named after Alexander Nevsky and Ksenia of Petersburg. There is also a lower baptismal church, whose name was given by the Holy Blessed Prince Vladimir.
The construction of the object was completed in 2011, the total duration of the work is 4 years from the moment of signing the relevant documents for permission to erect the Temple in Solntsevo. The Temple opens its doors from 10:00 to 20:00, and on liturgical days the operating mode is set accordingly with the schedule.
The life of the Orthodox parish of the Temple
A rather large number of clergy are serving at the Temple, led by Archpriest George Studenov. The Sunday school, which has three groups — junior, middle and senior — is conducting its work. Everyone can enjoy choral singing and a children's ceramics studio. For parents who want to introduce the child to church life, there is a children's library, and for those who are aimed at studying the Church of the Slavonic language, classes are held weekly in the groups of two groups:
- initial (every Tuesday from 19:00 to 20:00);
- 2nd year group (every Sunday from 12:00 to 13:00).
Variety of possibilities
A youth discussion club has been specially created for parishioners aged 15 years and older. All interested and interested persons can join the group and participate in meetings on Sundays, providing for:
- thematic discussions;
- watching movies and subsequent discussion of the plot;
- communication with the clergy who can ask any question and consult on an exciting situation.
Saturday evenings are offered:
- study scripture;
- take a course on the basics of spiritual life, get to know better the basics of Orthodox dogma;
- conduct joint tours of the shrines and pilgrimage tours;
- take part in the local organization of sports competitions;
- participate in public organizations, in the social and liturgical life of the parish;
- organize parish local holidays and celebrations;
- engage in creativity;
- participate in meetings with interesting people.