Vvedensky Cathedral (Cheboksary) is a monumental architectural monument and is the main symbol of the clergy throughout the Chuvash Republic. The construction of the temple was completed in 1657. The cathedral is the only monument of the XVII century that has survived to this day. The interior decoration of the temple is striking in its splendor. The iconostasis and part of the frescoes have been preserved since the XVII-XVIII centuries. Of particular value is the free-standing bell tower. And although it has been repaired more than once, nevertheless the main outlines have been preserved in their original form to our time.
History
On May 26, 1555, Russian Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible adopted a decree, having previously received the blessing of Metropolitan Makarius of Moscow that Archbishop Guriy of Kazan and Sviyazhsk should begin to conduct divine services in Cheboksary and build a church there. The next day, Guri with his close companions went to the newly opened Kazan diocese. In all the villages that the ministers passed, they were greeted with a magnificent celebration and procession.
At the end of July 1555, the archbishop and his companions arrived at the place where the city of Cheboksary should have been located. The first order that Guri gave was the construction of a cathedral church on top of a mountain. He himself erected a linen camp church here and sprinkled holy water on the surroundings of the future city, thereby indicating its horizons. Vvedensky Cathedral (Cheboksary) became the basis for the creation of the city.
In the camp church of Guria was the only icon of the Mother of God. The archbishop served her the first Divine Liturgy. After that, all residents could receive the blessing of the Virgin. The icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Vladimir with a baby is still on the territory of the cathedral and is the most important and revered shrine of the temple.
Start of construction
Later, the linen church was replaced by a wooden cathedral. Almost nothing is known about the interior of the temple. In the center was a small iconostasis. The main subject of worship was the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir. There were also several icons of Stroganov letters. Church utensils consisted of two chalices, one of which was donated by Archbishop Guri, and the other was brought from Persia. Inside the temple was decorated with wooden crowns. One of the walls was decorated with an image of an angel with a casket filled with the relics of the saints, carved in the wall. Almost none of the above could be saved.
Interior decoration
In 1651, a stone cathedral was erected at the same place. The supposedly Metropolitan of Kazan, Cornelius I, consecrated it. First, they built only a cold church with the throne of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple. Later in 1657, warm outbuildings were dedicated to the Monk Sergius of Radonezh and the Monk Alexy. Near the temple a bell tower was erected in the form of a tent. Vvedensky Cathedral at that time was built of brick and rubble stone. It was built by local masons, led by Nizhny Novgorod craftsmen. They decided to paint the walls and arches with images of holy personalities. Also depicted events from the New Testament. At that time it was the only stone building in the city. Vvedensky Cathedral (Cheboksary) experienced many difficulties. His story is unusual.
Later, services in the temple had to be suspended, and the cathedral itself - closed. But already in 1943, divine services again resumed. In 1945, the rector of the temple donated a large sum to the defense fund. With this money, a tank column of Dmitry Donskoy was built.
Until 1985, the Museum of Local Lore was located within the boundaries of Alexy and Kharlampy.
Temple today
The Vvedensky Cathedral (Cheboksary) has undergone major repairs over the course of its existence. Nevertheless, its original appearance has been preserved to this day. Of course, there were minor losses. For example, the first tier of the facade was eventually walled up with annexe annexes.
The interior of the temple is decorated with fresco paintings dating back to the era of classicism. The iconostasis is also made in this style. The bell tower in the form of a tent refers to the architecture of the 18th century. It was also rebuilt many times, but it retained its original shape.
The Vvedensky Cathedral (Cheboksary) became the burial place for two Cheboksary bishops - Hilaria and Benjamin.
Temple shrines
The icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir was and remains a particularly revered icon of the Vvedensky Cathedral. Today it is framed by silver and gold robes. The shrine is located to the left of the royal gate.
Also, other no less significant shrines appeared in the cathedral. The icon of Christ the Savior was presented to the Cathedral by Metropolitan Tikhon of Kazan and Sviyazhsky. The icon is framed by silver and pearls. In 1687, the Georgian king Archil presented Metropolitan Tikhon with the image of the Mother of God of Smolensk, which he, in turn, presented to the Vvedensky Cathedral. Parts of the relics of the saints of Archbishop Guria and his original companions were enclosed in silver pockets and placed in the icon.
Incredibly beautiful Vvedensky Cathedral (Cheboksary). A photo cannot fully convey its greatness.