A large number of old cult Orthodox constructions is what the city of Saratov can rightfully be proud of. Soothe My Sorrows Church, located in the very center of the city, in the Volga region, is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist attractions. At present, this temple is included in the list of regional cultural objects.
Project history
The temple âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ was built in Saratov in 1906 according to the idea of ââarchitect P. Zybin. As a basis in his project, this architect took one of the most famous structures in Russia - St. Basil's Cathedral in the capital. As a result, a reduced and no less spectacular copy of this metropolitan cathedral turned out. The church âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ was built at the Bishopâs Court of the main priest of Saratov. Its construction began in 1904 and lasted two years.
Temple description
The architecture of this church is connected with St. Basilâs Cathedral primarily by small, brightly colored twisted cupolas surrounding the main dome. This church also looks like a Moscow cramped interior, not designed for simultaneous visits to a large number of parishioners at once, with symmetrical entrances and exterior decoration. In addition to St. Basilâs Cathedral, many compare the architecture of this beautiful church with the Savior on Blood in St. Petersburg.
Thus, this church is one of the most spectacular architectural structures of such a city as Saratov. The Church âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ is in our time a cult tent structure on the rows of kokoshniks (three) with two narthexes located on both sides of the main building. Arched doors and windows give a special flavor to the ensemble of the church. The temple building itself is painted in pure white, and some of its parts - in a nice beige. The symbol of the arch in Christian culture traditionally means a transition to a different, better world. The courtyard in front of the church is lined with large slabs, and concrete tall flower beds with flowers are installed in front of the main entrance. The fence of the temple is painted in the same style with its facades.
Since the temple âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ was originally conceived as a chapel, it is oriented not to the east, like most Orthodox churches, but to the northeast. To his left today you can see the remains of the bishop's house. Once the Saratov Diocese rented its lower floors to shops.
The form of crosses installed on the domes of the temple can be considered very interesting. At the bottom, each of them has a small crescent. According to a preserved legend, the crosses of the temple âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ (Saratov) received a similar design in honor of one of the victories over the Turks.
Main shrine
Only one throne was erected in the church - in honor of the icon of the Virgin Mary "In the sorrows and sorrows of Consolation." This iconic image is still the main shrine of the church. Regarding the image âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ there is even a folk tradition. According to legend, Bishop Hermogenes ordered it specifically for this temple on the holy Mount Athos. It is believed that this icon is an exact copy of a very ancient Byzantine miraculous and is itself capable of curing many diseases.
The activities of the temple before the revolution
After the construction of divine services in this church took place regularly, every day. They were led by monks from the Bishopâs house. By the beginning of the last century, the brotherhood included only 13 novices and 16 holy fathers. However, this church has never had a parish. Baptisms, burials and weddings before the revolution were not carried out in it. Only liturgies, all-night services and prayers served here.
After the revolution, various innovations shook, of course, the city of Saratov. The âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ church was therefore used for its intended purpose for a very short time.
In the years of the USSR
After the October Revolution, as a cult center, the temple ceased to exist. In Soviet times, its building was known as the urban planetarium for a longer time. So called institutions in which you can get a lot of useful information about stars and planets. Fortunately, the hand did not rise to destroy such a beautiful temple with the new authorities.
In the 30s, the House of Mother and Child was opened in the church building. Subsequently, other secular organizations acted in the church. The planetarium was the last of them and lasted until the transfer of the temple to believers at the end of the last century.
It is very interesting that the crosses from the âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ church were removed only in 1960 at the initiative of the first secretary of the regional party committee of Saratov. In 1965, Bishop Pimen Khmelevsky asked the city authorities to restore the premises of the church. The city council, of course, did not give permission, and refused to provide material assistance to the parish. However, the mood in terms of the Orthodox faith had already begun to change by that time. And therefore, the authorities carried out the restoration of this historical monument on their own, with the money of the city. At the same time, crosses were again erected on the church (under the personal responsibility of the secretary of the regional committee of the city of Saratov). The Church âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ, or rather, its main dome, was decorated with gilding. At the same time, restorers also restored the top in the left wing of the building. Since then, the planetarium has been included in the list of the best attractions of the city and has become the object of close attention of tourists.
90s
Like most other churches, the temple âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ (Saratov) was again handed over to believers in the early 90's. The priests immediately set up a limit in his side extension, consecrated in the name of Sergius of Radonezh. Antimins from the seminary temple once destroyed by the authorities was entrusted to the throne. A large bell tower was also erected and the interior was repaired. The first rector of the newly opened church was the priest Lazarus of the Newly Baptized. The main throne of the church was consecrated in 1993 by Lord Pimen.
Temple nowadays
In 2004, on the basis of the parish of the âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ church, a photo of which can be seen on this page, the Bishopâs Compound was restored. In addition to the âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ temple, they attributed to it a chapel located in the center of Saratov on Theater Square, dedicated to the icon âPicturesque Springâ. At the same time, large-scale restoration work began on the church. A beautiful large iconostasis in the old Russian style was installed here. Also, work was done to change the interior of the temple.
In 2005-2006, the reconstruction of the Sergiev chapel of the church began. Its area was significantly increased due to the elimination of utility rooms. In addition, a stylish vaulted ceiling was arranged in the aisle and a font was installed for the baptismal rites (with complete immersion). In 2006, work began on the restoration of the temple outside. The reconstruction of the building has undergone significant. For example, the old roof was replaced with a new one - copper.
Today, the church has a youth society, Sunday school and the pilgrimage service "Renaissance". There is also a library at the church. Its fund is more than 8.5 thousand books. Of course, a solemn Sunday service is also held in this church. âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ is an image that any believer can pray before today. In addition, on Sunday, any parishioner has the opportunity to listen to an instructive conversation conducted by one of the rectors of the temple.
Church artifacts
In addition to the famous icon âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ, the church also has other notable shrines. These include, for example, the image of the Monk Fedor Ushakov with a small piece of his relics. This famous Russian admiral was tonsured a monk at the very end of his life.
Probably, many believers would like to know what words should be spoken in the image âSatisfy My Sorrowsâ. What this icon is praying for, you can already guess from all of the above. This image is a healing one, therefore, standing in front of it, you should ask the Virgin Mary for deliverance from bodily sorrows. Also, this icon can help to forget about all kinds of sinful passions that overwhelm the heart of the believer.