Almost every Orthodox shrine hasits amazing and unique history. A special work of architecture is the Foros Church. The Crimea is densely covered with rocks in many places, and this amazing temple is located on one of the peaks.
Christianity came to our land back in the distant Xcentury. Since then, on the ground began to erect shrines that had no analogues in the whole world. Princes at all times relied on the power of religion, appreciated the clergy and tried to promote the creation of new churches. So it happened with this architectural structure. Its history began in the 90s of the XIX century.
The official name of the monument is the Church of the Ascension of Christ. But in the world it is better known as the Foros Church. Crimea (it is there is an object) has a homonymous settlement in which the building is located.
History shows that this monument -the creation of the tea tycoon Alexander Kuznetsov. There is a legend that this man had a beautiful daughter. Once the carriage with the young lady drove through the steep mountain turns. On one of them suddenly there was a collapse of stones. The horses, frightened of the avalanche, began to drive without stopping. The girl was just praying. They fled, and then stopped by a miracle on the Red Rock. For the fact that the Lord miraculously saved the only child, the rich Kuznetsov built a temple in that place.
This is not the only legend that cantell Foros Church (Crimea). History has a completely different theory of the origin of the shrine. In fact, the tea tycoon had no children, and God's house was built as a gratitude to the Almighty for another miraculous salvation.
In 1888, a passenger train that waspeninsula in St. Petersburg, off the rails. At that time in the car was Emperor Alexander III with his family. The Tsar's couple miraculously survived. When Kuznetsov, who at that time was developing lands near Foros, learned about this event, he asked permission from the monarch to build a temple in honor of his salvation. The Emperor gave good.
So began the way Foros church. The Crimea at the time was expanding and turning from a province into a resort of national importance.
Kuznetsov invited to work the best masters of thetime. An extremely picturesque place was chosen for the construction. The construction site for the future shrine was a red rock, the height of which was more than 400 meters. Thanks to this location, the temple was visible from everywhere. He sort of descended to earth from heaven.
The basis was taken by the Russian style, which, in itsturn, originates from the Byzantine cross-domed style. The walls were decorated with white stones, and the floor was paved with mosaics. Columns, panels and window sills were made of marble. In all, there were 9 domes of various sizes on the structure. The interior decoration was amazing too.
Outstanding artists of that time drewpaintings and icons for a shrine called Foros Church. Crimea was only just beginning to develop, and the amount invested in the construction was colossal for that period. There are documents proving that the first stage of construction cost 50,000 gold rubles.
A lot for the shrine was made by the first priestFather Paul. The father skillfully and sincerely cared for his parishioners. For people from the surrounding villages, the abbot established a literacy school, in which everyone was trained who aspired to knowledge. The well-known writer Anton Chekhov helped him in this matter. They had similar kind and bright ideas, this became the guarantee of their friendship. The priest had good connections with the imperial family, who visited the church many times.
The consecration took place on October 4, 1892.Before the revolution the Foros Church (Crimea) flourished. A photo of those times shows how rich and beautiful the structure was. But everything changed after the change of power.
The plans of Soviet leaders were not includedreligion. Therefore, the Orthodox shrines were closed or destroyed. For a long time the peninsula stayed away from these events due to its geographical distance from Moscow. But in 1924 the Communists reached this land. Paul's father and his family were waiting for repression. Atheists also severely dealt with the property of the church. They removed icons, melted gold, destroyed sacred relics. They took off the crosses and pitched the domes. The territory was turned into a resort town, and a restaurant was opened in the house of God. Where people used to pray, they put tables, instead of an altar they made a bar stand, and beautiful choral songs were replaced with popular music.
Where is the Foros church in the Crimea, then knew only the locals. But they tried to avoid the shrine from which the restaurant was made.
No less bitter times waited for the temple duringGreat Patriotic War. Soldiers and civilians hid in these walls, repeatedly German shells fell and exploded very close to the church. Irreparable harm was done to the mosaic floor of the horse. Then they built a stable under the roof of the church. But, despite frequent shelling, the architectural monument stood. After the end of hostilities, the restaurant for officials and diplomats was re-opened here.
There is another story related to this spiritualplace. They say that in the 60s Nikita Khrushchev met on the peninsula with the Iranian Shah. The communist invited his high-ranking guest to a restaurant served by the Foros Church. Crimea (photo is confirmed) - a very picturesque region. And from the top of the Red Rock was a magnificent view of the coast. Therefore, the meeting was to pass successfully.
When a foreigner saw that he was being taken toOrthodox church, refused to continue negotiations. The guest was unpleasantly amazed at how potential partners defiled the Lord's house. Therefore, the negotiations were canceled.
Realizing that the business meeting had failed because of the church, Khrushchev ordered the demolition of the structure. But fortunately, his wishes were not fulfilled.
After making the road that ran underrock, and the restaurant was empty. He was turned into a warehouse. And in 1969 there was a fire, which finally destroyed the unique frescoes and carvings. Further construction without domes, windows and doors was decided to be given to a sanatorium. But the indifferent inhabitants of neighboring villages began to protest. Consequently, became a monument of architecture of the XIX century Foros Church (Crimea). Address of the object: Foros village, Terletskogo, 3. At 2 km from the temple there are Baidar Gates.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the shrine went toMoscow Patriarchate. In the same year, Father Peter took over the post of abbot. He, like his predecessor Pavel, greatly loved this place and gave him all the strength and energy. During his reign, ruins again turned into a spiritual center, where everyone was discovered a particle of God's blessing. This priest died, defending his offspring. One night, the holy father was met by thieves, they wanted to take away the money that the laity donated to the temple. But the man did not succumb to the villains, for which he paid with his life.
A lot for the sanctuary was made by the former presidentUkraine Leonid Kuchma. On his initiative, the building was rebuilt as one of the best temples in the country. Therefore, they renewed the facade, restored the mosaic floor, replaced the stained-glass windows, made heating and so on. Repair work was called upon to restore the pre-revolutionary spirit to the relic.
The Foros Church (Crimea) has again begun to shine. How to get to the place, tell the map. From the Yalta bus station regular buses run to the temple. The best option is to book an excursion group.
An amazing shrine can be seen for tens of kilometers. Her image seems to float in the air.