Pyatnitskoye cemetery in Moscow. History and modernity

Muscovites are well acquainted with the ancient Pyatnitsky cemetery, which goes back to its history in the 18th century. In Moscow today there is seventy-one burial grounds. However, among them there are several such that became part of the history of the capital, so organically they merged with it. This necropolis, named after the holy Monk Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, is one of them.

Cemetery at the end of Drobolyteyny Lane

If, while in the north of Moscow, not far from the Prospekt Mira, you pass Krestovsky overpass and immediately after it turn right, you will find yourself in an alley, which is called Droboliteyny. This name he received already in our years, and was formerly called the Cemetery, since at the end it is located Pyatnitskoe cemetery. It's easy to get lost in Moscow, but it's not difficult to find this address. Seeing ahead of the beautiful three-tiered bell tower, know that you are at the target.

As mentioned above, Pyatnitskoe cemetery is one of the oldest in Moscow. In 1771, the capital shook the events that went down in history under the name of Plague of Rebellion. Many Muscovites at that time untimely finished their earthly way, and for their last rest there was not enough room. For this reason, and by decree of Catherine II, there was a place for their burial.

Mother Empress took care not only of the bodies, but also of the souls of the deceased, and in her personal decree ordered to build a church on the churchyard. The document noted that if there is no possibility to build a stone cathedral for the scarcity of means, then it is necessary to build at least a temporary one - a wooden one.

Construction of the first - a wooden church

The highest command was executed immediately, and found the First Holy New Temple of God - a wooden church in the name of the Monk Paraskeva Pyatnitsa. It was in honor of this saint that the name Pyatnitskoe cemetery itself was later named. In Moscow, among the persons of spiritual rank, who left a mark on her history, the rector of the newly built church, Father Fyodor (Protopopov), took his place.

For thirty years he sought God's Christian rest from the souls of those who were funneling, preparing for the last journey. But the priest found time for business. It was his efforts in 1830 on the place of the dilapidated wooden church that started the erection of a new, stone one. Upon termination of works in 1935 it was consecrated in honor of the Holy Life-giving Trinity.

God's churches in the cemetery

The author of the project was the architect A.G. Grigoriev, known to Muscovites due to his other work - a complex at the Vagankovskoye cemetery. The church had two lateral aisles, consecrated in honor of the Monk Paraskeva Pyatnitsa (which finally fixed the cemetery of its name) and the Monk Sergei of Radonezh. Many and other improvements were accomplished by the labors of an indefatigable pastor. The memorial plaque on one of the walls of the church, which has survived to this day, attests to them.

In former times there was a tradition to make significant sums for the eternal remembrance of the souls of deceased relatives. The most wealthy people built chapels and even whole temples for this purpose. Here is the Moscow merchant SS. Zaitsev, wishing eternal bliss to his ever-memorable father, buried here, built a church at his own expense. It was consecrated in honor of Saint Simeon of Persia, the patron saint of heaven. The Moscow newspapers for July 1917 wrote about the stop-bell bells raised in those days on the bell tower of the church.

However, soon after the wave of atheistic obscurantism swept over the country, God's temple was deprived of not only bells, but even crosses, and the building itself was used for economic needs. Although in the period of religious persecution the church has suffered many troubles, but has survived to this day, and anyone who visits Pyatnitskoe cemetery in Moscow can see it. How to get to this temple, you can find out from the detailed scheme of the sites, located at the main entrance.

Merchant style of tombstones

The history of the cemetery would be incomplete, if not to note that in the XIX and early XX century it was the burial place of many persons of the merchant class. In those days, it was usual to decorate the gravestones with monuments, which were small chapels made of black marble. This became a kind of "merchant style". Such grave decorations are found in numerous places both in the central part of the cemetery and in its remote areas. However, it should be noted the almost complete absence here of luxurious statues in the form of crying angels or no less expensive pots.

The Place of Rest for Many Generations

The cemetery became the burial place of many generations of Russians. Reading the inscriptions on the graves, we will meet the names of our outstanding compatriots, who left a notable mark in the history of Russia. Among them are prominent military commanders and ordinary defenders of the fatherland. Also for many scientists and artists, the ancient Pyatnitskoe cemetery in Moscow became a burial place.

How to get to him? In the absence of personal transport it's easiest to get to the metro from Alekseevskaya station. From it it is necessary to pass on foot no more than eight hundred meters (and hardly more if to leave on station Rizhskaya). Owners of cars can use the scheme of travel, attached at the end of the article. In conclusion, it should be said that everyone who is interested in the history of our country, a lot of interesting promises to visit Pyatnitskoe cemetery in Moscow. Address: 5 Droboliteyny Pereulok.