Yaroslavl, Church of Elijah the Prophet: description, history

Yaroslavl is one of the oldest Russian cities. The Church of Elijah the Prophet is considered one of its main sights. The history of Yaroslavl and this architectural structure are tightly intertwined. Now we will plunge into the depths of the centuries and find out what is hidden in the city and the Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl. A description of their common historical path will be found below.

Founding of Yaroslavl

According to legend, Yaroslavl was founded in the 11th century, on the Ilin day. By name it is clear that it was named after the great prince of Kiev Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise. True, when the city was laid, he still did not have such a resounding title, but was simply a specific Rostov prince with his father.

First of all, as it should be in those days, the main fortification of the city was founded - the Kremlin.

But the first chronicle certificate about the city of Yaroslavl concerns only to 1071 year. That is, after the death of the prince Yaroslav.

Construction of the Church of Elijah the Prophet

As mentioned above, the legend says that the city of Yaroslavl was founded on the day of Elijah the Prophet. It was a great holiday in Russia and throughout the Orthodox world in honor of the famous ancient Jewish prophet and God-pleaser. But especially he was honored in our country. Perhaps, it's not for nothing that Yaroslav chose this day to lay his city.

Although according to legend the future Grand Duke laid the city in honor of the victory over the bear. And this wonderful victory just coincided with the Day of Elijah the Prophet. In general, what to believe - everyone decides for himself, but the truth is still inaccessible for us and is hidden under the shadow of centuries.

Then, as expected, the church was founded in honor of the guardian of the city. So the Church of Elijah the Prophet appeared in Yaroslavl. It was built, like the whole city, from a tree.

We do not know anything more about how the Church of Elijah the Prophet came to Yaroslavl. Information in a meager form is contained only in the "Legend of the construction of the city of Yaroslavl," which modern historians consider unreliable. We also do not know anything about the interior of the church of this period.

Center of the unit principality

Meanwhile, the city grew and developed, built and traded. Before the Mongol invasion, the first stone buildings and structures appeared in it. Prince Rostov-Suzdal Constantine actually made Yaroslavl his capital, although formally it was Rostov. And already with his second son, Vsevolod, the city became the center of the specific principality. So it remained until 1471, when it was finally joined to the growing Moscow Principality.

So Yaroslavl grew and developed. The Church of Elijah the Prophet of this period, again, is practically not illuminated by the sources.

The city in the Russian kingdom

In the meantime, the Moscow principality has been growing stronger, and under Ivan the Terrible it has become known as the Russian Kingdom. Yaroslavl, ruled by tsarist governors, was included in this state. The period of feudal fragmentation was completed, which contributed to the development of trade, craft and the revitalization of urban life in general.

And at last the time comes when the Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl began to live a new life.

Construction of a new church

Yaroslavl began to live a new life. The Church of Elijah the Prophet also demanded renewal. Therefore, in 1647, under Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich, the construction of a new, stone building began. It was laid on the site, where before the old Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl and the Church of the Intercession of Our Lady stood. The construction was completed by 1650.

Material financing of the construction was carried out by well-known patrons and merchants brothers Ioanniki and Vonifatii Skripiny. This charitable cause, of course, they will be reckoned with in a better world.

So the Church of Elijah the Prophet was re-erected. Yaroslavl history presents as a regional center of that time, and the church - as the heart of the city.

Fire in Yaroslavl

In 1658, a great sorrow struck Yaroslavl. A large number of buildings burned, many families lost their homes or relatives. The fire raged inexorably, it seemed that nothing would stop him until he "eats" the whole city.

So burned the city of Yaroslavl. The Church of Elijah the Prophet miraculously remained almost untouched. The external part was burned, and the interior decoration remained almost in its original form. And the fire then receded.

Church Painting

Meanwhile, the city of Yaroslavl was rebuilt. The Church of Elijah the Prophet rose, symbolizing a miracle that stopped the flames. And then the inhabitants of the city thought about how to paint the temple anew.

For this case, in 1680 famous artists from Kostroma - Sila Savin and Guriy Nikitin were invited . Their golden hands, guided by divine inspiration, gave the temple an indescribably exquisite look. The Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl rejoiced. Frescos, written by a brilliant hand, attracted all the new parishioners to take part in ritual sacraments and prayers.

Yaroslavl in the Russian Empire

Under Peter I Russia became the empire. It became one of the strongest and most developed states of its time. Even more power of our fatherland grew under Catherine II.

This could not positively not affect the development of Yaroslavl. Although at that time it remained a small provincial center.

In 1778, when the master plan of the city of Yaroslavl was approved, the Church of Elijah the Prophet was to become his natural center. In 1898-1904 the general reconstruction of the church was carried out.

Probably, this period is the most glorious in the history of the temple, when it was surrounded by spirituality and tranquility. But the Heavenly Father often invokes his children in trials, and behind the band of well-being follows the bitter period of troubles and persecutions.

The Soviet period

Soviet time was marked by massive persecutions against religious servants, the destruction of temples, the propaganda of atheism. The church was transferred to the museum. Fortunately, it was the most bitter fate - demolition. The services in it were stopped, but the beauty of the temple could not be eclipsed by any other sights of Yaroslavl. The Church of Elijah the Prophet ceased to be a place of service to God, but most importantly, it was preserved as an architectural and historical object, and was not destroyed, like many temples at that time of history.

The city of that time lived its own life, perhaps even happy, but it was far from spirituality. It became a major regional center in which electrification was carried out, industry, cultural circles and places of leisure developed. People were fussing, hurrying to work, there was a buzz of transport, children's laughter, gossip of old women. In general, the city lived, but at the same time it lacked a special spiritual core.

Resumption of services

With the collapse of communist ideology in 1989, the services in the temple began to be held again. This fact marked the spiritual and cultural revival of Yaroslavl. Since that time, the religious life of the city has shone in a new light, as in the old days. True, at present the services are conducted only in the summer. In addition, the temple continues to be a museum and delight the eye of art lovers.

The modern Church of Elijah the Prophet is a place of religious services, a museum, a masterpiece of architecture.

Contemporary decoration of the church

As mentioned above, now we know little about how the church was cleaned up in the old days. But everyone can go to Yaroslavl and see with their own eyes all the beauty of the Church of Elijah the Prophet now.

At present, the church is a four-pillar temple. It is painted with many amazing frescoes, many of which are compositions on a household theme. But separately among them it is necessary to highlight the fresco "Fatherland" and the composition "Crucifixion", which are especially pleasing to the eye and overflowing with the feelings of visitors for many years.

How to get to the temple?

If we have already started talking about a direct visit to the temple by those who wish, then let's clarify how to get to the Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl. The address is quite simple - Sovetskaya Square, 7. Ironically, the temple is located on the square named after its former persecutors. And in general, you do not even need to know the exact address - just go to the very center of the city. All roads lead to the temple!

Results

As we see, both the city of Yaroslavl and the Church of Elijah the Prophet had rather complex, often closely intertwined fates. They knew the times of ups and downs, the greatness of faith and religious prohibitions, fires and restoration. But the main thing is that, despite all the vicissitudes and difficulties, the divine spark remained in Yaroslavl and in the temple, to which a series of pilgrims, tourists, scientists and simply lovers of beauty is heading. Each of them goes to the Church of the Prophet for his personal purpose, not even suspecting that in fact they are led by God himself.