Icon of "Calm My Sorrows": meaning

In the center of Saratov is the Orthodox Church "Utoli my sorrows." Its name was given to the sanctuary in honor of the image of the Mother of God. By the way, the icon "Quench My Sorrows" is considered an object of cultural heritage in Russia. This article will detail the history of the creation of the Saratov temple, its architectural features, as well as the changes that have taken place in the past few years.

"Quench my sorrows" (icon): the meaning

The image of the Mother of God was first seen in Moscow in the distant 1640. For many years this sacred image was kept in the church of St. Nicholas. Here, for a long time, records were kept of miracles that were made thanks to the strength that the icon "Wipe My Sorrows" (photo of the image is presented in the article). Unfortunately, the fire that occurred in 1771 did not leave such an interesting heritage to the descendants. However, several legends have survived to this day. Among them stands out one most famous. This legend tells of a seriously ill woman of noble birth. For her in the temple for a long time looking for a miraculous icon. But I could not find the right one. Then it was decided to bring from the temple all the images with the Mother of God, and even collected images stored in the church bell tower. Among all the Orthodox images, only one icon attracted attention: "Quench My Sorrows." As the legend says, a sick woman, unable to even move her fingers when she saw her, was able to cross herself. The prayer of the icon "Touched my sorrows" lifted her to her feet. The woman stood absolutely healthy. It is worth noting that after this incident and began to read this image.

The icon depicts the Mother of God. With her right hand she holds Christ. The Child in the hands of a scroll in its unfolded form. The left hand of the Mother is depicted leaning against the head, inclined slightly to the side.

Temple. The beginning of history

The Saratov architect PM Zybin in 1903 developed a draft of the church at the Bishops' Court. This construction was approved and received the blessing of the bishop of Tsaritsyn and Saratov, the martyr Hermogen. By the way, in 1906 the erection of the temple was already completed. In this holy place was created one throne - in honor of the icon of the Mother of God - under the title "In sorrows and sorrows Consolation." As the legend says, this image Bishop Hermogenes ordered on the Holy Mount Athos. What is characteristic, according to legend, the icon "Quench My Sorrows" was completely copied from the miraculous Athonite prototype.

The fate of the temple under the communist system

During the existence of the USSR in the building of the temple was located Saratov Planetarium. It is worth noting that during these years the structure itself has not undergone any changes. As a result, visitors of the temple can now admire its pristine magnificence. However, in 1960 the cross was dismantled, and for a while the church stood without them. But in 1965, Vladika Pimen appealed to the city authorities with a proposal to restore the church at the expense of the means of the diocese. This request was extremely perplexing to statesmen, since at that time it was "not accepted" to carry out repairs in former cultural institutions. As a result, the clergyman's offer was rejected. However, against the backdrop of the changes that are beginning in the country, the executive committee itself found the necessary funds and conducted external restoration work, ennobling the facade of the Planetarium. After the first secretary of the regional party committee, taking responsibility, ordered to raise and again install once dismantled crosses. Later, after all the works, the church building was included in the list of landmarks of the city. It began to visit tourists.

Internal changes

At the end of the 20th century the church was transferred to the diocese. As a result, after the return of the sacred building of the Orthodox Church, it was decided to organize a side chapel in the side annex. In addition, immediately after the completion of the necessary work, the altar was illuminated. In the name of St. Seraphim of Sarov and St. Sergius of Radonezh, an antimension was assigned to the throne. As the story goes, at one time he was saved from a seminar temple, destroyed by the God-fighters. Thanks to the efforts of the first abbot, Protopriest Lazar Novokreshchenykh, a bell tower was built, all internal rooms were restored and icons were purchased. In 1993, the Archbishop of Saratov and Volsky (later Vladika Pimen) illuminated the throne of the church in honor of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Temple in the 21st century

In 2004, the Bishop's Compound was organized in the cathedral "Utoli My Sorrows". At that time he was assigned to the chapel located on the theater square of the city. In addition, this year was marked by the beginning of large-scale restoration work in the temple. First of all, they began to finish the altar and installed a new iconostasis. Since images appeared in the temple, including the icon "Utiili My Sorrows", executed in the ancient style, it was decided to replace the interior of the temple. In 2005, changes of this kind touched the altar of the Sergius Church. For information, even reconstruction work has been carried out here. Namely due to the demolition of ancillary facilities it was possible to increase the area of the aisle. In addition, it created a vaulted ceiling and purchased the font for baptism. It is worth noting that a "vessel" was chosen that meets the Charter of the Church. The roof of the church building was completely replaced and acquired a copper "color". The Temple of "Utiili My Sorrows" has at its disposal the best parish library in the diocese. The catalog of this "book world" includes more than 8 thousand titles of Orthodox works. In addition, a Sunday school is organized on the territory. There is also a society called "Orthodox World" and even a youth partnership. The pastor of the church conducts conversations with parishioners every week after Sunday evening service.

Architectural features

The stone building of the church, made in the form of three kokoshniks and having two vestibules, very successfully blends in with the general structures of the Bishop's manor. In addition, the Saratov temple fully fits into the architectural ensemble of the city. During the construction, the creators of the church gave it a special zest in the form of a large tent. This element is surrounded by a large number of variegated small heads.