Temple of the Apostle Thomas at Kantemirovskaya. Its creation and today's day

During the years of state atheism, Russia lost many churches and monasteries. Some of them were blasphemously used in economic needs, and many were simply destroyed by the ruthless wave of God-fighting. With the advent of perestroika, a movement began in our country to recreate the old and build new church buildings. One of its obvious manifestations was the temple of the Apostle Thomas at Kantemirovskaya.

The acute shortage of churches in the capital

Particularly acute shortage of churches was felt in the Southern Administrative District of Moscow. The bulk of its territory was built up during the Soviet era. It is understandable that in the town planning projects of those years there was no place for God's churches. As a result, there was not a single temple in the territory where more than two hundred thousand people currently live.

It was impossible to admit this, and the Moscow City Diocese did not stand aside. The issue was referred to the leadership of the Danilovsky Deanery, in whose territory the Southern District is located. In accordance with his decision, the temple of the apostle Thomas was built on Kantemirovskaya. The construction work, which was exclusively carried out at the expense of voluntary donations by future parishioners, was completed in 2006.

When regular services began in the temple, it turned out that the room could not accommodate all those wishing to attend divine services, and they decided to expand it. As a result, a large refectory was added to the existing building. In addition, a belfry was erected over the western entrance, which undoubtedly adorned the structure.

Heavy for the temple year

In 2009, the temple of the Apostle Thomas at Kantemirovskaya was awaited by severe trials. In August, officials of the Department of Natural Resources, finding a very controversial pretext, found fault with the choice of a place to build a temple and demanded its demolition. Fortunately, the Okrug administration decided to ignore this requirement and put the temple in the draft General Plan of the capital.

And in November of the same year an irreparable misfortune happened. Priest Daniil Sysoev, under whose guidance the church of the apostle Thomas was laid and erected on Kantemirovskaya, was mortally wounded by several shots from a pistol. The murder occurred directly in the temple room. The criminal who committed this atrocity, was in a mask, and he managed to escape. The news of the incident shocked the public of Russia.

Projects for the expansion of the temple

Currently, work is planned on the creation of an extensive temple complex, which includes a number of cult and economic structures. The issuing of permits has already begun. There is a store in the church where you can buy a wide variety of Orthodox literature, various disks with audio and video recordings, all kinds of church utensils and, of course, icons.

Main directions of work with parishioners

At the temple there is a circle, which teaches the basics of icon painting, as well as the school of church singing. The Orthodox library, open here, enjoys great popularity among parishioners, offering both readers of the Holy Scripture and works on theological topics to its readers. A detachment of Scouts was organized for the young parishioners of the church.

Especially I want to dwell on the work of the temple attendants in organizing the missionary movement. Special courses have been created, preparing all those wishing to conduct missionary work directly on the streets of the city. Their task is to turn to passers-by, make every effort to attract them to the Christian faith. And in conclusion we will inform everyone who wants to visit the temple of the Apostle Thomas at Kantemirovskaya, address. It's easy to remember. The temple is located at the intersection of Proletarian Avenue and the Projected Passage.