Balashikha, the temple of Alexander Nevsky: photo and description. Balashikha, Alexander Nevsky Church: history, address, opening hours Schedule of services in the temple of Alexander Nevsky Balashikha

Every year, the sights of the magnificent city of Balashikha become more attractive to tourists throughout the country and not only. Due to its color, the city received the nickname "Eastern Gate of Moscow". On the streets of Balashikha you can see a large number of buildings of historical significance: these are chic estates, magnificent churches and much more. Most of these buildings began their life during the time of Catherine the Great. This city is considered one of the largest settlements in the Moscow region. Acquaintance with Balashikha will bring pleasure and new emotions; in addition, you can have a wonderful weekend in the city.

Church buildings of Balashikha

Going through the list of the main attractions of the area, it is difficult to forget about the majestic and beautiful temple buildings. One of the most ancient buildings can be attributed to a structure called the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin. The mention of this place was found back in 1624, and this directly speaks of its antiquity and historical significance. Just a few years ago, the city authorities decided to restore the building, thanks to this the temple continues its life and has its original appearance, continuing to delight residents and visitors of the city.
  But it is also worth mentioning separately about another church in Balashikha, named after Alexander Nevsky. The temple was erected over the years, construction was completed in the 19th century. During the Soviet era and the war, the building had a hard time. The church was almost completely destroyed, but at the moment the temple is almost completely restored and conducts services.

Temple foundation

The religious building in the village of Balashikha - the temple of Alexander Nevsky - is located in the very center of the city, so finding it will not be difficult. If you dig into the depths of centuries, you can find out that in 1859 there was a completely different city called Nikolaevka. The factory was located in the village, so there were a large number of ordinary workers who wanted to work. In 1894, a small church was erected near the local cemetery, which they decided to consecrate in honor of the wonderful saint under the name Alexander Nevsky. The temple had a Byzantine style and, despite its small dimensions, looked majestic and cozy in its own way. The construction of a small church was carried out at the expense of a certain Mrs. M. Tretyakova.

Destruction

As already mentioned, a cemetery was located behind the church, so there were many worshipers in the church. In 1933, mass closures of religious buildings began in the city. Initially, the largest were suspended, and then small churches fell under the closure. After that, the temple building was used as an ordinary warehouse, which caused discontent among the inhabitants of the city. In 1960, by the decision of local authorities, the temple was destroyed, from its existence in this place there was no trace. They created a small square where the residents of the city could walk.

The revival of the temple of Alexander Nevsky

As it turned out, the destruction of the temple and the creation of the park did not finish the history of the small church. Already in our times, a wise decision was made to restore the lost cathedral. The history of the temple was continued on a significant date, namely, on the day of remembrance of the beheading of the head of the Forerunner and Baptist John. This event happened in 2003. It was on this day that the necessary blessing was received and the procession was completed. Prayer in this service was notable for its zeal; people prayed fervently for the triumph of justice. Also on this day the temple was presented with an old, unique bell for the belfry. Therefore, on the same day, they consecrated it and blessed its establishment. This bell has an amazing story. It was preserved thanks to caring people, it was they who managed to save it from destruction. For many years he was silent, and it was on a significant day that he again got the opportunity to convene parishioners in the temple of God.

Reconstruction Completion

No less significant was the day of February 12, 2004. It was on this day that the restoration of the temple was completed, formalities remained, so that services in the name of the Lord would begin again. The temple was built with the help of a huge number of caring people, all kinds of enterprises and ordinary residents of the city helped. This disinterested and timely help testified that the temple in this city is necessary not only as a historical memory, but also as a necessary place for spiritual life. As a result, a wonderful church was built, bright and spacious. There was enough space for all needs, and a Sunday school was opened for young parishioners. It is here that the children will be able to receive answers to all questions of spiritual life. It is simply a gift from the Lord that there is such a place in a city called Balashikha. The Alexander Nevsky Temple (opening hours: from 8.00 to 18.00) even provides psychological assistance to parishioners.

The mayor also decided to contribute. Near the temple was equipped with a square, which was also named in honor of Alexander Nevsky. All these events can be called truly wonderful, despite the fact that a considerable number of years have passed, people returned the temple of Alexander Nevsky (Balashikha).

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In this place, the presence of God is truly felt. Numerous parishioners often mention this. Divine services are held regularly. Special hours for additional services are also allocated. For example, every Friday, clergy pray in front of the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary “The Inexhaustible Chalice” for healing from drunkenness.

On the territory of the temple there is a dining room and a buffet with delicious dishes prepared with your own hands. Also here you can get financial assistance in the form of things donated by other parishioners.

Belfry over the baptismal church of St. Vladimir

In 2001, the construction of another temple began in the city. During the service on the territory of the church, services were carried out, for this purpose a small wooden temple was specially built. Therefore, the inhabitants of the city could pray not only for themselves, but also for the speedy construction of the temple. In August 2004, a cross was erected at the cathedral. In March 2002, a cross church was erected opposite the Alexander Nevsky Church. He was consecrated in honor of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir. In the same building there was a place for a bell tower, a Sunday school for children. But already in early September, the dome was installed on the temple, which completed the ensemble. Two weeks later, the building was consecrated, and services began here. This is a significant event for a city like Balashikha.

The temple of Alexander Nevsky, whose history is so amazing, was erected thanks to the fervent prayers of the church servants of old Russia. The architecture of the building is fully designed in the Pskov-Novgorod style. This is evidenced by facades resembling foliage, a multi-level and complex roof. The temple of St. Vladimir was made in the same style.

A wonderful sign on the opening day

On the opening day, the church was visited not only by residents of such a wonderful city as Balashikha. The Temple of Alexander Nevsky (address: Balashikha, 1 Alexander Nevsky Square) could not accommodate everyone who wanted to attend the service. Therefore, a special zone was arranged near the temple, where the service was displayed on the big screen, so everyone could see it.

During the procession, people observed a very rare phenomenon, which was clearly a good sign. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, but the moon appeared nearby. At the end of the service, an award ceremony took place, at which all workers for the benefit of the construction of the temple were marked. Even the smallest help was noted.

And to this day, services are being conducted in the temple, everyone can visit them. Within these walls is a special energy, people feel lighter, there is a certain surge of strength, I want to continue prayer and think about God. The construction of such places is very important for the spiritual state of the inhabitants of the entire city, and local authorities are well aware of this.

The service in the church of Alexander Nevsky (Balashikha) on weekdays and Saturdays begins at 8 in the morning. On Sunday and on holidays, the temple invites everyone to worship at 6.30.

The past century has become extremely difficult for Russian Orthodoxy. God-fighting authorities closed and destroyed churches, illegally seized church property, and representatives of the clergy were subjected to repression. But those dark times have gone down in history. With the advent of perestroika, many temples were returned. Many, but not all - only photos remained of some. They had to be rebuilt, recreating the appearance of the documents and memoirs of old parishioners. Among them is the church of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky in Balashikha.

19th Century Factory Settlement

In the place where the center of this small town near Moscow is now, in the middle of the 19th century there was a village whose inhabitants were workers of the Gorensky factory, whose smokestacks stood nearby. This village was called Nikolayevka, by the name of the factory owner - The whole life of its inhabitants passed between gray wooden houses and factory buildings. Here they were born, here they passed their days, here they died.

Immediately beyond the village was a small cemetery and church. It was built in 1894, and the funds for the construction were donated by a rich and pious parishioner M. According to the surviving documents, it can be seen that although this church was not catchy in appearance, the finished architectural style was clearly seen in its appearance. They consecrated it in honor of the holy Prince Alexander Nevsky. She was attributed to the Church of the Transfiguration located in Pehra-Yakovlevsky (the estate of the princes Golitsyn near Moscow).

The ruin of the village church

And this church served God and people until 1933, when the temple on the Golitsyn estate was closed. Together with him, the Alexander Nevsky Church attributed to him was closed. Balashikha lost a significant part of her spiritual nourishment. Since then, for three decades, the church of God was used as a warehouse, and in the early sixties it was completely destroyed. She became a victim of Khrushchev's hard times. A highway was laid in its place, and where the crimson bells rang before, only the faceless and soulless hum of the city street sounded.

The end of hard times

But at the end of the past century, the pious inhabitants of Balashikha took steps to recreate the temple of St. the faithful Alexander Nevsky. An initiative group was assembled, by whose efforts it was possible to register the parish of a new, not yet built church, and in a place with it a board of trustees. The solution to many problems was facilitated by the fact that the district leadership was involved in the matter. The project was also supported by the leaders of many metropolitan institutions, who enthusiastically accepted the idea of \u200b\u200brebuilding the temple.

Sign of heaven before work

Comprehensively thought out and well-planned work began at the very end of the past century. First of all, they installed a cross, before which services were performed, accompanied by akathist singing. In 1998, what happened was later interpreted as a heavenly sign. A raging hurricane uprooted the trees that grew on the site of the proposed construction, thereby clearing the site. In this, the religiously minded residents of the city saw the expression of the Will of God, which added to them strength and energy in the fulfillment of the plan.

The temple of Alexander Nevsky in Balashikha was solemnly laid in the last days of 2001. The pace of construction was very high, the work went smoothly. This is not surprising - the Lord always realizes His will by the hands of people, and in this case he is their assistant and patron. So it happened this time. Even construction veterans were amazed at how well everything was.

Bookmark the baptismal temple

For the period of work, a temporary building was built to perform church services, which soon ceased to accommodate all the believers with whom Balashikha is so rich. The temple of Alexander Nevsky was not the only project to restore the destroyed shrines. In March, the construction of a baptismal church began. At the same time, construction began on houses for all clergymen.

And again, the pace of work exceeded all expectations - the erection of the dome and the cross took place on September 1, which was the completion of the formation of a single architectural complex of church buildings. The next important event took place soon - literally ten days later, in the presence of representatives of the highest church leadership and the administration of the district, a temple was specially consecrated for baptism. Its significance can hardly be overestimated: the baptismal font is the gateway to Orthodoxy for everyone who chooses this path.

Start of celebrations in honor of the completion of work

On the same day, another solemn consecration was performed - this time an old bell. His story is very unusual. During the period of persecution of the church, it was preserved from being seized and re-melted in the house. In the era of the atheism, many church shrines were thus saved, but in this case, we are talking about a bell whose weight exceeds a ton. From that day, Balashikha, near Moscow, hears his voice again.

The temple of Alexander Nevsky and the entire complex as a whole were completed in 2004. The celebrations associated with this event were timed to the day of memory of the great saints, teachers of the church, whose memory is celebrated on February 12. This, of course, has a symbolic meaning - the Holy Fathers seem to bless the new brainchild of Orthodox builders.

Square named after the patron saint of the city

By the decision of the city council, a new name was given to the square where the church of Alexander Nevsky was erected in Balashikha. The square received the name of this saint. This decision is also due to the fact that he is the patron saint of the city. A similar initiative was made by V. G. Samodelov.

In his speech at the celebrations to mark the completion of work, he noted the great contribution made to the construction by many organizations and enterprises of the Moscow Region. The general upsurge, he said, indicates the extent to which Balashikha needed it.

The temple of Alexander Nevsky during a solemn prayer could not accommodate everyone. By the way, during the procession, which according to the church canon always accompanies the consecration of churches, a rare cloud was observed, standing on this day above the city, suddenly dispersed, and in the sky it was possible to observe both the sun and the moon. Needless to say, such a phenomenon was put in direct connection with the event.

Church awards to temple builders

At the end of the prayer service and religious procession, the Archbishop rewarded those who made the most important contribution to the implementation of this charitable cause. The awards were presented to both clergy and secular people. Among them are donors, whose financial transfers made it possible to implement the project, and builders with whose hands the walls were erected.

In his speech, Metropolitan Juvenal congratulated everyone for whom this day was a long-awaited holiday, spoke about the high spiritual and patriotic ministry that fell to the lot of the city’s heavenly patron. The role of the leadership of such a city as Balashikha was especially noted. The Temple of Alexander Nevsky became a symbol of the return to the spiritual origins of our people.

The history of the Alexander Nevsky Temple, which was built in Balashikha in 1894, at first glance, is not as interesting as the history of ancient monasteries and churches of Russia. But this is a misleading impression. The centenary history of the temple, like a mirror, reflects all the glorious and tragic events of Russian history. Now the temple is located in the center of Balashikha. The area on which it is located is called the patron saint of Balashikha - Alexander Nevsky.

Temple History

Where the city of Balashikha is now located, at the end of the 19th century there was only a factory settlement. Here lived the workers of the Gorensky factory, located nearby. Behind the outskirts of the village was a cemetery and a church. It was built in 1894 with the money of a wealthy parishioner Tretyakova, who owned the neighboring estate of Gorenka.

After the miraculous salvation of the royal family in a train wreck, Tretyakova decided to perpetuate this event. It was decided to build a church in honor of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky. The project was developed by architect A.U. Belevich. The temple was settled in the Byzantine style and served people until 1933.

After the revolution, the temple, like thousands of others throughout Russia, was looted, the bells were removed, services in it ceased. Until the 50s there was a warehouse here, and then it was completely wiped off the face of the earth. On the site of the old cemetery and the church laid a highway.

The history of the revival of the temple began at the very end of the 20th century. People gradually returned to faith, they needed visible signs of the end of the old era of godlessness. An initiative group of caring residents of the city was created, which managed to register the parish of the church that was not yet built. Of course, all this would have been much more difficult if it had not been for the help of the leaders of the region, the city authorities and private patrons.

Before the start of the new construction, an event occurred that the residents of the city interpreted as a sign from above. Hurricane wind uprooted trees growing at the site of the proposed construction site. The site, thus, turned out to be completely cleared and ready for construction.

At the end of 2001, a ceremonial laying of the future temple took place. At the time of construction, a temporary wooden church was built, in which services immediately began. In the summer of 2002, a cross was raised on the temple under construction. Simultaneously with the temple, several more buildings were built, in which it was supposed to place a baptismal house, a Sunday school, a belfry.

September 1, 2003, just five years after the start of construction, a dome with a cross was raised on the temple. And ten days later, a baptismal church was consecrated in honor of the Holy Prince Vladimir.

On the same day, the old bell was also consecrated, miraculously preserved after the closure of the old temple. The bell weighing 1150 kg was kept in private hands for many years. How people managed to take him first from a closed temple, then store him for several decades, save him, literally exposing himself to mortal danger, remains a mystery.

There are many stories of salvation of church values, but this is not a book or an icon that can be hidden without much work, it is a huge bell weighing more than a ton! An amazing fact, once again confirming that people are able to create their own destiny and change the course of history.

The consecration of the whole complex took place on September 12, 2004 on the day of the patronal feast. A little later, at the initiative of the mayor, the square on which the new church was built officially became known as Alexander Nevsky.

The archbishop awarded all the builders, patrons, leaders of the city and the region, private individuals who contributed to the revival of the temple, and conveyed great thanks from the patriarch.

The new church is architecturally reminiscent of the Pskov-Novgorod style of the XIV-XV centuries. Cross-domed churches with facades in the form of a leaf of currant, a complex roof, a helmet-shaped dome - all this resembles the church of Ancient Russia.

Alexander Nevsky Temple today

The church has a Sunday school for children and adults, a pilgrimage service, and a social assistance center.

• Services are held daily in the temple. On weekdays at 8.00 and 17.00, and on weekends at 6.30, 9.00 and 17.00.

Location on the map

How to get there

The official address of the temple: the city of Balashikha, Alexander Nevsky Square, house 1. This is the very center of the city.

• From Moscow you can get from the Izmaylovsky Park metro station by bus number 337, and from the Shchelkovskaya metro station by bus number 338
• By car from Moscow you need to go along the M7 highway to Balashikha and go to the square on Zapadnaya Street and Lenin Avenue.

Where Sovetskaya Street and Lenin Avenue now intersect, in 1859 the village of Nikolaevka appeared, as a settlement for the workers of N.A. Gorensky paper spinning mill. Volkov, and after the death of Volkov, the estate of Gorenka and the factory located in it were owned by the merchants of the Tretyakovs.

On the western side of the factory settlement there was a cemetery, where at the expense of M.V. Tretyakova, daughter of the merchant of the first guild V.N. Tretyakova, in 1894 was built by the architect A.U. Belevich a small temple in the Byzantine style.

The temple was built in memory of the miraculous salvation of the imperial family when the train crashed near the Borki station near Kharkov, and that is why it was consecrated in honor of the holy noble Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky - the patron saint of Emperor Alexander III.

The Alexander Nevsky Temple did not have its own cause, since it was attributed to the parish of the Spassky Church in the village of Pehra-Yakovlevskoye (now the Spassky Church, after restoration, was consecrated as the Transfiguration).

In 1933, the Spassky Church was closed, and with it the ascribed temple of Alexander Nevsky was closed. Subsequently, its building was used as a warehouse until the final demolition in 1955. At the site of the temple and the old cemetery, a square was laid out and the central city avenue of Lenin was laid.

In the late 90's. With the participation of local authorities and the clergy of the Moscow diocese, an initiative group was set up with the goal of rebuilding the church. In March 2000, the Governor of the Moscow Region B.V. Gromov agreed to the construction of the church, after which, with the blessing of the Moscow diocese administrator, Metropolitan Juvenal of Krutitsy and Kolomna, a new parish was officially established and a board of trustees was created.

On December 4, 2001, on the feast of the Entry into the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the laying of the foundation stone of the temple was consecrated, and construction began.

On September 11, 2003, a small consecration of the baptismal church in the name of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir took place. February 12, 2004, on the day of Three Saints, the main construction work was completed in the main, Alexander Nevsky Church, the entire architectural ensemble of which was built based on the cross-domed churches of Ancient Russia of the XIV-XV centuries. and many of its details can be seen in the Pskov-Novgorod style.

Since that time, services began to be regularly held in the parish. The square on which the church was built, in 2004 began to bear the name of the holy noble Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, who became the patron saint of Balashikha.

On September 12, 2006, on the patronal feast of the church, with the blessing of Metropolitan Juvenal, Archbishop Gregory of Mozhaisk performed the rank of Great Consecration.

Today in the church, morning and evening services are held daily, a Sunday school for children and adults operates, and creative groups work. For all comers, temple clerics conduct classes in liturgy, dogmatics, scripture study, and other church-theological subjects. The temple constantly has a library, a pilgrimage service and a center for social assistance to the population.