Noginsk. The Epiphany Cathedral and its history

Near Moscow, on the shore of the Klyazma,an ancient Russian city, which was called in the old days of Bogorodsky - so ordered in 1781 by Empress Catherine II, and long before that was in its place Yamskaya Sloboda Rogozhskaya, from where the dashing coachmen drove their troikas with the state-owned mail. And only in the thirties of the last century the then rulers gave him a name in honor of his fellow Bolshevik-Noginsk. Epiphany Cathedral - the center of the religious life of the city - shared with him all his troubles and joys. About him is our story.

Sloboda kazhennyh coachmen

The first information about the village, which was destined tobecome the cradle of the future city, belong to the end of the XIV century. It was called in those years Rogozhi. This gave rise to modern researchers to suggest that its inhabitants were engaged in the production of a mattress, a trade very common in that era. However, some historians see in the name only a derivative of the word Rogoz - the name of the nearby river. The issue is controversial, and for lack of documentary information it is hardly solvable.

More specific information relates to the beginningXVI century, when Rogozhi received the status of the Yamskaya Sloboda, that is, the village, whose residents were required to perform the tsar's service - to carry in the winter and summer the state mail on endless Russian routes. Thus, the Epiphany Cathedral (Noginsk) appeared in those parts not by accident - an important state matter was occupied by the villagers, but without God's help, unless it turns out?

Construction of a new church and mercy of the sovereign

Before its construction in 1755 stood in thethose places the temple in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It was built on a piece of land given to the church by the pious Moscow Prince Vasily III - the father of the future Tsar Ivan the Terrible. By the middle of the XVIII century the temple was dilapidated, and a new one - the Epiphany Cathedral (Noginsk) was erected in its place for the donations of Christ-loving parishioners. In memory of Nicholas the Wonderworker, one of its limits was consecrated.

Russian Rogozhsky coachmen served Russia well, for whichand noted their works Empress Catherine II. With her personal decree, she ordered the renaming of the former village of Rogozha to the city of Bogorodsk and make it the administrative center of the district. Since then, life on the banks of the Klyazma has changed beyond recognition. Numerous officials came in large numbers, the center of the newly-born city was built up with government buildings, and some sort of solidity appeared in the citizens' posture from the consciousness of their own involvement in state affairs.

Reconstruction of the Cathedral

So appeared on the map of the Russian Empire cityBogorodsk is the future Noginsk. By that time the Epiphany Cathedral had significantly increased its status. Placing in the provincial center, he regularly became a place of episcopal ministry, which attracted the attention of the Moscow Synod. The result of this was a large-scale reconstruction work, begun in 1822 and lasting for two years.

Upon completion of work in 1824 was consecratedrebuilt a spacious refectory with the confines of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin and Nicholas the Wonderworker. In addition, there was a bell tower, a stone chapel and a guard room.

In the middle of the century, significant financialthe temple was supported by donations from the owners of the large textile enterprise of the industrialist A. Yelagin, who opened in the city, and his sons. Also, an important role in this was played by the rich entrepreneur - manufacturer Shibaev. Thanks to their contributions, the cathedral was expanded, decorated with rich paintings and surrounded by a decorative fence. For accommodation Bogorodskogo spiritual government was erected a special two-story building, made in the best architectural traditions of the time.

The enterprises grew and the future Noginsk

Epiphany Cathedral in the middle of the XIX century, in the periodthe most active growth of the city's industry, not only was reconstructed, but was completely rebuilt. The population of Bogorodsk in these years increased significantly due to wage workers, who came to his enterprise from other provinces. The temple could not already accommodate all comers. In 1853, with the blessing of the ruling bishop, Metropolitan Innokenty, his building was dismantled and the construction of a more spacious and roomy cathedral began.

The construction lasted until 1876, and 5September the new church was solemnly consecrated. However, this work on its improvement has not been completed. Already at the beginning of the XX century it was once again reconstructed by the architect N. Strukov. All the Bogorodsk (Noginsk) gathered for the celebrations on the occasion of its opening. The Epiphany Cathedral stood in all its splendor.

Torture, which fell to the share of the temple in the XX century

In the thirties the city of Bogorodsk was renamedNoginsk. Epiphany Cathedral, like most of the country's churches, was closed, and many of its ministers became victims of repression. In its premises, industrial enterprises were located, but, fortunately, the building itself was not destroyed. Only in 1989 the Epiphany Cathedral (Noginsk), a photo of which is presented in the article, was returned to the church, and in it after the restoration work services were resumed.

Reborn shrine

Today, among the numerous religious centersNoginsk is also a worthy place. Epiphany Cathedral - the focus of his spiritual life - for the years that have passed under the sign of the revival of Russian Orthodoxy, has found its former greatness. Many works by famous Moscow masters were involved in the restoration works.

It is especially gratifying that among the diversityrepresented in it icons there are many old, miraculously preserved from pre-revolutionary times and decorating today the Epiphany Cathedral (Noginsk). The schedule of the services, as well as the list of the prayers performed by the priests, indicate that the spiritual life within its walls has returned to the old course established by centuries.