The Church of the Prophet Elijah in Obydensky Lane, located near the Church of Christ the Savior, belongs to the Petrine Baroque style. It was built by the architect I. Zarudny in 1702. And the main trustee of the church was a clerk by the name of Derevnin, who was later buried here. As for the bell tower and the refectory, they were built by the architect A. Kaminsky in 1866–1868.
Petrine Baroque
Peter's baroque was characteristic of church architecture at the dawn of the 18th century. It expressed the trends of a new era. This style is characterized by clarity, rigor, correctness, but at the same time, a share of romanticism is noticeable in it. Churches look reserved and practical, but quite beautiful. During this period, temples of the “ship” type were being built: a long narthex, a bell tower and the building itself are located on the same axis. It was typical for that time. Such is the Temple of the Prophet Elijah in Obydensky Lane.
Ancient legends
But the first, still rather primitive, church was erected here at the end of the 15th century. Temples were called ordinary,which were built in one day, according to a vow. There is a legend that in ancient times a certain prince passed through this place, and suddenly a strong thunderstorm began. He promised that if he did not die, he would build a wooden temple in honor of the Prophet Elijah in one day. There is another legend that says that the church was built according to a vow, begging for rain during a drought.
Magnificent icons
The Church of the Prophet Elijah in Obydensky Lane is notable for the fact that there is an icon of the Savior Not Made by Hands, as well as the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, which Simon Ushakov created in the 17th century. But special attention should be paid to the left kliros. There is the main attraction of Ilyinsky Cathedral - the icon of the Mother of God called "Unexpected Joy", which, according to legend, is capable of working miracles. On it you can see a person kneeling and praying in front of a sacred image.
The difficult fate of the icon "Unexpected Joy"
At first, this icon belonged to the Church of Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos. After its demolition, it was sent to the church of St. Blaise. Then she was transferred to the Church of the Resurrection, located in Sokolniki. All the most famous and miraculous images from the demolished metropolitan churches were sent there. And only then she was taken to the Temple of the Prophet Elijah in Moscow.
Going inside, near the right pillar, you can see a magnificent icon of Jesus, created by Chichagov Seraphim (Metropolitan).
During the Soviet Union and today
The Church functioned even in times ofUSSR, although the bells were removed from it in the 1930s. In the first year of the war, the Temple of the Prophet Elijah in Obydensky Lane was practically destroyed by a nearby bomb. However, after some time it was restored and restored.
Today, at the temple, which is regularly visited by many believers, there is a Sunday school for children and adults, an Orthodox lecture hall, and a parish library.
Temple of Elijah the Prophet in Cherkizovo
Let's also consider this magnificent temple. The Metropolitan Church of the Prophet Elijah, located in Cherkizovo, is famous for the fact that it contains a rare image of St. Alexis, and the relics of Blessed Ivan Koreysha are also kept here.
Those who once saw this elegant temple cannot forget it. You come here - and as if you are transported in time for several centuries ago. This church has been around for many years, how many people have been praying here - you can't count. The images are wonderful, ancient, it seems that these are fragile museum exhibits. Do you know that this church was built in 1690? There used to be a wooden church on this site. It was erected quite a long time ago - in 1370.
Unusual history of the temple
During a difficult period, during the Russian-Lithuanian war, the church was burned down by the enemy, but soon it was rebuilt again.
The temple is notable for its interesting history. During the Soviet era, many metropolitan churches were destroyed. And the Temple of the Prophet of God Elijah remained unscathed even at the time when it was decided during the construction of the metrodraw a line under it.
Believing residents of the capital did not allow the church to be demolished. The authorities had to give in, although other shrines were actively destroyed during the construction of the metro. Near the church of the Holy Prophet Elijah, several temples were destroyed. The fact that the building survived, in spite of everything, can be called a real miracle. And we must thank fate for the fact that such a magnificent architectural monument remained unscathed.
Today the temple is visited by both native Muscovites and tourists - they are all fascinated by its splendor. This is an unusual place, having visited it once, you want to come here again and again. So many people visit it every Sunday, and some more often. People come to pray and venerate the relics of Ivan Koreysha - they hope that this blessed one will grant them healing and in general will somehow affect their lives. The doors of the temple are open to absolutely everyone, and everyone who comes to Moscow even for a short time is recommended to visit this amazing church to immerse themselves in the extraordinary atmosphere that reigns in it.
