There are many churches and temples in Prague, but almost all of them are Catholic churches. This is understandable, because the Czech Republic, located in the very center of Europe, was part of the Roman Empire in the Middle Ages.
However, there are also Orthodox churches in Prague. Where can they be seen? This article provides an overview of some of them.
A bit about religion in Prague
The history of any country is closely connected with religion, and most often it is she who does it. From the end of the 10th century, the Czech Republic became Catholic, but the Orthodox faith in the 9th century managed to “seep” into its territory. Today, Catholics in this state, there are approximately 39% of the total population. It should be noted that every year there is a weakening of the position of the Catholic Church. There are even fewer Orthodox here, with the bulk being Russian immigrants.
Among the tourists who come to admire the sights of the Czech Republic and try local beer, as well as improve their he alth in the mineral springs of Karlovy Vary, there are also those who are interested in Orthodox Churches. In Prague they are, there are several of them.
Cathedral of St. Cyril and Methodius
The main of all Orthodox churches is rightfully considered this cathedral. It was originally Catholic. Where is the Orthodox Church in Prague located? It is located in Nove Mesto - the historical district of the capital of the Czech state, which was founded 650 years ago by King Charles IV. He united Vysehrad and Stare Mesto. The cathedral was built in 1730-1736 (project by Kilian Dientzenhofer) as the church of St. Charles Borromean - the Milanese archbishop, famous for mercy and good deeds towards poor people. He was considered the savior of many people from the plague.
After the church reforms that took place at the end of the 18th century, liturgical processes were stopped, and since 1933 the church was given to the Czech Orthodox denomination. As a result, it was consecrated in honor of Cyril and Methodius. The Bulgarian Church presented the icon of St. Cyril and Methodius, and on behalf of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1951 he was granted independence (autocephaly), and he became a cathedral.
Tragic events took place within the walls of this Orthodox church in Prague during the Second World War. Slovak and Czech patriot paratroopers, who arrived from England after their murder of the German police general, the ruthless Reinhard Heydrich, hid here. While they were hiding in the basement, they were rounded up. There were rumors that the Nazis were told about them by a priest - a minister of another Catholic church. Patriots didn't give up, fought untilthe last bullet, and in the end they committed suicide to avoid capture. The Nazis shot the priest of this Orthodox Church in front of the image of the Savior, and Archbishop Gorazd was also executed.
In memory of past dramatic events, a museum in memory of the heroes of the Resistance was founded in the crypt of the cathedral (opened in 1995).
Church of St. Nicholas
Orthodox church in Prague, built in honor of St. Nicholas, stands on the Old Town Square. This religious building was erected in 1732-1735 at the location of the old church, which is mentioned in the annals of 1273. It burned down in the 17th century. The author of the project of the new temple is Kilian Dientzenhofer. Its magnificent turquoise domes are visible from almost all points of the city.
During the reign of Joseph II (emperor) this church was closed. This was done only so that the Russians would not pray for the strength of their weapons. Almost depriving the beautiful decorations of the interior, the building was used as a warehouse. In 1871, the temple was given to the Russian Orthodox Church, and since the 20th year of the XX century it has become the main Hussite temple. During World War II, local artists worked in the church. It was they who restored the ancient frescoes.
The main highlight of the temple is the chandelier (large chandelier), donated to the Orthodox Church by the Emperor of Russia. It was made in 1880 at the glass factory in Harrachov. The mass of this amazing design, shaped like a Russian crown, is 1400 kg.
This Orthodox church in Prague -active. On Easter and Christmas, a religious procession takes place here. The church also hosts classical music concerts performed on the church organ.
Basilica of George the Victorious
In the Czech Republic, Orthodoxy is associated with the name of Princess Ludmila, the daughter of Prince Slavibor. She was the wife of Borzhivoy I (the Czech prince), who was baptized with her according to Christian customs in 871. After the change of the reign of many princes, the grandson of Lyudmila, Vaclav, who at that time was only 8 years old, became the heir to the throne. The princess brought him up in the spirit of Christianity and had a strong influence on him spiritually. Lyudmila Dragomir's daughter-in-law (Vaclav's mother) decided to kill her by sending murderers into her quarters at night.
After 1143-1144, Lyudmila was canonized as a saint. She has since become the patroness of grandmothers, mothers, teachers. In 925, it was decided to transfer her remains to the Basilica of St. George the Victorious, which was built in Prague in 920. The church was badly damaged in a fire in 1142, but was rebuilt again, and two new Romanesque towers appeared on it.
In the interior there are tombs with the remains of the founder of the church and his grandson (Vratislav I and Boleslav II). The relics of St. Lyudmila are located in the Gothic-style chapel attached to the basilica.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This Orthodox church in Prague was built in 1924-1925 according to the project of Brandt V. A. (Professor) and Baron Klodt S. G. Most of the murals and mosaics were made by Bilibin I. Ya -famous artist. After the closure of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Stare Mesto in 1945, the Assumption Church began to conduct services for parishioners.
The remains of the Great Martyr Sophia and the following celebrities are buried in the crypt:
- Czech politician Karel Kramář;
- Russian historian and archaeologist Kondakov N. P;
- Ipatyeva E. N. - an engineer in whose house members of the royal family were killed;
- Russian commander - Schilling N. N.
New Temple in Prague
On January 7 (Christmas) 2013, the very first service was held in the Orthodox Church of St. Ludmila is the patroness of the Czech Republic. The temple was named in honor of the holy martyr Princess Ludmila of Czech. It was built in the northwestern region of Prague, not far from the Stromovka park.
The former exhibition pavilion of the Russian Trade Mission was rebuilt under the temple. Divine services are held in the consecrated temple.
On church icons, Lyudmila is depicted in a long dress, her head is covered with a coat, and in some - with a princely cap. The Day of Remembrance of the Martyr Princess - Saint Blessed Ludmila of Czech is celebrated on September 16.
