Today I am wrapping up my Most Beautiful Orthodox churches in Russia Tour with the final installment in the series and my personal choices for Top 3 Most Beautiful Orthodox Churches in Russia. For a recap of the first two installments of this series, see the following two links:
Most Beautiful Orthodox Churches in Russia Part I
Most Beautiful Orthodox Churches in Russia Part II
My goal is to end this series with a bang, so just as my inclusion of the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral and Kazan Cathedral in Petersburg may have raised a few eyebrows in Part II of my tour, I have a feeling at least one of the churches included in my top three will do the same. I’d go as far as saying it may even ruffle a few feathers. My top two selections however are guaranteed to please. Without further ado, I offer my final installment in the series and my Top 3.
3. Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces
This Cathedral is virtually brand new, completed in 2020, and it is a magnificent, albeit highly controversial work of art. In my opinion it is an absolute masterpiece, and it is without a doubt on my bucket list of places to see before I die.
Situated in the Odintsovsky District of Moscow Oblast, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Храм Воскресения Христова), also known as the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces, stands as a grand tribute to the victory in the Great Patriotic War and the valorous military achievements of the Russian people throughout history. This opulent Russian Patriarchal cathedral was constructed within the sprawling grounds of Patriot Park, serving as a symbol of national pride and remembrance. Its architectural magnificence and intricate design pay homage to the Resurrection of Christ, while its purpose is to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War and honor the bravery displayed by the Russian military in all conflicts.
So why is Russia's expansive Cathedral of the Armed Forces so controversial? It is because there is a striking blend of militarism, patriotism, and Orthodox Christianity on display throughout all of its powerful imagery. Angels gracefully float above artillery, religious icons are embellished with Kalashnikovs, and the Virgin Mary's posture mirrors that of a Soviet second world war propaganda poster. The juxtaposition of sacred religious symbols with elements of warfare creates a thought-provoking and controversial atmosphere within the cathedral. The fusion of these seemingly contradictory themes serves as a visual representation of Russia's complex history and the intertwining of faith, military might, and national identity. Simply stated, this church stands as a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and the enduring influence of both religion and military tradition in Russian society. The striking visuals within the cathedral provoke deep reflection on the intersection of spirituality, patriotism, and the legacy of war in the collective consciousness of the Russian people. In a word it is most things Western Christianity and Western politics hates about the Russian Orthodox Church. I find it magnificent.
Over the course of Vladimir Putin's twenty-year tenure as Russia's leader, the significance of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, known as the second world war in the west, has evolved into a fundamental pillar of the country's new national identity. Remarkably, this war victory has now acquired a religious shrine of its own, which could potentially be regarded as the defining structure of the Putin era by future historians. Undoubtedly, Putin has masterminded an extraordinary reawakening of Orthodoxy in Russia, and this Cathedral stands as the ultimate achievement of his transformative endeavors.
2. Church of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Pereslavl)
My choice for second place on this list is purely about the exterior beauty and surroundings. From the interior and iconostasis views, one might not agree with such a high placement, but the aesthetics and the property is, in my opinion, second to none and for this reason I had to offer this church a spot in my Top 3. Additionally, the story of the Forty Martyrs is as legendary as it gets. Finally, the age of this church makes it a relic from a historical standpoint, and that ancient beauty must be taken into consideration.
Constructed in the year 1755, this church located by the lake is dedicated to the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, a courageous group of Roman soldiers who chose to perish in the cold waters of a Turkish lake instead of renouncing their Christian beliefs. Although not accessible to the general public, a stunning contemporary tile depiction of the martyrs adorns the exterior wall of the church, making it a sight to behold. This church is located in one of the most picturesque spots of the city where the River Trubezh flows into Lake Plescheevo. A delightful stroll along the Trubezh River leading to the lake further enhances the charm of this serene location.
Unfortunately, finding photos or video of this hidden gem along the Golden Ring is nearly impossible. There is an official website to explore, but it seems to be as dated as the church itself. Still, this church is a must see if you find yourself on a tour of the Golden Ring, which is where I would like to be right now.
Official Website
1. The Church of the Resurrection of Christ, Foros
The top church on my list has it all. A beautiful interior, fantastic decorative dome, a traditional wooden iconostasis and the most stunning locale on this list. The Church of Christ's Resurrection, also known as Воскресенская церковь in Russian, is a captivating tourist destination situated near the southernmost point of Crimea. Its picturesque setting offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea coastline, as it stands majestically on a 400-meter cliff close to Baidarsky Pass.
Originally commissioned by Alexander Kuznetsov, a local landowner and tea trader from Moscow, the church was built to commemorate the survival of Alexander III in the tragic Borki train disaster of 1888. The renowned architect Nikolai Chagin, hailing from Vilnius, designed the church in a unique fusion of architectural styles, incorporating elements of Rastrelliesque Baroque, Russian Revival, and Byzantine Revival.
On 4th October 1892, the Church of Christ's Resurrection was consecrated in a grand ceremony attended by Konstantin Pobedonostsev. Notably, the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, and his wife sought solace in prayer at this church on the 10th anniversary of the Borki incident. However, following the Russian Revolution, the church faced a tumultuous period, with its closure for worshippers, exile of its priest to Siberia, and the painting over of its beautiful frescoes. It was even repurposed as a snack bar for tourists until 1969, remaining vacant throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Fortunately, the Orthodox Church regained ownership of the building and, under the guidance of Leonid Kuchma, initiated four restoration campaigns to restore its former glory.
So that wraps up my Top 10 most Beautiful Orthodox Churches in Russia virtual tour. I hope you enjoyed my list, and perhaps learned of some hidden gems along the way. These definitely are not the standard choices one will find on similar lists, but they are the ten churches I would most want to tour on my trip to Russia. I welcome the opportunity for discussion and debate on my selections and would love to know if you think I missed any locations that you would have included on your list.
Thank you for taking this tour with me! I look forward to more virtual tours in the future! God bless!