Temple of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky (Lomonosov, Leningrad region): address, interior decoration, rector

Orthodox Church of the Life Guards of the Volyn Regiment in the city of Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), St. Petersburg Diocese. This is the full name of the temple, built in the century before last and dedicated to the great saint - St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky. The life of this temple, its third revival, its rector and parishioners will be discussed in this article.

Temple of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Lomonosov
A country	Russia
City	Lomonosov
Year of foundation	1838
Website	spyridon.spb.ru
Abbot	Archpriest Oleg Emelianenko

Acquaintance

The Church of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Lomonosov is one of the surviving churches in the St. Petersburg diocese erected in honor of this miracle worker. The shrine was built in the 19th century for the needs of the Volyn Life Guards Regiment in Shchukin’s house. In 1882, the temple was transferred to the Officer Rifle School. In 1895 it was dismantled and rebuilt. In August 1896, the temple was again consecrated to St. right John of Kronstadt. It was closed in 1930. In 2001, the temple was returned to believers. Its action was resumed in 2002. Currently, a fundraiser has been announced for the restoration of the temple building. Today its reconstruction continues, services are held in the premises of the nearby Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Every day a prayer service is held in the temple with an akathist to Spyridon of Trimythous. In 2013, believers celebrated the 175th anniversary of the founding of the temple.

After restoration and complete restoration, the temple community was formed in 2002

The Church of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Lomonosov came under the authority of the Orthodox Church in 2001. The temple is located at St. Petersburg, Lomonosov, Ilikovsky Prospekt, 1.

2002

this year a community was formed, Oleg Emelianenko was appointed rector

For 105 years after the last restoration, the temple was not repaired and fell into disrepair. In 2002, a church community was formed, and Archpriest Oleg Emelianenko, who had previously restored 2 churches, was appointed rector.

Helpful information

The Church of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Lomonosov is assigned to the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist, located in the village of Malaya Izhora. Its status is active. Belongs to the St. Petersburg diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. Services here are held in Church Slavonic. The rector of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky is Archpriest O. A. Emelianenko. The church was built between 1895 and 1896. The author of the project is the architect and military engineer V. I. Shcheglov. The temple was abolished between 1930 and 2002. The patronal holiday is the day of Spyridon of Trimifunt (celebrated on December 25th).

The complete restoration of the church was carried out over 10 years.

The Church of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky is in disrepair, before restoration.
During the years of Soviet power, it was used as a warehouse and a gym.

Use of the premises of the Church of St. Spyridon as a gym

In March 2008, the temple was completely dismantled. A complete restoration of the premises has begun.

Complete dismantling of the building of the Church of St. Spiridon in Lomonosovo

It took 6 years to restore the temple. In accordance with the 19th century project, the building body is constructed of wooden beams.

Condition of the temple in honor of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in 2013

Restoration of the external facade of the building was completed in 2014. The first liturgy in the renovated church took place on August 28, 2021. A year later, the interior work was completed.

2018 - restoration of the temple building was completed.

The restored church of St. Spiridon

Description

Unusual both in its appearance and in its architectural style, the Temple of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Lomonosov is a real decoration of the city. The building is small, but, according to numerous visitors, it is very beautiful, bright and soulful. The rectangular building has lowered side naves. It ends with a bell tower over the western part and a tented octagon over the eastern part.

Nearby is the former house church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker at the Naval Shooting Training Team, in which services are currently held. Thanks to the efforts of the employees, an impressive collection of ancient church utensils, samovars and other household items is put on display.

What makes the temple especially attractive is the presence of a zoo corner, in which the rector Oleg Emelianenko, a great lover of nature, collected a wide variety of living creatures. The zoo, represented by various animals - charming goats, chinchillas, birds, snakes, monitor lizards, guinea pigs, turtles and even three crocodiles, can compete with any popular zoo. If desired, all pets can be touched, scratched, held, fed, etc. Animals are placed two steps from the place of worship. According to the abbot, this creates a special atmosphere, close to the “lost paradise” described in the Bible, in which people lived together with animals in close unity.

Priest of the Church of Saints Spyridon and Nicholas - Oleg Emelianenko

The rector is Archpriest Oleg Emelianenko. He has headed the parish from the very beginning of the transfer of the church building to the community, in 2002.

Priests of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky: rector Archpriest. Oleg (right), and prot. Vladimir

For diligent and faithful service for the good of the Church, the rector, Archpriest Oleg, was awarded a miter in 2014 by decree of Patriarch Kirill.

The rector of the temple is St. Spiridon Archpriest Oleg with his family

History: how the first temple of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky was created in Lomonosov

In 1838, on this site in Oranienbaum (the old name of the city), according to the design of the architect A.P. Melnikov, a small wooden church was founded for the Volyn Life Guards Regiment stationed here. It was built with government money on the initiative of Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna and the commander of the Separate Guards Corps, Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich.

The consecration of the temple took place in December of this year. The wooden building, built on a brick foundation, was covered with iron. Its length was 26 m, width - 10.5 m, height (without dome) - 8.5 m. The church had a small bell tower, and an iron cross was located above the altar. A regimental marching iconostasis was placed in the temple premises. It was rebuilt several times until the 1880s. In 1883, the church became part of the officer rifle school.

Temple foundation

Since 1836, a new Guards Corps of the Life Guards was stationed in Oranienbaum. At that time, there were only two churches in the city; there was not enough space for everyone, and they were located far away. Therefore, with the arrival of the military, the camp temple of Spyridon of Trimythia had to be temporarily located in a private merchant’s house.

Two years later, on October 2 (14), 1838, construction began on the wooden temple of Spyridon of Trimythia in the upper part of Lomonosov, at the beginning of Ilikovsky Prospekt, next to the palace park. The wooden church was built with government funds according to Melnikov's design. A consistent follower of the classical tradition, the architect preferred strict forms. He considered the Empire style, popular in Russia after the Patriotic War of 1812, to be the most harmonious.

Construction of the second temple

Due to the fact that the old temple fell into disrepair over time, in 1895 it was completely dismantled. In its place, a new church of the same name was founded according to a project developed by military engineer V. I. Shchegolov. Funds from the Engineering Department were allocated for the construction, and church and private donations were also used. The new temple was solemnly consecrated in 1896 by the Archbishop of Riga and Mitau.

In 1900, a one-story house for the priest was built on the territory of the temple. After the revolution of 1917, the temple was assigned to St. Michael's Cathedral, and in 1921 - to the Panteleimon Church. In 1930 it was closed and beheaded. After this, for many decades the temple was used for other purposes, so by the 2000s the building fell into disrepair. In March 2008, the temple was completely dismantled in order to eventually be restored to its original form.

Preserving traditions

Revived in the 21st century, the interior of the temple is still decorated in light colors and decorated with fine carvings of valances; thanks to the unity of design, the space looks holistic and voluminous. The altar part is decorated with a large chandelier, the openwork pattern of which echoes the decor of the walls.

In addition to the light drum, so important in conditions of changeable northern weather, the architectural design of the building provides for a tier of stained glass windows. This decision, rarely found in Russian Orthodox churches, in this case organically corresponds to the general atmosphere of the church.

The modern iconostasis, also single-tiered, is painted white, just like the one in the 1896 building. It is combined with high icon case frames around the perimeter of the room, in which temple icons are placed.

The only place in the temple that contrasts with its general cheerful spirit is the image of the Holy Cross, located next to the eve. The tragic image of Golgotha corresponds to its place and purpose and serves as a reminder of the frailty of earthly life.

The decoration of the restored temple reflects the harmony between the earthly and the heavenly; It is no coincidence that the white color in Orthodox symbolism has since ancient times symbolized purity, renewal and rebirth to a new life.

Interior decoration of an Orthodox church

In accordance with the project, a wooden one-story building of a new double-height temple with stone pillars supporting the dome was installed on a granite foundation. Its length is 32 meters, width - 19 meters, height including the dome - 25.5 meters. The walls and ceiling in the middle are decorated with carvings and painted pale pink.

The craftsmen placed icons of the evangelists in the sails of the dome. Of particular interest is the donation of Mordvinova E. A. - the icon of the Nativity of Christ. The interior is decorated with a two-tiered white iconostasis with gilded carvings. The side gate is the location of the icons of the holy archdeacons Philip and Stephen.

The creators used temple icons of St. Spyridon and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker taken from the previous iconostasis. The marble throne was created with donations from the hereditary honorary citizen of Lomonosov, I. G. Kholenkov.

Temple shrines available at the parish - icons, relics, vestments

Image of the shrine	Name
	The main icon of the temple is the Venerable Saint Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in a frame. In 2015, a panagia decorated with precious stones was made for the icon.
	Slippers from the feet of St. Spyridon
	Jerusalem icon of Saints Spyridon
	Jerusalem icon of St. Nicholas
	Altar icon of St. Spyridon in a carved icon case and a piece of relics. It is brought to the middle of the church on the temple holiday, December 25
	Cross of the Lord. Located in the middle of the temple

Special Attractions

Among the attractions of the temple are of particular interest:

six company icons, decorated with gilded carvings, in valuable silver vestments (transferred from the Model Regiment after its abolition);
An ancient icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring” donated by A.P. Taborskaya.

In addition, the temple contains:

banner of the Exemplary Regiment;
a letter signed by Emperor Nicholas I for the award of this banner;
certificate for the award of a silver horn (distinction for participation in the Russian-Turkish war).

How to get there[edit]

Directions:

from the Baltiyskaya metro station: electric train to the Oranienbaum-1 station or minibus 404, then 15 minutes. on foot.

from the Avtovo metro station: minibuses 300, 401, 424a, 404, then 15 minutes. on foot.

from metro station "Prosp. Veterans": bus 200.

from metro station "Prosp. Veterans": minibus 343.

On minibuses 300, 401, 424a, it is better to get off at the “Hospital (CRH)” stop - walk closer.

If you move from the station (700 m), the landmark will be the white Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. At the cathedral, cross the road at the traffic light, go up the hill and go right all the way.

To take the return minibus you don’t have to return to the station - you can catch 343, 424a earlier.

Address:

St. Petersburg, Lomonosov, Ilikovsky Prospekt, 1

Tel.:

+7 (812) 423-27-44

Email:

, [email protected]

About the location

Address of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky: Lomonosov city, Ilikovsky Avenue, building 1.

Nearby is the house church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The temple has a small exhibition of old church books, samovars, and other antiquities, as well as a contact mini-zoo with wonderful guinea pigs, birds, chinchillas and a raccoon.

You can get to the Church of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Lomonosov from the Baltic Station:

by train (get off at Oranienbaum station);
by minibus No. 404.

From the Avtovo metro station you can get to:

minibuses No. 424a, 404, 300;
by bus number 200.

From the metro station "Pr. Veterans" - minibus No. 343. If you move from the station on foot, you should be guided by the white Cathedral of St. Archangel Michael. From there, cross the road at the traffic light, go up the hill, turn right and continue moving all the way to the temple.

They do social work at the parish

Since 2008, all donors and participants in the restoration of the temple were recorded in a book. When the frame of the building was erected, all the names were printed on a banner and attached to the walls. More than 17,000 names are immortalized under the inner lining. At every service, while the temple stands, a prayer will be offered to God for these people.

The names of the donors and beautifiers of the temple of St. Spiridon, immortalized on the walls

An exhibition of church objects from the 16th to 20th centuries is open in the temple. All exhibits are from the personal collection of the rector, Father Oleg. The exhibition of church art opened in March 2021.

Exhibition of objects of church art in the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky, Lomonosov

The church premises host catechetical courses for adults, Orthodox lessons for children, quizzes, festive performances and tea parties.

Christmas tree in the Church of St. Spiridon in Lomonosov

Tea drinking for young parishioners of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky

There are modeling and drawing clubs at the church, and there is a zoo corner.

The Orthodox sports club offers martial arts classes.

Classes at the Orthodox sports club at the Church of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky are conducted by coach Mikhail Lisovsky

Parishioners provide social assistance to elderly people.

There is a smallholding and its own incubator. The community raises chickens.

Chickens raised on the farm of the St. Spiridon, Lomonosov

December 25 is the patronal feast day of the Church of St. Spyridon.

On the day of honoring St. Spyridon of Trimythous, which falls on December 25 according to the new style, a festive service is held. A week before this celebration, on December 19, the patronal feast day is celebrated in the home church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Merlika.

About the life story of Saint Spyridon

It is known that Saint Spyridon was a miracle worker, a saint, and Bishop of Trimifuntsky, who lived in Cyprus in the 3rd century. First, his holy relics were buried in Trimifunt, and then transported to the island of Corfu, to Kerkyra, to the location of the main temple of St. Spyridon.

The story of his life is interesting. Since childhood, Spiridon, born around 270 AD. e., was a shepherd. Its homeland is the village of Trimifunt (Trimitus) on the island. Cyprus, which is why they began to call it Trimifuntsky. Spyridon led a righteous life. Having no wealth, he always tried to share food and shelter with those in need. The shepherd's extraordinary kindness and warmth attracted people to him. Therefore, when the old Bishop of Trimifunt died, Spyridon was unanimously elected as the first priest of the city. But even while in such a high position, the saint was always a model of humility for those around him: as an ordinary person, he constantly worked to earn his living.

For his numerous virtues, God endowed the bishop with the invaluable gift of foresight, the ability to heal people and control the forces of nature. Spyridon saved those in need from mental illnesses, and also exorcised demons. Because of the boundless humility of the saint during his life, on the icons he is depicted not in the miter of a high ruler, but in an ordinary shepherd’s hat. The earthly life of the saint ended at approximately 80 years of age. It is believed that this happened in 348. For believers, he is a model, an example of simplicity, piety and modesty.

The relics of the saint rest on Fr. Corfu, in the church named after him, and his right hand is kept in the Church of Our Lady of Santa Maria (Rome). It is known that for many hundreds of years the saint’s body was not touched by decay, and his temperature was constantly 36.6 degrees. In the Intercession Church of the Danilov Monastery (Moscow) there is a shrine - the shoe of the miracle worker, brought from the island of Corfu. It was noticed that over time the relic wears out, as if the saint was still walking around the world and performing miracles. Scientists could not explain this fact.

History[edit]

First temple[edit]

Initially, on this site, for the Volyn Life Guards Regiment stationed in Oranienbaum, on October 2 (14), 1838, a wooden church was founded according to the design of A.P. Melnikov, built with government funds. The initiators of the construction of the temple were Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna and the commander of the Separate Guards Corps, Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich.

The foundation of the temple was laid with paper in a glass vessel, discovered in 1895, with the text: “By the will of Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna and the support of His Imperial Highness Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich, Commander of the Separate Guards Corps, summer 1838 October 2 day, during the pious reign of the Sovereign Emperor Nikolai Pavlovich, this temple was founded to house the camp church of the Life Guards of the Volyn Regiment in the name of our Reverend Father Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Trimythia. Signatures: Commander of the Volyn Life Guards Regiment, Major General Ovander. Regimental priest of the Volyn Life Guards Regiment, Vasily Nadein.”

The consecration of the temple in the name of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky probably took place on December 12 (24), 1838. The wooden, iron-roofed temple was built on a brick foundation. The length of the church was 26 meters, width - 10.5 meters and height (without dome) - 8.5 meters. The church had a small bell tower and an iron cross was installed above the altar. A marching regimental iconostasis was installed in the church.

In 1856, the Volyn Life Guards Regiment was transferred to Warsaw, and the church utensils were taken with the regiment. The temple was transferred to the Life Guards Training Sapper Half-Battalion. In 1859, this battalion was disbanded, and for two years there were no military units in the city, and services were performed by the clergy of the court Panteleimon Church.

In 1861, the Infantry Training Battalion was transferred to Oranienbaum from Tsarskoe Selo, whose commander, Major General V.V. von Netbeck, partially rebuilt the temple, slightly expanding it by adding two side chapels without altars and installing a new three-tier iconostasis.

In 1874, major repairs were carried out in the temple at the expense of the treasury. On March 14 (28), 1882, instead of the Infantry Training Battalion, the Officer Rifle School was created (opened on February 6 [18], 1883), to which the church was transferred.

Second Temple[edit]

Since the old church had fallen into disrepair over the past years and the need arose to build a new, more spacious church, the old church was completely dismantled in October 1895, and already on November 8 (10), 1895, a new church of the same name was laid in its place, the design of which was developed by military engineer V.I. Shchegolov. When laying, along with the previous one, a paper was placed in a glass vessel along with the previously found one, with the following content: “In the summer of November 1895, 8 days, during the pious reign of the Sovereign Emperor Nikolai Alexandrovich, this temple in the name of our reverend father Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Trimythia, was rebuilt rebuilt with the blessing of Fr. Protopresbyter of the military and naval clergy Alexander A. Zhelobovsky, under the care of the Head of the Officer Rifle School, Major General Leonty V. Gaponov and Archpriest Grigory P. Lapshin, according to the plan and under the leadership of the military engineer Captain Vladimir I. Shcheglov, with the zealous donations of Messrs. officers and lower ranks of the Officer Rifle School and parishioners of this temple"

Construction was carried out with church funds, as well as private donations and amounts allocated by the Engineering Department.

The ceremonial consecration of the new church was performed on August 27 (September 8), 1896 by Archbishop of Riga and Mitau Arseny (Bryantsev).

In 1900, a one-story wooden house was built for the priest within the church fence.

After 1917, the temple was assigned to the St. Michael's Cathedral of Oranienbaum, and from September 9, 1921 - to the former palace Panteleimon Church.

In 1930, the church was closed, beheaded and used for many decades for other purposes, as a result of which it fell into disrepair by the early 2000s.

On April 2, 2002, services resumed there, which lasted for six years.

In March 2008, due to complete dilapidation, the temple was completely dismantled with the aim of subsequent restoration in its original form.

New temple[edit]

Currently, a new foundation has already been erected in its place and work is underway to completely restore it to its original historical appearance (as it was in 1896).

What are they asking the saint for?

In Rus', Saint Spyridon has been revered since ancient times. It is known that Orthodoxy does not consider material wealth to be the true goal of a believer. It is not customary to pray for him and ask saints. But Spyridon of Trimifuntsky is precisely one of those miracle workers who are often approached with requests for stability and material assistance. People come to him not only with prayers to strengthen faith, but also for help in simple everyday situations, financial and housing difficulties.

People also come to the saint to give thanks for the help provided in material problems. This is evidenced by the numerous gifts placed on his icon.