Holy Trinity Monastery of Simferopol: history and address of the monastery, architectural monuments, churches and buildings, current situation, abbess and shrines, schedule of services

Cathedral of the Trinity Monastery in Simferopol, 2007. Photo by Oleg Gusarov from the site sobory.ru

Cathedral in the name of the Life-Giving Trinity in Simferopol Trinity Monastery
Simferopol diocese

Thrones: Holy Trinity, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Equal to the Apostles. Konstantin and Elena
Address: Russia, 95001, Republic of Crimea, Simferopol, st. Odesskaya, 12, Simferopol Trinity Monastery
Tel.: (+380
On the map: Yandex.Map, Google map

Odesskaya Street, on which the Holy Trinity Cathedral rises, has had its current name since 1946.
Before that, it was called Greek, since a large number of Greeks had long lived on it and around it. The first wooden Greek Holy Trinity Church on the site of the current one was built in 1796. Since 1826, a Greek gymnasium was located at the temple.

In 1868, the church was dismantled, and in its place, according to the design of the architect I.F. Kolodino, a spacious Holy Trinity Cathedral was built. It is a cruciform temple with an octagonal light drum rising in the middle and a low bell tower above the entrance.

Light enters the temple through arched windows. The external walls are decorated with decorative patterns, thin pilasters with capitals of the Corinthian order, light arcature, and mosaic images. The domes of the bell tower and the temple are painted blue and are crowned with openwork crosses.

The interior decoration of the temple is also magnificent: on the sails there are images of the four evangelists, in the dome there is an image of the Lord.

New martyrs served in the cathedral in the 1930s: Bishop Porfiry (Gulevich) of Simferopol and Crimea (+ 1937) and Archpriest Nikolai Mezentsev (+ 1938).

In February 1933, Trinity Church was closed and began to be rebuilt as a boarding school for children. But the community decided to fight by all possible means to defend its rights. Despite the terrible time of complete legal chaos, the Orthodox managed to petition the Greek mission in Moscow. Even earlier, on the advice of Fr. Nikolai Mezentsev, turning to the Greek consul, they were able to defend the ringing of bells, which by that time was already prohibited. It also helped that many members of the community were Greek citizens. In 1934 the temple reopened.

Until the beginning of 2003, Trinity Church was the cathedral of the Simferopol diocese.

In 2003, the Trinity Monastery for women was formed around the cathedral.

History of creation

In the 18th century, on the site where the Holy Trinity Monastery is now located in Simferopol, a small Greek wooden church was erected in honor of the Holy Trinity. 70 years later, the wooden building was demolished and a stone cathedral was erected in its place, which in 1930 received cathedral status.

Read about other temples in Crimea:

Monastery of St. Theodore Stratilates in Bakhchisarai
St. Catherine's Church in Feodosia
Kosmo-Damianovsky Monastery in Crimea

The persecution of Orthodox churches did not spare the Trinity Church. In 1933, the authorities of Simferopol decided to close the temple for the needs of the state and open a boarding school in its building, and work on re-registration immediately began. But the city authorities failed to accomplish their plans. Among the parishioners there were a lot of Greeks, whom the state should have treated correctly, so the decision was made to leave the church to the believers.

In 1934, all rights to the building were returned to the church community.

Confessor and Saint Luke often taught in this church and served within its walls from 1946 to 1961. In 1996, the relics of St. Luke were transferred to the cathedral.

Relics of St. Luke in the Holy Trinity Monastery

Since 2002, the cathedral acquired the status of the Holy Trinity Monastery for women.

Relics of Luka Krymsky

Kontakion 1

Chosen to the saint of the Orthodox Church and confessor, who has shone forth to our country like a luminous luminary, having labored well and enduring persecution for the name of Christ, glorifying the Lord who glorified you, who has given you a new prayer book and helper, we sing praises to you; But you, who have great boldness towards the Lady of Heaven and earth, free us from all mental and physical ailments and strengthen us to stand well in Orthodoxy, so that we all call to you in tenderness: Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Ikos 1

interlocutor of angels and mentor of men, the most glorious Luke, like the evangelist and apostle Luca, his namesake, you received from God the gift of healing human ailments, having gone through many labors in healing the illnesses of your neighbors, bearing the flesh, you did not care about the flesh, but the good deeds of the Heavenly Father You have glorified. With the same gratitude, we call you with tenderness:

Rejoice, having subdued your mind to the yoke of Christ from your youth; Rejoice, former most honorable village of the Holy Trinity.

Rejoice, having inherited the bliss of the merciful, according to the word of the Lord; Rejoice, having healed many sick people through the faith of Christ and the knowledge given by God.

Rejoice, merciful physician to those suffering from bodily ailments; Rejoice, skillful healer in the days of battle for leaders and warriors.

Rejoice, teacher of all doctors; Rejoice, quick helper in the needs and sorrows of those who exist.

Rejoice, confirmation of the Orthodox Church; Rejoice, illumination of our land.

Rejoice, praise to the Crimean flock; Rejoice, decoration of the city of Simferopol.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 2

Seeing in people during healing, like in a mirror, the wisdom and glory of the Creator of all things, God, you always ascended to Him in spirit, God-wise; Illuminate us with the light of your divine understanding, so that we may cry out with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

You enlightened your mind with Divine teachings, O all-glorious Luke, rejecting all carnal wisdom, and with your mind and will you submitted to the Lord, becoming like an apostle. For this, according to the word of Christ: come after Me, and I will make you fishers of man, leaving everything and walking after Him, and you, holy one, having heard the Lord Jesus calling you to serve, accepted the priesthood in the Orthodox Church. For this reason, as a God-wise mentor, we praise thee:

Rejoice, thou who hasst shown care for souls; Rejoice, joyful one of your guardian angel.

Rejoice, thou who excelled in learning and astonished the wise men of this world; Rejoice, you who have turned away from those who do iniquity.

Rejoice, preacher and contemplator of God's Wisdom; Rejoice, golden-talking teacher of true theology.

Rejoice, guardian of the apostolic traditions; Rejoice, zealot of Orthodoxy.

Rejoice, star, showing the way to salvation; Rejoice, luminary, kindled by God, dispelling the darkness of wickedness.

Rejoice, thou who denounced the schismatics; Rejoice, you who have thirsted for the Lord's testimonies and justifications.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 3.

By the power of God’s grace, even in your temporal life you received the gift, Saint Luke, to heal ailments, so that all the healings of bodily and especially mental illnesses that diligently flow to you are honored, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having vigilant concern for the salvation of the souls entrusted to you by God, blessed Luke, pastorally towards a soul-saving life, both in word and in deed, you incessantly instructed them. For this reason, accept from our zeal the praise that is worthy of you:

Rejoice, filled with the Divine mind; Rejoice, blessed by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, having been enriched by the poverty of Christ; rejoice, shield, defend piety.

Rejoice, good shepherd, seeking out the wisdom of those who wander through the mountains of superstition; Rejoice, worker of the grapes of Christ, strengthening the children of God in the faith.

Rejoice, unshakable pillar of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, solid rock of faith.

Rejoice, accuser of soul-destroying unbelief and renovationist schism; Rejoice, wise strengthener of those who strive in the spiritual work.

Rejoice, show a quiet refuge to those persecuted from the world; Rejoice, for we have accepted the cross; you have followed Christ.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 4

Having a storm inside with many thoughts, the servant of God was perplexed at what the Lord was saying about him, when he realized that he was worthy of being the bishop of the city of Tashkent, having betrayed all of himself to Christ God, to Him you gave thanks for all, calling: blessed be God, pour out your grace on your bishops, and singing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard the people of Orthodoxy, in the present persecution, about the fruitful kindness of your soul, God-bearing Luko, and seeing you at the level of holiness, like a worthy vessel of Divine grace, healing all the weak and replenishing the impoverished, I marveled at the wonderful providence of God for you and offered you blessings:

Rejoice, bishop, ordained by the Lord Himself; Rejoice, for the inscription of the episcopal rank on your crown is a mental warning received.

Rejoice, hierarchs are a fair adornment; Rejoice, shepherd, ready to lay down your soul for the sheep of Christ.

Rejoice, multi-illuminated lamp of the Church; Rejoice, partaker of the apostles.

Rejoice, fertilizer for confessors; Rejoice, having rejected all care for yourself.

Rejoice, sorrow reliever; Rejoice, sadder of human ignorance.

Rejoice, having proclaimed the right teaching to those who sought salvation; Rejoice, you have not been put to shame by your life of this teaching.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 5

By the rich Blood of Christ, desiring to preserve those redeemed from eternal death, in the days of terrible persecution you received the rank of bishop from the hands of the Orthodox bishops, Saint Luke, and you did the work of an evangelist well, rebuking, rebuking, begging with all patience and teaching, and singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen your great feats in the rank of angels, you were surprised, when, according to the commandment of the Lord: the blessedness of exile for the sake of righteousness, for the sake of them is the Kingdom of Heaven, in the strength of your heart you resignedly endured imprisonment and exile for the name of the Lord and the Holy Church of Christ, arranging your salvation with great patience, and by example Edifying the souls of your faithful. We, who diligently honor you with love, honor you with these praises:

Rejoice, lampstand, placed on the church candlestick; Rejoice, ascetic, the image of long-suffering love is revealed.

Rejoice, for those who forbid the faithful to protect you; Rejoice, you humbly surrendered yourself into the hands of the tormentors for your faith.

Rejoice, humbled by the accomplices of unrighteous judges; Rejoice, you who marched meekly into captivity with humility.

Rejoice, for the sake of truth you endured separation from your Tashkent flock; Rejoice, for I was faithful to weep at separation from you.

Rejoice, you who were crucified and bruised for the Lord’s sake; Rejoice, you who stop the lying lips of the godless.

Rejoice, you who spoke heavenly truths through your righteous lips even in exile; Rejoice, as martyrs in Heaven rejoice in your patience.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 6

You were a silent preacher of the mystery of the Most Holy, Consubstantial and Indivisible Trinity both in prison and in the cities of Siberian exile, enduring hunger, the scum of the northern countries and the cruelty of the godless minions. For this reason, the Crimean Church preaches the greatness of God, revealed to you, Saint Luke. With one heart and one mouth we sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You shone like a radiant star to the Krasnoyarsk and Tambov flocks, illuminating the souls of the faithful and dispelling the darkness of wickedness and godlessness. And the words of Christ were fulfilled on you: blessed are you, when they revile you, and destroy you, and say all kinds of evil things against you, who lie, for my sake. For you, persecuted from city to city and enduring slander, you diligently fulfilled your archpastoral ministry and with the sweetness of your writings you satisfied all those who hungered and thirsted for righteousness, who cried out to you with gratitude:

Rejoice, teacher, guide of everyone to Heaven; Rejoice, sincerely jealous of the glory of God.

Rejoice, invincible warrior of Christ; Rejoice, you who endured prison and beating for Christ the Lord.

Rejoice, true imitator of His humility; Rejoice, container of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, thou who entered with the wise into the joy of thy Lord; Rejoice, accuser of greed.

Rejoice, you who have shown the destruction of vanity; Rejoice, calling the lawless to conversion.

Rejoice, for through you Christ is glorified; Rejoice, for Satan is put to shame by you.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 7

Although it was worthy to accomplish the feat prepared by God, you put on all the armor of God and began to fight against the rulers of the darkness of this world, the spirits of wickedness in the heavens, having girded your loins with the truth and dressed yourself in the armor of righteousness, you, confessor Luko, quenched all the arrows of the evil one , singing to the Creator and God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

A new persecution raised the lawlessness and godlessness of people against the Orthodox Church and drove you into the depths of the distant taiga country, Saint Luke, and being near death, preserved by the hand of God, you cried out with the Apostle Paul: until this hour, we hunger, and thirst, and are hungry, and we suffer and wander. We persecute, we tolerate; like the rabble of the world, the trampling of all hitherto. For this reason, knowing this about you, let us please you:

Rejoice, blessed confessor of Christ; Rejoice, you who endured cruel scum and famine in exile.

Rejoice, you who were near death and preserved by the Lord; Rejoice, you who have shown complete self-sacrifice.

Rejoice, thou who hast betrayed thy soul to the Bridegroom Christ; Rejoice, Lord, crucified on the Cross, ever before you in sight.

Rejoice, you who continually remain in vigils and prayers; Rejoice, true zealot of the Consubstantial Trinity.

Rejoice, quick and free physician of all illnesses; Rejoice, having restored the afflicted to health from incurable purulent diseases and wounds.

Rejoice, for through your faith you have healed weakness.

Rejoice, for your medical healing efforts brought you to faith.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 8

Having been a wanderer in the vale of earth, you showed the image of patience, abstinence and purity, confessor Luko. When the fatherland was in trouble from the invasion of a foreigner, showing the love of the gospel, you worked day and night in the doctor’s clinic, healing the ailments and wounds of the leaders and warriors of the earthly fatherland, with your unforgettable malice and love, surprising all those who create misfortunes, and with this you turned many to Christ, to sing to Him. : Hallelujah.

Ikos 8

Full of the love of Christ, O merciful Luke, you laid down your soul for your friends, and like a guardian angel you were near and far, taming evildoers, reconciling hostiles and arranging salvation for everyone. Remembering your labors for the good of the people of your fatherland, we cry out to you with gratitude:

Rejoice, you who showed wondrous love for the earthly fatherland; Rejoice, teacher of humility and kindness.

Rejoice, thou who bravely endured exile and cruel torment; Rejoice, you who suffered and were tormented for Christ.

Rejoice, you who firmly confessed Him; Rejoice, conquering the malice of your enemies through the love of Christ.

Rejoice, merciful father, seeking the salvation of many; Rejoice, tempted by great sorrows.

Rejoice, you who showed wondrous patience in persecution; Rejoice, for you prayed for the enemies of the Lord.

Rejoice, for your love has conquered all enmity; Rejoice, for the kindness of your cruel heart has conquered.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 9

You were all, just like Saint Paul, in order to save at least some, to Saint Luke, performing the archpastoral feat, in the Tambov region, renovating and creating churches with many works, strictly observing the statutes of the patristic people, you did not cease to serve the salvation of your flock, singing purely to God: Hallelujah.

Ikos 9

The branches of humanity will not be able, according to their heritage, to utter your multitude of blessings, when you appear on the Crimean land, like a loving father, to the saint, Father Luke: your generous right hand is everywhere. We, wanting to imitate your kindness, cry out to you in surprise:

Rejoice, ray of God's love; Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of Spasov's mercy.

Rejoice, for you have given all of yours to the poor; Rejoice, you who love your neighbor more than yourself.

Rejoice, nourisher and caretaker of suffering orphans; Rejoice, guardian of helpless elders and old women.

Rejoice, for you visited the sick and those in prison; Rejoice, for you have anticipated the needs of the poor in many places in your fatherland.

Rejoice, for having mercy on the poor, you have provided them with meals; Rejoice, for the Mother of God rejoiced at the depth of your mercy.

Rejoice, earthly angel and heavenly man; Rejoice, for you appeared to everyone in their sorrows, like a comforting angel.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 10

To serve the salvation of your Crimean flock for many years without ceasing, in the image of the Chief Shepherd Christ, you brought you to the Heavenly Father on the shoulders of the lost world, comforting you with the hope of God’s mercy, you were drawn to the correction of life by your teaching words, with a pure heart to sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Being a faithful servant of the Heavenly King Christ God, Father Luko tirelessly proclaimed the word of truth in all the churches of the land of Tauride, feeding the soul-saving food of the teachings of the Gospel to his faithful children and commanding them to strictly fulfill the church charter. Moreover, we glorify you, like the good shepherd:

Rejoice, tireless preacher of the gospel truth; Rejoice, for you have shepherded the flock of words given to you by God.

Rejoice, protecting your sheep from soul-destroying wolves; Rejoice, strict guardian of the church rite.

Rejoice, guardian of the purity of the Orthodox faith; Rejoice, for through you the Holy Spirit wrote the words of salvation.

Rejoice, you who preached the existence of God as the sage of this age; Rejoice, for your word is like a gilded robe, clothed in the mysteries of faith.

Rejoice, lightning, destroyer of pride; Rejoice, thunder, fear of those who live lawlessly.

Rejoice, planter of church piety; Rejoice, archpastor, instruct and admonish spiritual shepherds unceasingly.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 11

The singing at your tomb, servant of God, did not cease in the days of your blessed dormition. Many people, leading you God-bearing and equal to the angels, have gathered from all the borders of your earthly fatherland to make a conciliar prayer for your soul, ascending to the heavenly abode of the Heavenly Fatherland, chanting to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

You were a luminary in the Church of Christ, burning with the immaterial light of the grace of God, Saint Luke, illuminating all the ends of our earth. Remembering your blessed dormition and great glorification in Heaven and on earth, we joyfully offer you these blessings:

Rejoice, unfading lamp of the Never-Evening Light; Rejoice, for many have glorified you for the good deeds of the Heavenly Father.

Rejoice, servant of God, who has piously ended the course; Rejoice, you who have acquired faith, hope and love from the Lord.

Rejoice, you have united yourself with Christ, whom you loved, forever; Rejoice, heir to the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal glory.

Rejoice, for the light of your good deeds has shone before men; Rejoice, having taught many the commandments of Christ and created them.

Rejoice, bishop, filled with gifts of grace from the Eternal Bishop of Christ; Rejoice, quick helper to those who call upon you.

Rejoice, new light and affirmation for the Crimean land; Rejoice, blessed patron of the Christian race.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 12

Having recognized the grace given from above, we reverently kiss your honest image, Saint Luke, hoping that you will receive what you ask from God. In the same way, falling before your holy icon (if you say before the relics: to your holy relics), we pray to you with tenderness: strengthen us to stand well in the Orthodox faith, and pleasing with good deeds, continually sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing to God, who is wondrous in His saints, we praise you, Christ’s confessor, saint and intercessor before the Lord. For you are all in the highest, but you do not abandon those below, Saint Father Luke reigns ever with Christ and intercedes for us sinners before the Throne of God. For this reason, in tenderness we call you:

Rejoice, Light unapproachable to the viewer; Rejoice, for the angels rejoice with you and men rejoice over you.

Rejoice, enlighten the unbelievers with your works and writings; Rejoice, strengthen and confirm those of little faith and cowardice.

Rejoice, for you have appeared worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven; Rejoice, having reached the villages of paradise through confession.

Rejoice, you who endured the reproach of Christ for the sake of Christ and received eternal glory with Him; Rejoice, guide of our souls to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Rejoice, representative before the Throne of God for us sinners; Rejoice, praise to Orthodoxy and joy to our land.

Rejoice, thou who havest been deemed worthy to be among the saints; Rejoice, partaker of the council of all Crimean saints.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 13

O great and glorious servant of God, our holy father Luke, accept this praiseworthy song from us unworthy, brought to you with filial love! By your intercession at the Throne of God and by your prayers, strengthen us all in the Orthodox faith and good deeds, save us from all troubles, sorrows, illnesses and misfortunes found in this life, and deliver us from torment in the future and make us worthy to be with you in eternal life. and with all the saints sing to our Creator: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos, and the 1st kontakion.

Ikos 1

Interlocutor of angels and mentor of men, the most glorious Luke, like the evangelist and apostle Luca, his namesake, you received from God the gift of healing human ailments, having gone through many labors in healing the illnesses of your neighbors, bearing the flesh, you did not care about the flesh, but the good deeds of the Heavenly Father You have glorified. With the same gratitude, we call you with tenderness:

Rejoice, having subdued your mind to the yoke of Christ from your youth; Rejoice, former most honorable village of the Holy Trinity.

Rejoice, having inherited the bliss of the merciful, according to the word of the Lord; Rejoice, having healed many sick people through the faith of Christ and the knowledge given by God.

Rejoice, merciful physician to those suffering from bodily ailments; Rejoice, skillful healer in the days of battle for leaders and warriors.

Rejoice, teacher of all doctors; Rejoice, quick helper in the needs and sorrows of those who exist.

Rejoice, confirmation of the Orthodox Church; Rejoice, illumination of our land.

Rejoice, praise to the Crimean flock; Rejoice, decoration of the city of Simferopol.

Rejoice, Saint and Confessor Luke, good and merciful physician.

Kontakion 1

Current state of the monastery

At the present time, the monastery is active, its doors are open to visitors every day from morning to evening. The territory, although small, is very well-groomed and beautiful; there are three plunge pools for those who want to take a dip. Active social activities:

A Sunday school is open at the monastery;
there is a Bishop's Choir, which won the "Best Church Choir" award at the All-Ukrainian Festival of Christmas Songs;
The Museum of St. Luke is also open to the public, where you can learn more about the saint’s life path to God and look at his personal belongings. The museum is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00;
There is a bakery and handicraft workshops at the monastery.

For information!
The abbess of the monastery, Eusebius, heads the Orthodox society “Mercy”. It ensures that sick children and adults, prisoners, and the elderly in nursing homes and almshouses have access to Orthodox literature and icons. The Mercy Society provides financial assistance to hospitals and shelters. Anyone can help needy lay people through the monastery.

Holy Trinity Convent: fragment of the iconostasis

Some historical events of the monastery

The temple was built back in 1868. However, the very first wooden monastery in this area was erected in 1796 by the Greeks. Some time later, in 1826, a Greek school was founded here. Subsequently, the wooden monastery was demolished and in 1868, based on the design of the architect I.F. Kolodina erected a new temple. Since 1996, the temple has housed the holy of holies of Orthodox Mother Rus' (especially the Crimean peninsula) - the relics of Luke and the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Sorrowful,” which are so revered by all believers. And in 2003, a convent was founded.

Orthodoxy had a difficult path to reach its modern position. In the early period of the 20th century, a huge number of monasteries and churches were destroyed due to popular unrest. A countless number of Orthodox clergy and ordinary believing people were sent into exile, sentenced to death, and “harassed.” This did not bypass the most famous objects of Crimea. But it is worth noting that the Simferopol Holy Trinity Cathedral was inexplicably saved from destruction. In the same way, a great many churches innocently suffered during the Great Patriotic War, but the Holy Trinity Monastery was able to survive.

In the 30s of the twentieth century, the “tops” wanted to wipe this monastery off the face of the earth, but they failed. This holy place was saved from destruction by the Greek community. Two priests gave their lives for the continued existence of the temple. One of them was Bishop Porfiry (he was in the forefront of the Crimean See) and the guard of church property Nikolai Mezentsev.

Shrines

The Holy Trinity Monastery in Simferopol houses one of the most valuable shrines of the Crimean coast - the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Sorrowful”, which miraculously renewed itself.

This relic was presented to the then Trinity Cathedral in 1998 by one resident of the Kirov village. It was almost impossible to see the face of the Virgin Mary on the canvas; it was very dark. The rector of the temple installed the donated image in the altar, and by the church holiday the icon itself brightened, the face of the Mother of God became distinct and colorful.

Interesting! Within the walls of the monastery, in a silver Greek shrine, rest the relics of St. Luke, which anyone can venerate on any day.

How to get there

The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Simferopol is located in the very center of the city at the address: Odesskaya Street, 12.

You can get to it either by public transport or by your own car. Personally, I recommend using minibuses or trolleybuses, since the city center is very congested during the daytime, and it will be quite problematic to find a parking space.

By public transport

No matter what part of Simferopol you get from, you should get off at the “Silpo” stop; some people call it “TSUM” or Lenin Square in the old fashioned way.

All buses and trolleybuses that go to the city center are suitable, in any direction. So you can take minibus No. 48, 54, 62, 63, 68, 69, 70, 73, 80, 83, 85, 86, 91, 99, 114, 115, 118, and the fare will be 13 rubles. In addition, trolleybuses No. 4, 9, 12 are suitable, where a ticket will cost 10 rubles. A taxi will take you from the train station for 200 rubles, from the central market for 100.

Next, you need to go behind the shopping mall, which is located right at the stop, where a hundred meters away you will already see the blue domes of the church.

By your own car

If you decide to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral by your own car, then you need to follow in the direction of Lenin Square. Here, behind the Crimean Musical Theater, which is impossible not to notice, as large letters on its facade notify you about it, there is a small parking lot.

You can leave your car for one hour for 50 rubles, but you should be prepared for the fact that there may not be any space. In this case, I recommend driving 500 meters forward to Sovetskaya Square and parking there for the same money, although in this case you will have to return on foot.

Next, you should cross the road along the underground passage, which is located fifty meters on the right, go behind the shopping mall, and finally see the blue domes of the cathedral in front of you.

Schedule of services

The territory of the monastery is open to visitors every day from 6:45 after the end of evening services, until approximately 17:30. During this time, you can venerate the relics of St. Luke; the shrine is always in the same place.

Every day at 7:00, except Wednesdays and Saturdays, Sundays, an akathist to St. Luke is served.

On Wednesday and Saturday, Sunday at 7:00 - the akathist to the Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts” is served.

Every day at 12:00 a prayer service and akathist to St. Luke are served.

A detailed schedule of services for each day can be found on the official website of the monastery; it is constantly updated and adjusted to holidays and fasts.

How to venerate relics correctly

When you first enter the church courtyard, you are surprised at the decorum and order. Old-timers immediately warn that requests will be heard if you stand in the entire line, spending this time in prayer. Here they will tell you how to behave in front of the shrine and venerate the relics.

Icon with a particle of the relics of St. Luke of Crimea, wonderworker

When approaching the incorruptible relics, you should remember that the time you spend near them is limited, so you should clearly formulate your request.

Before cancer itself you must:

apply threefold baptism;
make bows from the waist;
touch the cancer with your forehead;
make a request;
cross yourself again.

On a note! Every day from 8 o'clock in the morning until lunch, an akathist to the Crimean saint about the gift of health and healing is read in the church. Among the parishioners there are often doctors who come to St. Luke for help and advice.

Design solution

Currently, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is considered the most important cultural and historical site of the Crimean peninsula. As you know, the relics of St. Luke are protected by a silver shrine. It was presented as a gift by Greek holy ascetics.

The Holy Trinity Convent extends on Odesskaya Street. But in the distant past, this street was called Greek, since the temple was erected by the Greek people and was located on this site. Generally speaking, quite a few Greeks lived on this street at that time.

I.F. Kolodin drafted this cathedral in a classical traditional style. If you look at it from above, you will see cross-shaped silhouettes. In the center of the church there is an octagonal dome. According to the project, the bell tower (small in size) was placed above the left side of the cathedral. The outside of the temple is covered with picturesque paintings with mosaic components. From the main entrance you can admire the extraordinary arches, capitals of the Corinthian order, and thin columns. In the past, the domes were painted blue, but today they are black. The upper part of the dome is completed with lace forging.

The monastery looks artistic and majestic. Actually, under the dome, the gaze of the image of Jesus Christ is directed at the believers. Four evangelists are visualized on the right and left sides of the image.

Pilgrim[edit]

How to get there:

By train: Trains run from many Russian cities to Simferopol, the frequency of which increases in the summer. You can view the cost of tickets and the schedule on the Russian Railways website, where you need to indicate the city of departure, city of arrival and the desired date. If you plan to buy a ticket more than two months before your trip, the system will not show search results. In this case, it is recommended to enter the closest possible date to the planned date of travel, and on the same day of the week - this will give an idea of the train schedule and ticket cost. But remember that in summer trains go to Simferopol more often than in winter. Coming by train from Russia to Simferopol is an inexpensive and, apparently, the most popular way to get to Crimea. The train from Moscow travels for about 24 hours.

By plane: The situation with planes to Simferopol is similar - in the summer months, flights are made from many cities, but in winter, as a rule, only from Moscow and St. Petersburg. However, there is always the opportunity to fly with a transfer in Moscow or Kyiv.

History[edit]

According to legend, the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called and the Equal-to-the-Apostles brothers Cyril and Methodius preached in Crimea. In Surozh, Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir was baptized. After the establishment of independent cathedras in Crimea by the beginning of the 4th century, Orthodox hierarchs remained on the peninsula almost without interruption.

Already in 96, St. Clement of Rome was exiled to hard labor in Crimea, which was under the rule of the Roman Empire, and, according to legend, he found more than 2,000 Christians here. By the time of his martyrdom in 104, there were 75 Christian communities in different places of the peninsula, which had temples for prayer carved into the mountains and preserved to this day. The oldest can be considered Inkerman, where Saint Clement was exiled.

By the time of the First Ecumenical Council in 325, there were Bosphorus and Chersonesos (Korsun) dioceses; in the same century the diocese of Fulla was established; in the 8th century the Gothic (Gothic) department arose; and in 715 the Sugdey (Sourozh) diocese also appeared. Thus, during the heyday of Byzantium, there were five dioceses on the peninsula with centers in the ancient Greek colonies on the southern coast and in Gothia, the land of the Orthodox Goths who moved here.

Ruins of ancient Chersonesus

The northern part of Crimea was occupied by the Tatars back in the 13th century. Around 1380, the southern coast of Crimea and Gothia were captured by the Genoese. By the 12th century, there were four dioceses here: Sudgei-Fula, Cherson, Gothic and Bosporan, under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

In the middle of the 15th century, Kherson was annexed to the Gothic diocese, and in 1485 - Sourozh. In the 15th century, the Turks, with the help of the Tatars, captured southern Crimea, and the peninsula became part of the Crimean Khanate as a vassal of the Ottoman Empire. The Gotthian hierarchs ruled the oppressed flock of Crimea until the exodus of the Orthodox in 1778, led by St. Ignatius of Gotthian, into the Russian Empire.

In April 1784, the lands of the Crimean Khanate annexed to Russia in 1783 became part of the Slavic and Kherson diocese (department in Poltava). The Gotthian diocese continued to exist until 1786, after which until 1799 it was taken over by the semi-independent Feodosian vicariate.

Between 1799 and 1859, Crimea did not have its own Orthodox bishop and the peninsula was ruled by the Ekaterinoslav (formerly Slavic) bishops, and from 1837 by the Kherson bishops. By the highest resolution of November 16, 1859, at the request of the residents of the Tauride province, an independent Tauride diocese was established on the territory of the peninsula by separating it from the Kherson one. With the formation of an independent diocese, church life began to expand: in less than ten years, more than a hundred new parishes appeared, monasteries intensified their activities, and men's theological schools were opened. Under Bishop Guria (Karpov), the Tauride Theological Seminary began its work, and the magazine “Tavriche Diocesan Gazette” began to be published.

After the defeat of Peter Wrangel's army in November 1920, in the 1920s and 1930s the Church in Crimea was subjected to severe persecution: monasteries and churches were closed, thousands of believers and priests were repressed. Only under the conditions of the Nazi occupation were believers able to resume worship in a number of churches.

During the next atheist wave in 1960-1962, about 50 Orthodox parishes were closed in Crimea. For almost 20 years, only 14 Orthodox churches operated on the peninsula.

Orthodoxy in Crimea began to revive only in the late 1980s. The restored Simferopol diocese included the entire territory of Crimea until the separation of the independent Dzhankoy diocese in the north of the peninsula by the decision of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on November 11, 2008.

On December 20, 2012, the independent Feodosia diocese was also separated from the Simferopol diocese within the boundaries of the Feodosia and Kerch deaneries.