On Churches in Mockba5 апреля 2012

There are 100s if not 1000s of churches and cathedrals in Moscow including famous ones like Saint Basil’s and Kazan Cathedral on Red Square next to the Kremlin. Russians in eastern Europe are devout believers in the orthodox faith and churches are revered throughout the country. Smaller but significant numbers of Russian Jews remain today although their numbers have dwindled as they have been allowed to leave the country for Israel, Europe, Canada and the United States, especially since the 1980s and 1990s

Over the centuries many churches were destroyed by fire, war and earthquakes. After the Russian Revolution in 1917 the Bolsheviks lead by Lenin and communists lead by Stalin had many churches destroyed as religion was officially banned in communist doctrine (religion has been described as the opiate of the masses). Banning of religion was believed to divide and conquer faithful Russians and prevent them from rallying around religious doctrine keeping the communists in control until the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Those churches that were allowed to remain were converted into storage warehouses and other practical uses of the Communist Party. Interestingly, Saint Basil’s Cathedral was personally saved by Stalin after plans to renovate Red Square for military parades and other displays of power called for the Cathedral to be either moved or torn down.

Historical reviews reveal that in spite of Communist leaders attempts to ban religion, many Russians continued to practice their faith meeting secretly in other locations. After the fall of the Soviet empire religion has re-emerged and destroyed or warehoused religious buildings were rebuilt or renovated. Since coming to Moscow last August I’ve had an opportunity to photograph many churches although many are still on my list for future photo sessions. In fact there are times when I feel churched out and take a break from visiting them. There are so many! A number of slide shows I’ve posted previously have many images of churches and cathedrals.

In spite of occasional bouts of church fatigue I recently visited, twice, the Monastery of Saint Peter which is a few blocks from Pushkin Square, a well-known venue for past and present political demonstrations. Alexander Pushkin, for whom the park is named, was a renowned Russian poet and author who lived in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. During the recently completed election season for members of the Duma (Parliament) and president, pro- and anti-Putin rallies were held at Pushkin Square as well as near the Kremlin.

Saint Peter’s is an enclosed enclave consisting of six churches and cathedrals dating back to the 1300s:

• The Church of the Protection of the Holy Mary





• The Church of the Tolga Icon of the Mother of God.





• The Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh.





• The Cathedral of St. Peter the Metropolitan of Moscow.





• The Church of Pachomius the Great.





• The Cathedral of the Bogolyubsk Icon of the Mother of God

The first structures built are referred to in writing dating back to 1377. Other buildings were added, lost to fire or war and rebuilt over several 100 years. For a brief history of the construction, written in somewhat broken, translated English, click on this link:

http://russian-church.ru/english/viewpage.php?cat=moscow&page=201


Over 100s of years the monastery has been added to, renovated, fallen into disrepair and restored again and again. Many of the churches (maybe all) on the site have wooden roofs which have rotted away and been replaced many times. Many are still present and appear to be deteriorating as you walk around the site. According to the historical review I’ve cited above, the last major efforts to repair and renovate occurred in the 80s and 90s (Perestroika era). Looking around you can see it has been a never-ending battle to keep up with time and weather and the current buildings show their age. No doubt lack of funding, as well as time and weather, have been constant enemies of the Monastery which is still in use today. Parishioners and clergy are present apparently on a daily basis. I saw quite a few on the days I visited.

Notwithstanding assaults by time, weather and tyrants the Monastery is a fascinating view of history, architecture, religion and for me, as a photographer, texture. I’ve been to Saint Peters two times photographing inside and outside the compound and, I plan to go back again later in the spring. I’ve put together a slide show of photos from both of these visits. The images are not necessarily in any particular order and I’ve included a map at the beginning of the show which provides a plan of where each building is located. If you’re interested the easiest way to view the show is to click on the following link:

https://vimeo.com/39832211

It will take you to vimeo.com where you can play the slide show regardless of computer type or operating system (e.g., PCs or Macs). I’ve also posted the show on my Web site at: http://www.andrewmcdonoughphotography.com/ The filename is: saint_peter.exe

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