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The Church of St. George the Victorious
Monuments
Christianity and the Christian churches in Samarkand
In the year 431, at the Council of Ephesus Christians in Byzantium was a scandal - Nestorian Christianity was declared heresy. Recall that the Nestorians - followers of the Patriarch of Constantinople Nestorius (the beginning of the V century) - talked about the divine nature of Christ, but I believe that Mary, his mother, gave birth not God, but a man's body is possessed by God - for which he was betrayed anefeme.
Nestorians and another group of Christians push miscellaneous sorts of reasons beyond the Roman Empire and called themselves "Church of the East", moved to the east - to Iran, Syria, Palestine. Familiarizing local people with their views, Christian refugees from the Byzantine Empire, offering local people something fresh and easier. Their influence soon grew to such an extent that close to the Shah of Iran on one hand sat a Zoroastrian priest, and on the other - Christian Catholicos. The ruling circles, the priesthood is perceived, of course, as a challenge and they were able to convince the Shah that Christians aim to destroy the traditional culture of Iran. As a result, in the VI century Christians were forced to leave Iran because the road back to Byzantium they were not, they had only one direction - on the Silk Road, on the east.
Ancient Sughd (Sogdiana), centered on the Samarkand, met Christian hospitality. Here remember the Apostle Thomas and his disciples, passing through Sughd in India. In addition, the culture of the Sogdians was arranged in such a way that they do not interfere with people profess the faith which everyone wanted to practice. For example, in Urgut (settlement 40 kilometers from the modern Samarkand) were both Christian monastery, a Zoroastrian temple and Jar-Tepa Buddhist monastery.
Thus, appeared in Samarkand Christian metropolis acted openly and nobody repaired her obstacles. By the middle of the tenth century, a Christian monastery in Urgut has grown so much that the Arab geographer Abu Muhammad ibn Kasim Haukal describes him as a large monastery, which owns land plots, real estate and all types of property.
It is thanks to the Sogdians, Christianity reaches Fergana Semirech'e East Turkestan down to Mongolia, Tibet and Kashmir. We have heard Christian Sogdian-written manuscripts - translations of the New Testament, homilies, hagiographic writings.
Virtually no information about the life and the situation of Christians in Turkestan in the period from X to XIII centuries. We only know that the Mongol invasion in the XIII century. again equalize the position of all religions in the region, as the Mongols, related with the same respect for all religions equally liberated Muslim, Christian and Buddhist clergy from all taxes and duties. In addition, it is believed that Christianity was even some advantage, since this belief stuck in Mongolia Kerait strong tribe.
However, it is believed that during this period the Christian community in Urgut suffered heavy losses. In an environment in which both developed several religions inevitably develop competition for people's minds. Persian historian of the XIII century Djoué-Jan brings history (reinforced by the more nowhere) that once one Samarkand Christian decided to change religion and converted to Islam. Christians complained to the Mongol rulers of the city, seduce Muslims in their faith to their children; Head took the side of the Christians, ordered to call himself a convert to the young man and wanted to force him to renounce Islam, but the boy remained firm, and it cost him his life. Muslims complained to the Golden Horde Khan Berkana (brother of Batu), a Muslim. Berkay stood up for their co-religionists and ordered to punish all Christians involved in the case, resulting in the death of man.
When Timur, Christians continue to feel comfortable. Ruy de Clavijo, ambassador to the court of Castile Timur in the early 15th century, reports that Timur in Samarkand gathers representatives of various religious faiths. According to other sources, one of the sons of Timur was put in charge of the case and the needs of the Christians in the country and relations with Christian countries.
During archaeological research on the Registan Square in Samarkand was found several graves, which buried the Nestorians. In 1986, Pastdargome (Samarkand region), archaeologists discovered and studied the corpse buried in a wooden coffin in the clothing and armor, with a gold cross. Currently found and carried out a study of the remains of the very Christian church in Urgut, which was discussed above.
For some time, the development of Christianity in Sughd suspend past trends, but with the conquest of Central Asia, Russia, during the development of the region will experience Orthodox Christianity, the construction of new churches. By the end of 1916, Tashkent diocese was established, as the primacy of the Orthodox Department in the Central Asian range,
During the promotion of atheism in sovetstkih Union diocese (1937-1944) will be abolished, the existing Christian churches will be closed; misused. After the collapse of the Union, Uzbekistan declared itself a secular state and all existing religions are once again have equal status.
In Samarkand, now there are 4 Orthodox churches, one Catholic parish council and houses of worship of different Christian denominations:
Cathedral of St. Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow
The parish church dedicated to St. Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow was founded in 1912, re-established in 1992. The project of the cathedral was designed by St. Petersburg architect F. Smirnov. In the autumn of 1909 was consecrated tab, and by the autumn of 1911 the temple was built. In 1912 the cathedral was consecrated in honor of St. Alexis of Moscow, Metropolitan of All Russia, miracle worker. In the 20s (XX c.) The church was closed, was used for other purposes. Bell tower and dome dismantled in 1929. Holy Aleksievsky Cathedral was at the military camp. After the withdrawal of the military unit, the cathedral was transferred to the balance of the State Museum-Reserve. In 1996, the Holy Aleksievsky cathedral was handed over to the Russian Orthodox Church. During the celebration of the 125th anniversary of Tashkent and Central Asian diocese of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II consecrated the Cathedral of St. Aleksievsky November 13, 1996. The abbot - Priest ROMAN ZAGREBELNY.
Samarkand, 703005, st. Bobir Mirza, 70
Tel .: (998-662) 33-54-80
Patronal Feast: February 25
The Church of St. George the Victorious
The parish church dedicated to St. George was founded in 1868. Design and estimate an Orthodox church were drawn up by architect VA Samarkand Lemke. It was the church of the military department. In June 1924 the church was closed. August 5, 1925 St. George community pass chapel at the cemetery, which had commenced service. In 1927, he received permission to build a summer house of worship at the chapel. In April 1928 there was a fire chapel. August 24, 1929 the community had been issued a registration certificate. In 1937, the name of the nuns Junia (Ulinoy) bought a house on the site of the present location of the church. In 1946 took place the act of transferring the prayer house in St. George community ownership. Decree of the Archbishop of Tashkent and Central Asia Hermogenes on November 6, 1958 St. George's house of prayer is given the name of the temple, which was consecrated in honor of St. George. At present, the number of parishioners is: weekdays - 10-20 people during the holidays - 100-150.
Samarkand, 703000, st. Birlik, 66
Tel .: (998-662) 33-05-42
Patronal Feast: May 6
Pastor: Rev. Dimitrov Kazulin
Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God
The parish church in honor of the Protection of the Mother of God was founded in 1903. Built of brick in 1902 by engineer IP Lebedev.
Location: Samarkand, 703000, st. Boykaro Hussein, 24
Tel .: (998-662) 31-19-47, 24-77-40
Patronal Feast: October 14,
Nourishes priest Roman ZAGREBELNY - rector of St. Alexievsky Cathedral Samarkand
Novo-Nakhichevan and Russian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church
Church of St. Astvatsatsin (Mother of God) in Samarkand was built in 1903 at the expense of the local Armenian population. Armenian settlements appeared here in the XV century, in the time of Tamerlane, who moved to Samarkand from conquered Armenia artisans.
However, growth in the number of Armenian immigrants greater importance was to link Central Asia to Russia in the XIX century.
The first rector of the church was a priest, Father Ruben Bekgulyants.
In 1939, interrupted the activities of the church because of the arrest and exile of the spiritual rector, and later liquidated and parish.
Only 60 years after the independence of Uzbekistan, it is possible reactivation of the Armenian Church.
August 20, 1995 took place the Church of St. pereosvyaschenie. Astvatsatsin, which was the spiritual rector Fr. Grigor Markosyan.
Currently, the church Sunday school learning the Armenian language and history.
Since 1998, the rector of the church is a celibate priest father Vram GHAZARYAN.
st. Mahmoud Koshgari, d.70.
Tel. (998 662) 336 326.
E-mail: father_vram@rambler.ru
Catholic Parish of St. under appeal. John the Baptist
Served by the priest of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual
st. Mahmoud Koshgary,
Phone: (998-662) 33 00 84
Even at the end of the XIX century began to arrive in the Samarkand Germans and Poles in the Russian army, as well as officials and businessmen - from among civilians. By 1905, more of them, and had the idea to build a Catholic church. They applied for permission to Turkestan diocese, but they refused. During the First World War were deported to Samarkand many prisoners Poles, Germans, Hungarians and Austrians.
In 1915, the community received permission to build a temple. A year later, the church was built by the famous architect E.Nelle.
With the advent of Soviet power, the church was closed and handed over to the state. The Bolsheviks were removed from the building of all religious symbols in the building put the gym.
In 1988, the idea came up in the church organ hall, prepared the documentation, but with the collapse of the Union about this idea had to forget.
In 1995, under the guidance of his father Ivan Roloff in Samarkand was registered Roman Catholic parish of St. John the Baptist.
The question of the return of the church believers arose in 1997, when there was a meeting of the Vatican ambassador in Central Asia Archbishop Marian Oles with Uzbek President IA Karimov. Then came the presidential decree on the transfer of the church of the Catholic community in Samarkand.
The solemn consecration of the church was committed March 27, 1999 After about. Ivan Roloff superiors in the parish were: a. TadeushGlusets about. FratsiskStopkovich and - now - on. LyutsianShimansky. Along with these brothers Franciscan parish labored brother Jakub Yamruz and brother Stanislav Vzhaschak
Useful Information
Ah, this oriental tale!
Have you ever seen in the center of the wood carved columns of different ages? Do you want to see just two Central Asian deserts - Kyzylkum and Karakum? Visit the home of prominent medieval mathematician al-Khwarizmi? Then you definitely need to Khiva - city-museum, city-fairy tale. In the city of "exclamation marks". So jokingly referred to as the minarets of Khiva, lined up in a straight line. And, probably, because everything here is surprising and makes travelers to exclaim: "Oh, it's oriental tale!". There is a view not all of Khiva, and its inner city - Ichan-Kala. Although Dishan-kala (outer city) also boasts several historical monuments.
In Khiva almost no tall buildings, except for the minaret of Islam Khodja. It is from the top deck you can see the band two great deserts surrounding the Khorezm region. They are visible and still with the same facilities, the tower called Ak Sheikh-bobo. This patrol tower, located on the ancient hill, where once was the home, revered by the people - Ak-Sheikh-bobo. All of this is in the Khan's residence Kunya-ark, which means "old fortress". As it should be, in the residence are - Reception Khan Office, the mint, the judgment seat, mosque, private quarters and harem. Later, a new palace will be built, which will be called "stone" - "Tash Hawley", which will be completely different architectural design. Three separate court will form the Khan's palace with all its attributes. All parts of the palace are interconnected maze of lightless corridors. It can not only see, but also to enter into the interior, to feel implicated in the events that took place here. The more that is played here costume show "Khan reception of foreign ambassadors."
Ichan-Kala is interesting in that the city is preserved almost completely, but at the same time, construction - not frozen exhibits of the museum, but a living city, where there are residents whose houses are situated on the inner perimeter of defensive walls, here played the wedding, come pilgrims, shoot films . And all this before the eyes of tourists. Almost everywhere spreads music - Khorezm provocative dancing motif, which elevates mood and reminds of the presence in the East. Near the mausoleum Pahlawan Mahmud Sayid Alauddin and music is almost inaudible - a pilgrimage place where live stream sent to local residents and visitors. These are the two patron of Khiva, mausoleums and tombs which are decorated with amazing tiles. However, like all of Khiva interior, decorated with white-blue-blue majolica. A very modest exterior walls - ocher surface rarely decorated with ornate tiles. Against this background, the brightest spot stands the minaret Kalta Minor. This unfinished sky-blue building, completely covered with glazed tiles, was to be the highest in the Asian region - more than 70 meters. But Khan's plans went awry. This guide will tell, remembering the people bytuyuschuyu legend. But the pearl of Ichan-Kala is the Juma Mosque. Only here you will see a multi-column hall, numbering 212 columns of different ages. Custom building with large holes in the ceiling light impresses with its size and calculations. Fine carving masters fascinates tourists and stay in this wonderful place adds strength and wisdom. Like all historic towns.
Prepared by the guide of the highest category Dilbar Abdunabieva.
