Crimean temple of St. John Chrysostom (Yalta)

One of the first and main cathedral churches of Yalta is the Church of St. John Chrysostom. It is very near the sea, on the Polikurovsky Hill, which hangs over the center of the city. The Church of St. John Chrysostom (Yalta), reviews of which are only positive, attracts many tourists. It is the oldest spiritual object of the city, which has an interesting history. His visit will not only bring joy from contemplation, but spiritual pacification.

The church where the temple was built

Scientists believe that on the site where this temple was erected, a church was formerly located, which was destroyed by the Turks in the late 18th century. This happened already after the Russian troops established control over the peninsula. Just a few days ago, a peace treaty was to be signed, but the Turks decided to take advantage of the last chance and simultaneously attacked the Russian troops, landing from the sea along the entire southern coast.

Despite the fact that eventually their military operation ended in defeat, they still managed to achieve some success. In particular, Yalta was devoted to fire, the Russian garrison in it was knocked out, and Simferopol retreated, many residents of the city were killed. As a result of this attack, the settlement not only remained for many years without the church, but also lost most of its inhabitants.

The construction of the temple

Gradually, Crimea, like all southern regions of Russia, began to be populated by Christians. In cities and settlements, not only administrative and residential buildings were erected, but also churches and temples. Yalta was no exception.

By the middle of the 19th century, she had come from a small village to become a full-fledged city, inhabited by several thousand inhabitants. There were shops, a market, a post office, a jetty and much more. There was no church.

The Governor of Novorossia M. Vorontsov decided to fix this and, having found the necessary money in the treasury, ordered to build the church of St. John Chrysostom. Yalta took this with glee. The place where he was to be located, chose Polikurovsky Hill, which was near the embankment.

Initially, the construction was led by the Englishman Elson, but after it was replaced by the Italian resident Torricelli who lived in Odessa. For the erection of the temple, limestone was used, from which the workers made blocks that were tinted in yellow. In this form it existed for many years.

In the 80 years of the 19th century, a significant reconstruction of the temple was made. The number of domes was reduced to one, and the building itself was expanded. With the coming to power in Russia of Communists in 1917 on the territory of the USSR for many years, divine services were banned, churches were destroyed and closed.

This fate and the temple of St. John Chrysostom did not pass. Yalta lost one of its main spiritual symbols. Only in 1994 he regained his former appearance and the divine services were resumed. The Simferopol and Crimean diocese received one of the best spiritual objects.

Legends associated with the temple

Many tourists are attracted to the secrets surrounding the church of St. John Chrysostom. Yalta stores many legends and myths. Including the hill on which the temple is located. According to the legends, he received his name for a reason. "Polycur" in Greek means "old lady". On this hill since ancient times lived fishermen, the patron of which was John, after whom they were named one of the capes.

In addition, during the excavations, archaeologists discovered the ruins of an old church, which was built by the Greeks, but later destroyed in one of the wars. Among other finds is the marble head of Jesus Christ.

Features of visiting the temple

Currently, the Church of St. John Chrysostom is a church with five domes and bells covered with gold leaf, which are at a height of 45 meters. When you look at it, it strikes its majesty and beauty.

Since the temple is functioning, the administration of which is carried out by the Simferopol and Crimean diocese, then there is a schedule of all the services that often take place in the morning. They are attended by numerous parishioners, among whom many are those whose donations were rebuilt the church of St. John Chrysostom. Yalta thanks to this returned one of her symbols.

On the territory of the temple there are shops where you can buy ritual utensils, scarves, candles, souvenirs. In addition, next to it are the remains of an old cemetery, where many famous people of their era were buried. This churchyard attracts many tourists who like to inspect it.

Where is the temple located

It is not difficult to find it. Where is the temple of St. John Chrysostom (Yalta)? His address: Tolstoy Street, 10. All the interesting information about him can be found by visiting the official website. The easiest way to get to the temple by bus or taxi. Due to the fact that it is located on a high hill, it can be seen from afar.

The history of this temple totals almost two hundred years. He associated several generations of Christians who lived in Yalta. He, like the whole country, went through a difficult, thorny path, but still could be reborn. The temple is not only a spiritual building, but also a place popular with tourists. Every year many tourists and pilgrims visit it.