Church of St. John the Baptist
   Photo: Church of St. John the Baptist

City Kandalaksha is located in the Murmansk region. It is located on the southern border of the two dioceses: Murmansk and Monchegorsk. Despite the fact that John's church was built relatively recently, in 2005, his arrival has a very long history.

About five centuries ago, the baptism took place on the River Niva, on the right bank near the mouth. Now here is the city of Kandalaksha. According to the writings of the Venerable Theodoret of Kola, the locals themselves arrived in Moscow with a request to hold over them the sacrament of baptism, and sanctify them to the church. Then, at the behest of Prince Archbishop Makarios sent to him from Novgorod priests and deacons to perform all rites. In 1526, the Rev. Kola Theodoret was erected a temple in honor of St. John the Baptist. From that time to this place dates back to the history of the city. During the whole period of existence of the temple, it was rebuilt many times. In 1548 the church was formed around Kandalaksha monastery.

In 1589, in an attack the Swedes, built temples, monasteries and many peasant households affected by the raids and looting. More than four hundred people died at the hands of the Swedes. In the 16th century, the temple decayed and became worthless. In 1751 Bishop Varsonofy issued a certificate, which gave permission for the restoration of the ancient Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. In 1768, the church began to rebuild. In 1801 the consecration of the new church. This building stood until the forties of the twentieth century. The new temple stood for a long time. He survived the attack British troops during the Crimean War in 1855-1856, respectively. However, in the early forties of the last century under the anti-religious campaign, the church was closed. The temple was desecrated and beheaded. Only at the end of the last century the church began its revival.

In the summer of 1988 the Orthodox Diocese of Kola celebrated the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia. By the time Kandalaksha community has already been registered. During the festivities the faithful appealed to His Grace Panteleimon, Bishop of Arkhangelsk and Murmansk is located in Kirovsk, asking them to send in their city of the priests, because at that time the community was without its shepherd. Lord promised to satisfy the request of the community, and is recommended to find a room for the future temple.

June 3, 1989 on the Feast of the Mother of God "Vladimir" Kandalaksha city administration was officially transferred to the premises, where previously was managing the Kandalaksha reserve. Shortly thereafter, July 6, 1989 the temporary seat of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist was consecrated. This was followed by a thanksgiving service.

In subsequent years it changed several priests and abbots, was discovered Sunday parish school, was consecrated place for the construction of a new church, not far from the spot where once stood the ancient temple. Soon on this place was built a spacious new church. He - odnoprestolny. Built of wood. It has a hip design. Construction of the temple was laid in January 2000. He solemnly consecrated March 26, 2005. The rite was held Eminence Simon, Archbishop of Murmansk and Monchegorsk.

Today, the temple - the current and continues to be transformed. Rector monk Silvanus (Mykolaiv), appointed to this position in 2006, engaged in landscaping and decoration of the temple.

  I can complement the description  


Church of St. John the Baptist