Churches in Moscow

The Russian Orthodox church is noted for his beautiful churches and Moscow has the top of the line. The colorful and the solid gold onion domes are seen in the skyline everywhere you look. The churches are as beautiful inside as they are outside. Some of churches are museums - but many of them are used for worship. We enjoyed photographing and visiting many of these masterpieces.

The first area we visited was Cathedral Square in the Kremlin - I have already talked about that area - there were at least 4 churches in one square inside the Kremlin - used for different purposes by the Russian Tzars and their families. While we were inside the Church of the Archangel - a group of 4 were singing - fabulous music and wonderful accoustics

My favorite church that we visited was the huge church of Saint Savior - located on the Moscow River - a church that had been blown up by the communist government - then later rebuilt as a replica of the original in the 1990's. We visited on a Sunday during services. The church was packed - every one stands to listen to the priest. Candles were burning and the fragrance was one I will always remember. It was a very moving experience.

Of course - Saint Basil's in Red Square is the signature church of Moscow and easily the most recognizable. Restoration continues with Saint Basils. Our Lady of Kazan church is also in Red Square and serves people living in the area. The beautiful orange/peach color was stricking.

While we were visiting an area of Moscow called Sparrow Hills - outside the Moscow River and the "ring road" - on one of the highest hills - we visited another very small village church - Trinity. We were also there on Sunday - the priest was baptizing the babies. Babies were crying and parents were proud!

We also visited the Novodevichiy Convent a compound stated in 1524. There were several churches inside the convent walls with the most significant being the Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk. Very beautiful icons inside.

I am attaching several photos of these magnificant churches - the photos are beautiful - but the experience of visiting these churches was something I will always cherish.