Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Uzkoye
The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most revered images of the Theotokos in Russia, discovered in 1579 after a devastating fire in Kazan. Over the centuries, this image has become a symbol of heavenly intercession at pivotal moments for the country. For instance, in 1612, a miracle-working copy of the icon accompanied the militia of Minin and Pozharsky during the liberation of Moscow, and in 1709, Peter the Great prayed before it before the Battle of Poltava. The icon also spiritually strengthened Russian soldiers in 1812, during Napoleon’s invasion. Many Orthodox believers maintain that prayers before the Kazan Icon also aided during the Great Patriotic War, contributing to victories. In 2023, a significant event occurred-the original icon was discovered by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and returned to the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square. Believers turn to this icon as a helper and protector in various needs: they pray for the protection of family, the health of loved ones, harmony in the home, and healing from illnesses, especially eye diseases. It is also venerated as the patroness of warriors, granting strength of spirit and aid in battle. For many, the Kazan Icon serves as a source of consolation in difficult times and support in overcoming spiritual suffering. The feast days of the icon are solemnly celebrated twice a year-on July 8 and November 4. In addition to venerating the sacred icon, parish life associated with this image includes active social work: assistance to large and low-income families, a mercy group serving the elderly and sick at home, as well as a children’s Sunday educational group, a youth church choir group, and church educational classes for adult parishioners. The Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Uzkoye, built and consecrated in 1698, has a complex history. In 1929, services were halted, and the interior was looted and destroyed, though the image of the Kazan Icon above the central entrance remained untouched. The revival of the church began in 1990 when it was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. After a minor consecration on Holy Saturday in 1992, regular services resumed on April 22 of the same year, the day of Holy Pascha. A major event was the performance of the Great Consecration of the church by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on December 23, 2018. Today, the parish is actively engaged in missionary, catechetical, and youth work; a Sunday School and church choir group operate. Discussions on the Gospels are held for adults, and collaborative programs are implemented with students from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory and the Southwestern Administrative District’s Art School № 11. Social ministry is organized, including assistance to large and low-income parishioners, as well as pastoral meetings and guided tours of the church for staff and patients of the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of Reanimatology and Rehabilitation, located on the grounds of the former “Uzkoye” sanatorium of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Address: Moscow, Profsoyuznaya Street, 123B
