Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Tushino, Patriarchal Compound
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, also known as Nicholas of Myra or Nicholas the Wonderworker, is one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox tradition. He became the patron saint of children, travellers, prisoners, and many others seeking help. Believers turn to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with prayers for health, in difficult life situations and to preserve family well-being. Nicholas was born in a family of deeply religious Theophanes and Nonna. From his earliest childhood, he showed a deep interest in spiritual life, he was not attracted to childish pastimes, and he did not waste time on empty conversations. Instead, he devoted himself to reading the Holy Scriptures, prayer, and fasting. From a young age, Nicholas studied religious teachings with zeal, spending long hours in the temple, immersed in prayer and thoughts about God. His uncle, the bishop, noticed his nephew`s spiritual maturity and elevated him to the priesthood. Nicholas became his assistant and was responsible for instructing the flock, telling people about Divine truths. In his life, Saint Nicholas constantly showed mercy, helping those in need, healing the sick and coming to the aid of the suffering. He was not a hermit, but always lived among people, actively participating in their destinies. Saint Nicholas became famous for his help to entire cities, relieving people from hunger, freeing unjustly convicted prisoners, saving them from execution and reconciling the warring parties. He also cared for orphans and was known for his miracles of healing. Saint Nicholas lived to an advanced age, and after his death his body remained incorruptible, which became another evidence of his holy life. In the Orthodox faith, he occupies a special place as the most revered saint, to whom believers turn with the hope of help and protection in a variety of life circumstances. In 2015, with the blessing of His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and at the request of Alexander Davydenko, head of the Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport of Russia, the creation of the Spiritual Centre for Sailors and Rivermen of Russia was founded. This initiative was the result of an effort to unite the efforts of the Orthodox Church and the workers of maritime and river transport to maintain spiritual values and professional traditions. The site in Lodochnaya Street in Tushino, historically associated with maritime activities, was chosen as the site for the construction of the parish church, and thanks to the support of workers and industry management, the construction of the temple began. Construction began in 2016, and in a few years the project has become the embodiment of faith, hope and professional identity of people working in the maritime and river sector. An important stage was the completion of the finishing works in April 2019, when the icons were installed in the iconostasis, and the temple found its final shape. Special attention was paid to the creation of unique temple furniture and church utensils. Together with iconographers, church historians, liturgists, designers and planners, the rector of the temple has developed elements of decoration that carry vivid marine symbols. Every element, from the crosses in the form of rudders and compasses to the intertwined anchors and the symbol of the “Temple on the Boat” — the cross in the boat — reflects the connection with the maritime tradition and makes the temple unique. On December 19, 2022, the feast day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who is the patron saint of sailors, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia performed the rite of the great consecration of the temple. This significant day was the culmination of many years of work that united the efforts of the church and the sailors. The Church of St. Nicholas of Myra in Tushino has become not only a spiritual centre for believers, but also an important symbol of the unity of the Orthodox faith and the Russian maritime industry, continuing to serve as a place for prayer, support and inspiration for many generations.
Address: Moscow, Lodochnaya str., 16, building 1
