The Church of All Saints and the Crimean Theodore Stratilata

The Church Of all Crimean Saints is built in the Gothic style and resembles rural churches in England. The guide of the 19^th century stated that “the main decoration of Alushta is a beautiful Orthodox Church with a bell tower in the Gothic style.” Alushta people loved their temple very much, tried to make it more beautiful and well-maintained, one of the donors was the famous industrialist and patron N. D. Staheev. In the 20s of the 20^th century, the church underwent some changes: the sacristy and sacristy were added to the altar part, as well as a new throne. The money for the repair and expansion of the Church was collected by the Priest Serbinov. The Church of Saint Theodore Stratilata was re-consecrated on 6 September 1920 by Archbishop Demetrios.

The doors of the temple closed in 1964. The building hosted a club “Builder”, while it was rebuilt several times, the bell tower was destroyed, and the former temple lost its original appearance.

The temple was restored thanks to caring people, Alushta residents, who try to preserve the historical and architectural values of their city. Back in the 80s, the Korobchenko family began to beat the thresholds of high offices not only in the Crimea, but also in Moscow. They asked to restore the Church in honour of Saint Theodore Stratilata, to protect it from complete destruction. Funds for reconstruction were allocated by the city, and parishioners also helped.

After the reconstruction, the temple appeared in all its glory. The doors of the main entrance are richly carved, and a long passage with high Lancet Windows on both walls leads the parishioners to the Central hall. The main part of the temple is a square. The corners of the roof, as well as the bell tower, are decorated with crosses on thin turrets. The restorers successfully painted the exterior walls, the combination of light and grey colours gives the Church an unusual charm. Artists S. Markin and A. Gubsky decorated the facade with a mosaic icon of St. Theodore Stratilata.

Right above the main entrance, a three-tiered bell tower rose, slender and light, it looks very good against the backdrop of the picturesque Demerdzhi mountain.

Location : Crimea