Epiphany Church in Gonchary (Kolomna)

8 Goncharnaya Street, Kolomna.

Epiphany Church in Gonchary was first mentioned in the 15th century.

According to legend, Ivan III's wife, Sophia Palaiologina, continuously prayed for the birth of a child in various temples and vowed to build churches if her request was granted. After the Tsarina found out that soon she would be a mother, she built a wooden church dedicated to the Conception in Kolomna.

At the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, the church burned down. After the fire, the Image of Edessa, which was donated to the church by Mityaevo village's citizens, was found intact in the ashes. To remember this miracle a new church was built and dedicated to the Image of Edessa.

In the 17th century, the church was reconstructed in stone, but retained its name. The church's appearance was changed in accordance with classical style. A double-height rectangular without columns was bridged with a trough vault, which was split with a central lantern drum with five clustered domes. On July 7, 1689, the church was consecrated and dedicated to the Epiphany. Icon stands and cases, a church chandelier, and a metal fence of the solea date back to the late 19th century.

In winter, services were held in the neighbouring wooden church of the Most Holy Theotokos. Epiphany Church has a side chapel dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos in memory of this church.

Great grandfather and grandfather of St. Filaret of Moscow and Kolomna served as priests in Epiphany Church. The St. Filaret's relatives in Kolomna were first mentioned in 1751. Afanasy Filippov, a priest of Epiphany Church in Gonchary and St. Filaret's great grandfather, was referred to in city papers. St. Filaret himself was baptised in the Church.

From 1800 to 1804, during Father Nikita Afanasiev's time, two side chapels were added. One side chapel was dedicated to the Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, while the other to St. Kharlampy. A new bell tower was built as well.

During the Soviet period, Epiphany Church remained open. It was the only functioning church in Kolomna.

Specially honoured sacred objects of the Church include a carved Our Lady of Passion Icon and a reliquary with relics of more than sixty saints.

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Epiphany Church in Gonchary

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