Church of Saint Tatiana in Moscow State University, Orthodox church in Arbat District, Russia
The Church of Saint Tatiana in Moscow State University is an Eastern Orthodox church in the Arbat District of Moscow, Russia, built into the university's main building on Mokhovaya Street. The facade follows a neoclassical style with white walls, a colonnade, and gilded domes, while the interior is arranged on two levels, each used for separate services.
The building was originally a mansion belonging to the Pashkov family and was converted into a university church in 1837 by architect Yevgraph Tyurin. It was closed during the Soviet period and used for other purposes before being returned to religious use toward the end of the 20th century.
Saint Tatiana of Rome is the patron saint of Russian students because Moscow University was founded on her feast day, January 25. That connection makes this church a gathering point for students every year on what Russians call Student Day.
The church is a short walk from the Okhotny Ryad metro station, near the Kremlin end of Mokhovaya Street. Visitors should dress modestly when entering, as the space is in active use for worship throughout the week.
When the church was closed in the Soviet period, its interior was used as a student theater, with the stage placed where the altar now stands. Almost no trace of that arrangement remains today, making it one of the less obvious chapters in the building's history.
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