Սուրբ Խաչ եկեղեցի, Armenian Apostolic church in Samara, Russia
Holy Cross Church in Samara is an Armenian Apostolic house of worship distinguished by a central dome, finely carved stone exterior walls, and ornamental religious details covering its facades. The interior provides space for daily prayer and religious gatherings of the Armenian community.
Construction of the church began in October 1998 with the blessing of Archbishop Tigran, head of the Russian-Armenian and Novonakhichevan Diocese, and was completed in 2003. It was funded by entrepreneur Arthur Martirosyan and the Samara Oblast Administration. Bishop Ezras consecrated the church on 16 November 2003, and a monument to the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide and the 1988 earthquake was installed.
The church holds Armenian holidays and memorial dates. Its consecration on 16 November 2003 was followed at once by baptisms and a wedding. The opening included a gala concert by Moscow's Zvartnots ensemble, which performed Armenian folk dances and songs.
The church stands in Postnikov Ravine, reachable by public transport or taxi. It is an active parish of the Armenian Apostolic Church, so services follow the Armenian liturgy and are held in Armenian. Visitors of any faith may attend and observe; check local announcements before major Armenian holidays, when the church is busiest.
A monument beside the church commemorates the victims of the 1915 Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey and of the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. It was funded by entrepreneur Arthur Martirosyan and the Samara Oblast Administration.
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