3 Roubles The Cathedral of Virgin's Saint Entrance Presentation

Reverse

In the centre of the disc in the background of a river - the relief image of the five-domed cathedral with the bell-tower, behind them - tree clusters, under the picture of the cathedral - the horizontal inscription: "ЧЕБОКСАРЫ" (CHEBOKSARY), above along the rim - the semicircular inscription in two lines: "ВВЕДЕНСКИЙ СОБОР" (THE CATHEDRAL OF VIRGIN'S SAINT ENTRANCE PRESENTATION).

Script: Cyrillic

Lettering:
ВВЕДЕНСКИЙ СОБОР
ЧЕБОКСАРЫ

Translation:
THE CATHEDRAL OF VIRGIN'S SAINT ENTRANCE PRESENTATION
CHEBOKSARY

Engraver: Lidiya Alexandrovna Evdokimova

Designer: Lidiya Alexandrovna Evdokimova

Edge

300 corrugations

Comment

Date of issue: 03 JUN 2013

The Cathedral in Cheboksary holds the distinction of being the oldest Orthodox church in Chuvashia and stands as the sole surviving architectural relic from the 17th century. Its location within the Cheboksary Kremlin was designated by Ivan the Terrible's decree in 1555. Initially, a wooden cathedral was erected on the site, which was later replaced by a stone structure between 1651 and 1657. Originally, only the main altar was constructed, with three warm side chapels added later.

Adjacent to the cathedral stands a tent-shaped bell tower, reflecting the architectural style of 17th-century Moscow. The cathedral itself is a unique example of Moscow Baroque architecture, characterized by its "octagonal" design atop a tall two-story "quadrangle" with a four-sloped roof. Crowned by five silver-domed structures on round light drums, the central drum and dome are notably larger in size. The quadrangle is complemented by lowered volumes of apses and chapels on three sides.Inside, four massive pillars support cross vaults, dividing the cathedral into three naves. The altar is similarly divided into three parts, with the right and left naves twice the width of the central one. The cathedral's design juxtaposes simplicity and severity with a modest decorative finish, softened by a row of smooth semicircular cornices.

Despite enduring various natural disasters, notably a significant fire in 1773, which ravaged much of the city's structures, the Cathedral has undergone extensive repair and restoration efforts, particularly in the early 19th century and the 1970s.

Within the cathedral, ancient frescoes depicting themes from the New Testament adorn the walls, vaults, columns, and window openings, preserving a classical style with influences from Chuvash traditions.

Additionally, during the repair works of 1971-1974, the cathedral's artistic, Russian classicism-style, carved five-tier iconostasis and carved shrines behind the choirs and near the pillars were gilded, adding to its aesthetic appeal and historical significance.

Interesting fact

Price

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