Russian Church (Church of Saint Nicholas - the maker of miracles)

In the city center of Sofia, located a short distance from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the Russian Church - one of the famous orthodox churches. The church was built in 1914, on the site of the Saray Mosque, which was destroyed in 1882, shortly after Russia liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. It was built as the official church of the Russian Embassy for the Russian community living there and is named after the patron saint of the Emperor who ruled Russia at that time, Saint Nicholas. From that time, the head of the church was Archbishop Seraphim Sobolev.

The church was designed by Russian architect Mikhail Preobrazhenski with its architecture based on 17th-century Russian churches. This distinctive blue-and-white building was also built by Russian workers, a some of them also built the Alexander Nevsky Church. There are four small domes and a central dome 19m high, all gilded and long spired in perfect harmony with the church's roof, which is covered with green tiles. This is also the typical architecture of the Russian tent roof that developed in Moscow in the 18th and 19th centuries. The eye-catching decorative details on the outside of the church were made by architect G. Kislichev. Different from the flashy outside, inside the Russian church is a simple, peaceful space. This quiet place intersects with the vibrant and busy Tzar Osvoboditel street, where anyone entering will feel peace and no distractions. Even so, the interior of the church is still worth a visit because the frescoes here were painted in the style of Novgorod symbolism by a group of painters led by the famous Russian artist Vasily Perminov.

Bishop Seraphim was admired by both Bulgarians and Russians for his excellent sermons. He treats people with sincere affection and often prays for the problems and pain of others. Before Archbishop Seraphim died on February 26, 1950, he asked all the faithful to write to him after his death. Therefore, even in his crypt in the Russian church, those who believe in him and need his protection can sit at the tables and send their prayers to him in writing. And over time, the reverence for bishop Seraphim grew so great that traditional ceremonies such as candlelighting, prayer, and confession were regularly held.

During the Allied bombing raid in the spring of 1944, the church suffered considerable damage. The roof of the church collapsed and the murals were almost completely destroyed. The cost to repair the church at that time amounted to 12 million Leva and all was covered by the Bulgarian government.

Today, the Russian church is not only a favorite place of Russians living and working in Sofia, but it is also a place to show the faith and devotion of devotees not only in Sofia but also in other parts of the world. tourists worldwide.

Phone : +359 2 986 2715

Operating hours : 08:00 - 18:30 on weekdays