Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist

In the very heart of the Presnya district of the capital, in Maly Predtechensky Lane, amid dense urban development and the greenery of trees, rises one of the unique monuments of Moscow church architecture — the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. This Orthodox church is notable not only for its rich history, but also for the rare fact that it was never closed even during the most difficult years of Soviet rule.

History of the church’s creation: from a wooden church to a stone sanctuary

The first mentions of a church on this site date back to 1625, when a wooden structure stood here. Like many wooden buildings of that era, it did not withstand the test of time and had fallen into disrepair by the beginning of the 18th century.

Construction of the stone church

Between 1730 and 1734, a stone church was erected on the site of the dilapidated wooden one, and it has survived to this day. Initially, it included the main altar consecrated in honor of the Nativity of John the Baptist and a side chapel dedicated to the martyr John the Warrior.

Expansion of the church complex

The architectural ensemble of the church took shape throughout the entire 19th century. Thanks to the efforts of the church warden, the merchant Fyodor Ivanovich Rezanov, a bell tower was built in 1806–1810. Two decades later, in 1830, according to the design of architect Fyodor Mikhailovich Shestakov, a refectory was constructed between the main church building and the bell tower. The final stage in shaping the church’s modern appearance came in 1894, when the refectory was significantly expanded according to the design of architect Pavel Alexandrovich Kudrin. Since then, the exterior of the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist in Presnya has remained virtually unchanged.

Trials of the Soviet period

The fate of this church proved happier than that of most Moscow churches. The Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist is one of the few that was not closed during the Soviet era, continuing to serve as a spiritual refuge for believers even in the years of the harshest persecution of religion.

Confiscation of valuables and loss of the bell ringing

Nevertheless, the church did not escape the trials typical of that time. In 1922, church valuables were confiscated as part of a mass campaign to seize church property. In 1930, the church lost its bell ringing — when the bells were thrown down, fighters against religion damaged the steps of the porch. At the same time, burials at the old cemetery near the church were desecrated.

Postwar revival and restoration

After the end of the Great Patriotic War, the gradual restoration of the church began. In the postwar years, a large-scale restoration was carried out, returning the church to its former splendor.

Renovation of the church in the 1960s

Especially active improvement work was carried out in the 1960s. Central heating was installed in the church, making it possible to hold services in comfortable conditions year-round. The painting and gilding of the Royal Doors were restored, and the panikadila — massive church chandeliers — were renewed. The interior of the refectory received a new design: the side walls of the passage and the pillars were clad in marble, giving the space solemnity and nobility. For the convenience of parishioners, side doors were cut into the refectory, providing an additional exit to the church courtyard. The church grounds were enclosed by a stone fence.

Modern significance of the church

From what was once an outlying church, the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist in Presnya has become one of the most revered and visited Orthodox churches in Moscow. Today it is an important center of the capital’s spiritual life, a meeting place for believers and a venue for regular worship services.

Architectural value

For tourists and history enthusiasts, the church is of considerable interest as a monument of architectural art and national culture. It is often included in excursion routes around historic Moscow, allowing visitors to touch the centuries-old history of Russian Orthodoxy.

Features of photographing the church

Dense urban development creates certain difficulties for photographers. Due to the cramped surrounding space, it is quite problematic to take high-quality photographs of the entire church complex. The most successful shots are obtained when photographing the bell tower from the side of Bolshoy Predtechensky Lane. Other elements of the architectural ensemble usually have to be photographed separately.

Practical information for visitors

The Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist is located in the Presnensky District at the address: 2 Maly Predtechensky Lane. The nearest metro station is Krasnopresnenskaya, which makes the church easily accessible for residents and visitors to the capital. The church is open to visitors daily from 07:00 to 19:00. Regular worship services are held here, and a Sunday school and various spiritual and educational activities are in operation. More detailed information about the service schedule and events can be obtained by phone or on the church’s official website. A visit to this ancient Moscow shrine will be a wonderful opportunity to touch history, enjoy the beauty of Orthodox architecture, and feel the special spiritual atmosphere of a place that for almost four centuries has remained an unchanging spiritual center of Moscow’s Presnya district.