Episcopal Church (Episcopalnaya tserkov)

Episcopal Church (Episcopalnaya tserkov) Review

Moscow's only Episcopal church is inside this attractive red-sandstone building. Built in 1884, it served the British-expatriate community for more than 40 years, including a mass for Queen Victoria after her death in 1901. No bells were rung then, however, because only Orthodox churches were allowed to have them in the city. Instead the tower was used as a strong room for the rich British merchant community. The 1917 revolution ended spiritual and secular functions, however, and the church was closed. The pews are believed to have been subsequently burned in the harsh winters of the early 1920s, and the stained glass was replaced when the building was converted into a recording studio. Today the English have reacquired the property, and it's again a working church and gathering place for the community.