Saint Tatiana Church at OSU Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The church, with an area of only 36 square meters, is located on the territory of the student campus at 13 Pobedy Avenue in Orenburg. More precisely, the church stands to the left of the OSU library, which is visible from afar, and opposite the first academic building.

In the late 1990s, the construction of the church was blessed by Metropolitan Leonty of Orenburg and Buzuluk (1913 – 1999). It was built according to the design of Viktor Bondarenko, who was rector of Orenburg State University from 1989 to 2006. On September 1, 1999, Leonty performed the Rite of Laying the First Stone, and construction continued until January 2001.

Initially, the religious site was intended to be a chapel. But an altar for serving the Divine Liturgy was installed in the church, which elevated its status from a chapel to a house church. On January 25, 2001, the Church of Saint Martyr Tatiana was consecrated by Metropolitan Valentine of Orenburg and Buzuluk. The height of the church together with the spire is 23 meters.

The church is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. The serving priest is Priest Sergei Chebrukov. Every year on the Day of Saint Martyr Tatiana, a liturgy and solemn prayer service are held in the church.

It is worth noting that several Orthodox relics are kept within the church walls. These include a particle of the relics of Saint Tatiana, a particle from the tomb of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, and particles of the relics of new martyrs.

Services are held on all twelve great feasts and great holidays, and on the days of memory of especially revered saints. Services begin on Friday evening (the service of the akathist to Saint Martyr Tatiana) at 17:00, and the Divine Liturgy starts at 8:00 in the morning.

Saint Tatiana of Rome was born at the end of the 2nd century. Her life says that the girl endured tortures with inner peace and joy, which symbolizes spiritual victory over fear and violence. It is the image of Saint Tatiana that over time made her a symbol of spiritual support for those who study and seek knowledge. The early Christian martyr is venerated by the Orthodox and Catholic churches. In Russia, she is considered the patron saint of students and all learners. People turn to the saint with prayers for successful studies and exams, asking for a clear mind and good memory, as well as diligence and hard work.

In churches on January 25, Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy are served in honor of Saint Tatiana of Rome. Clergymen on this day vest in red robes, since red is a symbol of martyr sacrifice and simultaneously joy and triumph, burning and fervent love for God.