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Built in 1656, the church once served as the Patriarch's private
chapel and was attached to the Patriarch's palace. In 1721, Peter
the Great, who effectively broke the power of Russian Orthodoxy as a
rival to the state, turned it over to the Church Council of the Holy
Synod--his instrument for controlling the church. In 1963, the
church was converted into a museum of 17th-century life. Its
numerous exhibits include examples of period books, jewelry,
furniture and textiles created by both Russian and foreign
craftsmen, all assembled in a striking setting. Part of the museum
complex has been transformed into a typical 17th-century house.
Highlights of the museum include the Krestovskaya Palata (Hall of
the Cross), where holy oil was consecrated, and a small reading
primer once owned by Peter the Great's son. |
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