Russia 2019 (10) MOSCOW - A Square, But Not Red Square

Next stop was Cathedral Square with five major churches and a bell tower. It was so reminiscent of piazzas (or squares) in Italy. Some of the architects used were, in fact, Italian.

Domes - Onion, pear, or helmet-shaped domes are generally believed to represent lit candles. They are usually larger in diameter than the pedestal they sit on and are more tall than wide. The number of domes may have a special meaning. One alone represents Jesus Christ. Three domes represent Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Read more on domes:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onion_dome

----- (#4 on map) Archangel Michael Cathedral. Construction was completed in 1508 with Italian architect Aloisio the New supervising. It was used as the main necropolis or burial place of Russian czars. There are 54 burials here, including Ivan the Terrible's son Demetrius. In this case, the five domes on top represent Jesus Christ and the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).

----- (#5) Annunciation Cathedral. This name refers to the celebration of the announcement by Archangel Gabriel to Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus. It connects directly to the Great Kremlin Palace (#15). It was originally the personal chapel of the Moscow czars and its abbot was the personal confessor to the royal family until the 20th century. 

----- (#8) Church of the Deposition of the Virgin's Robe. Construction began in 1484. The name celebrates a festival going back to the 5th century when Mary's robe was taken from Palestine to Constantinople to protect that city from being conquered. It was originally constructed as the private chapel of the Patriarchs (official title of the Bishop or head of the Russian church), but later taken over by the royal family in the mid-17th century.

----- (#3) Dormition (or Assumption) Cathedral. Built in 1475 and consecrated on the Feast of Dormition (passing of earthly life) of the Mother of God. She is believed to be a patron saint of Russia. It was the major Russian Orthodox church from the 15-19th centuries, even after the capital was moved to St. Petersburg. It is also where all the coronations of tzars and emperors took place.

It is a grand example of ancient Russian architecture (yet influenced by Italy) with a mass of frescoes inside and at the entrance. All emperors of the Romanov House were coronated here. Also, this was the burial place of the Patriarchs of Moscow.

This is the only cathedral we entered and it was dazzling...huge, with icons and brilliantly colorful frescoes ceiling-to-floor, wall-to-wall, telling stories of the Bible. It had a private praying box first built for Ivan the Terrible in 1551 and used later by other czars. Czarinas had a separate praying place on the opposite side of the church. No photos allowed. 

Dormition Cathedral is connected to the Patriarch's Palace (#12) by a narrow alley.

----- The Church of the Twelve Apostles (#6) is within the Patriarch's Palace. This is a minor cathedral originally commissioned by Patriarch Nikon (he tried to reign supreme over the royal family and government, but did not succeed) for use as his personal residence in 1653. Today it houses the Applied Arts Museum (design and decoration of everyday objects--fashion, automotive, kitchen, etc.).

----- Ivan the Great Bell Tower (#19) is a nearby church tower built in 1508, as three of the cathedrals in the square do not have their own belfries. At 81 meters (266 feet), it is the tallest structure in the Kremlin. It has 22 bells. It is not named after Ivan the Terrible, but after John-of-the-Ladder (sometimes called Ivan and several other names), a monk in the 5-6th centuries from Mount Sinai. The "ladder" refers to raising one's body and soul to God through ascetic virtues. Hope I got this right, research confusing!

All of these churches are now part of the Kremlin Museums, along with the Armory. On rare occasion they may be used for religious services.

Asides: George is the patron saint of Moscow. The Russian Orthodox Church does not use any musical instruments. They do not have any religious statues (3-dimensional idols), although icons (2-dimensional renderings) were prominent to explain biblical stories for those that could not read. In communion, they use real wine. There are no pews in churches except for elders or illness; everyone has to stand for services that last up to three hours. Even today!!

To learn more about the Russian Orthodox Church, you could look here:

http://www.patriarchia.ru/en/ (their official website)

or

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Russian-Orthodox-church

or Kremlin Museums:

https://www.kreml.ru/en-Us/about-museums/kremlin/