- Address: Place Bab Tamesna, Rabat 10050, Morocco
- Website: http://orthodox.ma/
- Architect: Jean-François Robert
- Founder: Hieromonk Varsonofy (Tolstukhin)
- Construction: 1931-1932
- Opening hours: Tue - Fri - 09: 00-19: 00, Sat - 15: 00-18: 30, Sun - 08: 30-12: 00
In the center of the city of Rabat in the Muslim country of Morocco stands the snow-white church of the Resurrection of Christ, built in 1932. The successful construction of this very church inspired Orthodox believers to build parishes in other countries of the world.
History of the temple
The Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat is one of the three active Orthodox churches located on the territory of Morocco , and one of the oldest on the entire African continent. The decision to build it was made back in the 1920s. At that time, the territory of Morocco was under the authority of the French and Spanish protectorates. Here, in search of work came engineers, military and just workers from all over the world, including France, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Russia. In 1927, at the behest of Metropolitan Evlogy Georgievsky, Hieromonk Varsonofy arrived in Rabat. It was he who received permission from the French authorities to use an empty barrack as an Orthodox parish. Money for construction was donated both by local residents and by Orthodox from all over the world.
By 1932 the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat, consisting of the bell tower and the main room, was illuminated by the employees of the Orthodox Church.
Activity of the temple
In the process of erecting the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat, it was decided to spend here Russian evenings, theatrical performances and concerts. The locals eagerly attended the performances and left donations. Particularly popular were children's concerts. Perhaps the children's speeches were the reason for the rapid collection of money for the construction of the temple. Already in 1933, at the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat, the Charity Committee was organized. It was created in order to collect money and things for needy local people.
The successful work of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat served as an excuse for building Orthodox parishes in other Moroccan cities:
- Khuribga - Holy Trinity Church;
- Casablanca - Assumption Cathedral;
- Marrakech is the chapel of St. Sergius.
Until 1943, at the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat and the Holy Trinity Church in Khuribga, divine services were held daily. Over time, most Orthodox believers began to leave Morocco, so many Orthodox parishes were forced to close. The same was borne in mind by the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat. But in 1980-2000 there was a large flow of emigrants from Russia, so the church is still continuing its work.
For almost a century of activity in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat, reconstruction was carried out twice - in 1960-1961 and in 2010-2011. In the course of the last, the Moscow icon painters decorated the walls of the church with frescoes. In the same year, a stone iconostasis was made and unique icons were painted.
Over the past few years, the facade, the dome and the foundation have been restored in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat. In 2015, the temple was installed well, over the manufacture of which the specialists of the linear workshop "Kavida" worked.
How to get there?
The Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Rabat is located on Bab Tamesna Square opposite the Experimental Botanical Gardens. Al-Kebib avenue and Omar El Jadidi street are next to it. Get to it will not be difficult, just use the services of public transport , a taxi or just walk.
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