Location: ulica Moskvina 12
The baptismal church of the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God is located on the territory of Sochi next to the Cathedral of Michael the Archangel. The temple was built in 1995 as part of the church complex at the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. The building adjoins a two-story Orthodox school and is a large neoclassical single-dome building. The apse of the church is decorated with a portico with columns. During the restoration of the Archangel Cathedral in Sochi in 2008, all types of services were held here. A cozy alley approaches the temple, on which there are benches for rest.
The church is located in the Central District of Sochi at 1a Ordzhonikidze Street (some sources cite Moskvina Street, but the main address is Ordzhonikidze Street). It adjoins the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, forming a single complex that also includes a Sunday school and the diocesan administration. The convenient location—in the city center, close to the sea—is emphasized by the building's turquoise color, reminiscent of the Black Sea coast. Public transportation is available: take buses or minibuses to the "Cathedral of the Archangel Michael" stop, or walk from the Marine Station (approximately 10-15 minutes). A cozy alley with benches, surrounded by greenery and palm trees, leads to the church.
Construction of the church began in the mid-1990s. On December 19, 1995, a church dedicated to the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God was laid on the grounds of the Archangel Michael Cathedral. Construction was completed in 1996–1997 according to a design by architect E.A. Smirnov (some sources mention F.I. Afuksenidi, but official sources point to Smirnov). The church was consecrated on May 12, 2008, by His Eminence Isidore, Metropolitan of Yekaterinodar and Kuban. During the restoration of the main Cathedral of the Archangel Michael in 2008, all types of services were held in the Iveron Church, emphasizing its role as an auxiliary, yet important, element of the complex.
The church is a large, single-domed neoclassical structure adjacent to a two-story Orthodox school. The apse (altar area) is surrounded by a portico with columns, giving the building a classic and majestic appearance. The exterior walls are painted light turquoise, and the dome is crowned with a golden cross. The overall design blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape of subtropical vegetation. The interior is modest but cozy, suitable for a baptismal church: it contains a space for the sacrament of baptism, an iconostasis, and an altar. Adjacent to the church is a chapel or pavilion with a spring where pilgrims can collect holy water.
The church's main relic is the icon of Saint Matrona of Moscow with a fragment of her relics. The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, in whose honor the church is dedicated, is also venerated. Patronal feasts are celebrated on the days commemorating the veneration of the Iveron Icon: February 25 (the first discovery), October 26 (the celebration in honor of the copy), May 6, and May 4 (a movable date). These days are accompanied by solemn services.
The church functions as a baptismal center, where the sacrament of baptism is regularly performed. On Sundays, it is crowded due to Divine Liturgies. There is a Sunday school for children of all ages and adults, where lessons on the basics of Orthodoxy are held. An icon shop is located on the grounds, where icons, candles, and other items for the faithful can be purchased. The schedule of services generally corresponds to the general cathedral schedule: morning and evening services daily, but it is best to confirm the exact times on site or on the cathedral's official website. The church is open to visitors daily; admission is free, but a dress code is recommended (covered clothing, hats for women).
Based on TripAdvisor reviews, the church has a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on several reviews. Visitors note the building's beauty, friendly atmosphere, and convenient location. Pros: "Beautiful turquoise church reminiscent of the sea," "Active Sunday school," "Icon shop with a good selection." Cons are not mentioned in the reviews. Many recommend visiting the church as part of a tour of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, especially for families with children. In 2020, it received the Travelers' Choice award as one of the top attractions in Sochi.