Location: ulica Moskvina 12
The Church of the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God, commonly referred to as the Iversky Baptismal Temple (Храм-крещальня в честь Иверской иконы Божией Матери), stands as a compact yet profoundly meaningful Orthodox sanctuary dedicated to baptisms in Sochi, Russia. Nestled within the expansive grounds of the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel—the region's oldest and most distinguished Orthodox edifice, dating back to the late 19th century—this church occupies a prime spot at 12 Moskvina Street in the heart of Sochi. Its primary purpose is to facilitate baptismal rites and associated holy ceremonies, underscoring its essential contribution to fostering spiritual growth and community faith. The foundation was laid on December 19, 1995, during a wave of religious resurgence following the Soviet Union's dissolution, coinciding with the development of additional amenities like the Sunday school honoring Saints Cyril and Methodius, apostles to the Slavs. This era marked a broader effort to revive and preserve Orthodox landmarks across Russia, with the Iversky Church emphasizing the sacrament of baptism as a gateway to Christian life.
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.
The Iversky Church emerged during this 1990s revival, addressing the
growing need for dedicated sacramental spaces in a resurgent Orthodox
community. Founded on December 19, 1995, it was established alongside
other facilities, such as the Sunday school named after Saints Cyril and
Methodius (Equal to the Apostles, patrons of Slavic education and
evangelism). This timing coincided with Russia's broader post-communist
religious awakening, where Orthodox sites were reclaimed and expanded to
nurture faith through rituals like baptism, symbolizing spiritual
rebirth amid societal transformation.
Construction of the baptismal
temple occurred from 1996 to 1997, designed by architect E.A. Smirnov to
complement the main cathedral without overshadowing it. The structure is
modest, integrated into the historic Church Quarter on the former
Navaginsky fortification site. It honors the Iberian Icon of the Mother
of God (also known as Iverskaya, Iveron, or Panagia Portaitissa), a
revered Eastern Orthodox artifact originating from 9th-century
Byzantium. According to legend, during the Iconoclastic Controversy
(726–843 CE), the icon was cast into the sea by a widow in Asia Minor to
protect it from destruction; it miraculously floated to the Iviron
Monastery on Mount Athos, Greece, founded by Georgian (Iberian) monks.
Associated with miracles of protection, healing, and safe travels,
copies of the icon are venerated worldwide, and Sochi's church likely
features a reproduction as its central devotional focus.
The church
was fully consecrated on May 12, 2008, by Metropolitan Isidor of
Ekaterinodar and Kuban, marking its official integration into liturgical
use. Its interior is intimate, typical of Russian Orthodox baptismal
spaces, with immersion fonts, sacramental altars, and iconography
emphasizing themes of divine protection and renewal. Notable features
include frescoes of the Theotokos (Mother of God) in her protective
role, gold leaf accents, candle stands, and elegant woodwork. It also
houses an icon of the Blessed Matrona of Moscow with a relic fragment,
adding to its sacred appeal. As a baptismal center, it conducts
ceremonies for infants, adults, and catechumens, serving Sochi's
multicultural population and drawing pilgrims during the icon's feast
days (February 12, Bright Tuesday, and October 13 in the Orthodox
calendar).
Current Status and Significance
Today, the Iversky
Church operates within the vibrant Cathedral of St. Michael complex,
which hosts daily services (weekdays at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; weekends at
6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 5 p.m.) and includes parish buildings, a
chapel dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God "Lifebearing Source"
(built in 2008), gardens, and a nursery. The site symbolizes faith's
resilience, from imperial conquests and Soviet atheism to modern
revival, offering a serene retreat in Sochi's resort environment.
Visitors are advised to wear modest attire, and photography is often
restricted during services. As of 2025, the complex remains a cultural
and religious landmark, with ongoing maintenance ensuring its
preservation amid Sochi's growth as a global destination.
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.