THE PARISH OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST IN SAMARKAND
The only Catholic church in Samarkand, Uzbekistan,
under the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Administration of Uzbekistan
under the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Administration of Uzbekistan
Weekday Mass Schedule
(Tuesday - Saturday)
5:00 PM — in Russian
5:00 PM — in Russian
Sunday Mass Schedule
11:00 AM — in Russian
* English Mass - temporarily suspended
* English Mass - temporarily suspended
Temple interior
Entering the temple, you feel a spiritual atmosphere that allows you to lift your soul to God. This atmosphere draws people to prayer, and anyone seeking God can remain in the temple to speak with Him.
In the chapel of relics (to the right of the altar), a painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is venerated. A unique relic is also preserved here: a fragment of the Holy Cross of the Lord. Nearby stands a stone from Mount Golgotha, the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Thus, the temple has become a sanctuary where a person connects with the most sacred mysteries of human redemption, especially with the mystery of God’s Incarnation.
The relics of saints adorning this chapel remind us that every person, including ourselves, is called to holiness as the main purpose of our life.
In the chapel of relics (to the right of the altar), a painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is venerated. A unique relic is also preserved here: a fragment of the Holy Cross of the Lord. Nearby stands a stone from Mount Golgotha, the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Thus, the temple has become a sanctuary where a person connects with the most sacred mysteries of human redemption, especially with the mystery of God’s Incarnation.
The relics of saints adorning this chapel remind us that every person, including ourselves, is called to holiness as the main purpose of our life.
In the central part of the temple stands the revered statue of Our Lady of Luján, commemorating the miraculous apparition of the Mother of God in the city of Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina, which is venerated throughout the world.
The parish history
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Catholic community in Samarkand consisted mainly of Poles, but also included Germans and other European nationalities. In 1905, they decided to build a small Gothic church that would be a convenient place for prayers for the Catholic community.
On the street that was later named Engels Street, a small plot of land was purchased. Money was collected in Samarkand as well as sent from abroad, and finally, in 1916, the church was built. The architect was a man named Mr. Nelly.
On the street that was later named Engels Street, a small plot of land was purchased. Money was collected in Samarkand as well as sent from abroad, and finally, in 1916, the church was built. The architect was a man named Mr. Nelly.
The temple was used for its intended purpose for only a few years before the formation of the Soviet Union…
After that, it was confiscated by the communist government, and the Catholic community ceased to exist. All traces of Catholicism were removed from the building, and even the spire was removed. Since then, the building has been used for various sports programs, and for over 70 years it has been home to the Mekhnat Sports Society.
In 1988, there were plans to restore the church building and turn it into an organ music hall. Engineers, architects, and other specialists were invited to complete the project. They developed an elaborate and sophisticated renovation plan and offered various alternatives.
For some reason, this project was never completed. Probably the reason was the collapse of the Soviet Union. In the meantime, the program of the Mekhnat sports society continued in the church building.
In 1988, there were plans to restore the church building and turn it into an organ music hall. Engineers, architects, and other specialists were invited to complete the project. They developed an elaborate and sophisticated renovation plan and offered various alternatives.
For some reason, this project was never completed. Probably the reason was the collapse of the Soviet Union. In the meantime, the program of the Mekhnat sports society continued in the church building.
In 1995, under the leadership of Father Ivan J. Roloff, an American Franciscan, a Catholic parish was established, and on August 15, 1995, it was registered under the law of the newly independent Republic of Uzbekistan…
On October 16, 1997, the President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, issued a decree on the return of the building to the Catholic community. On December 17 of the same year, the khokim of Samarkand, A. Nosirov, decided to carry out the presidential decree. In February 1998, the Catholic parish received the church building. The renovation of the building began in the same month with local funding, as well as financial support from the Vatican and foundations in Germany and the United States of America.
In 2021, the interior of the temple was completely renovated, and the ceiling took on its original shape.
Spiritual life
We invite you to join us in prayer and participation in the services of our parish
Parish Announcements
Contacts
Address: 140104, Samarkand, Mahmud Koshgari St., 86 (formerly "Mehnat")
Phone: +998 (90) 602-36-38
Phone: +998 (90) 502-26-20
office@catholics-in-samarkand.org
pastor@catholics-in-samarkand.org
Phone: +998 (90) 602-36-38
Phone: +998 (90) 502-26-20
office@catholics-in-samarkand.org
pastor@catholics-in-samarkand.org
