Currently, the church is the guardian of the main shrine of the Russian people and the Russian state, the Miraculous Image of the Vladimir Mother of God. Since 1851, the site of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Church in Tolmachi has been adjacent to the estate of P.M. Tretyakov, a Moscow merchant and founder of the Tretyakov Gallery, who financed significant work in the church in 1856 and 1858.

The Miraculous Image of the Vladimir Mother of God was transferred from Vladimir to Moscow in 1395 during Timur's (Tamerlane's) invasion of Northeast Russia. Thanks to the intercession of the Image, Russia avoided destruction: reaching the Oka River, Timur turned back to Central Asia. The Image was installed in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin and remained there until 1918, when it was transferred to the Historical Museum, and in 1927, to the Tretyakov Gallery. The Image is now located in the St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Church in Tolmachi, where it can be seen and venerated. It is kept in a special kiot with a museum condition control system, monitored by the staff of the Tretyakov Gallery.

The St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Church in Tolmachi is a significant monument of history and culture in Moscow. It is located in Zamoskvorechye, an area that was historically home to non-Orthodox residents and translators, which is reflected in its name. Zamoskvorechye became a trading center, as evidenced by Pyatnitskaya Street, named after the demolished church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa. The appearance of the St. Nicholas Church, the patron saint of travelers, here was natural.

The church is first mentioned in 1625, but it likely existed earlier, as the dense settlement of Zamoskvorechye began after the Time of Troubles in the early 17th century. The modern church complex includes two main parts: the refectory with a bell tower built in 1833-1834 and the church itself built in 1690-1697.

The church building was constructed between 1690 and 1697 and is dedicated to the Descent of the Holy Spirit. It represents an example of Moscow church architecture from the late 17th century. The church complex, including the bell tower, refectory, and main volume, was organized along a single axis, creating a harmonious urban composition.

The church suffered greatly in 1812, and by the end of the 1820s, its bell tower had tilted, requiring reconstruction. The main building of the church retained its architecture with a vertical volume and symmetrical rows of openings. In 1832-1833, under the guidance of architect F.M. Shestakov, new refectory and bell tower were added. These parts of the church became examples of Moscow Empire style.

In 1856 and 1858, with funds from P.M. Tretyakov and the Medyntsev brothers, significant work was carried out in the church, resulting in its historical interior appearance, which remained until its closure in 1929. At that time, the decoration of the refectory's altars and the painting of the church were completed.

In 1929, the church was closed and transferred to the Tretyakov Gallery. In 1993, the building became a church again, and in 1997, it underwent a complete restoration to restore its historical appearance. Support work is carried out regularly.