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SOS – Monuments in peril

There are about 200 wooden churches dating back to 17th and 18th centuries and about 300 wooden chapels dated from 17th to 19th centuries left in Russia. Without exaggeration these buildings can be regarded as the treasure of national Russian culture and as one of the most important elements underpinning uniqueness of Russian architecture. Unfortunately, year in, year out these imposing monuments of wooden architecture are disappearing. In the recent years, there are various initiatives to restore old village churches and chapels. Interestingly, some initiatives were able to achieve high quality results in restoration and give hope that more wooden religious buildings will be saved from oblivion. Everyone, who is not indifferent to the destiny of the cultural heritage of Russia, can take active part and contribute to the preservation of wooden monuments. Here is a list of monuments in need of urgent restoration.

Kozma and Damiana Church in the Griazoveck district of the Vologda region

The first mention of the Kozma and Damiana Church dates back to 1752. It is a part of the Lezhdoma church complex (pogost) in the Griazoveck district of the Vologda region. Now, the church is in state of disrepair, without a perspective to restore it at its current place. There is a need to consider to relocate and restore it in any open-air museum of the Vologda region.

Panteleymonovskaya Chapel in the village Skomovskaya in the Belsk district of the Archangelsk region

In the environs of Belsk in the village of Skomovskaya remains a beautiful Panteleymonovskaya Chapel from the 19th century raising on the bank of the Pezhma River. The chapel is in a very bad state. In 2009, detailed measurements of the chapel were made and a reconstruction project prepared. A group of local residents and enthusiasts from Moscow has been formed to start the restoration process.

Georgievskaya Chapel in the village Kirillovo of the Kargopol district of the Archangelsk region

The Georgievskaya Chapel from the first half of the 19th century in the village Kirillovo is situated near the main road Kargopol – Nandoma, on the road to Mala Shalga. The chapel is in the state of disrepair and requires urgent restoration.

Blagoveshensk Church in the village Pustynka in the Pleseck district of the Archangelsk region

The Blagoveshensk Church was constructed in 1719 in the village Pustynka in the Pleseck district at the middle section of the Onega River. The church has not been restored for a long period of time, despite that it remains in a reasonable state. However, due to gradual disintegration of the roof, leakages and damages to the main construction are visible and may lead to its degradation beyond repair. A plan of restoration has been prepared. Conrete work on restoration has started. It is funded from donations collected from people who are not indifferent to the loss of this marvel of Russian wooden architecture.

Belfry on pillars in the village Sakulinskaya in the Cherevskov district of the Archangelsk region

In the village Sakulinskaya on the left steep bank of the Dvina River, there is a chapel with a exquisite belfry, constructed at the end of the 19th century or possibly at the beginning of the 20th century. To preserve this comparably not a big building, not so many efforts and funds are needed, but initiative and willingness to start and implement the restoration work are a must.

Nikolskaya Chapel in the former village Gumarnavolok in the Pudozh district of Karelia

The chapel stands alone at the shore of Vodlozero Lake where once stood an entire village. The monument dates back to the end of 19th century and the early beginning of the 20th century. The chapel is in a bad state. If the restoration will not start within the next two or three years, the monument will be subject to eventual detoriation and disintegration beyond repair.

Nikolaus Chapel in the village Chuiala in the Pudozh district of Karelia

There are a few wooden houses at the shore of Vodlozero Lake remaining where once stood the village Chuiala, including the Nikolaus Chapel from the 19th century. The chapel had a complicated history, it was rebuilt several times. All buildings gradually disintegrate and if they shoud be preserved, urgent restoration is required.

Bogoiavlensk Church in the village Pole in the Onezsk district of the Archangelsk region

This wooden church dating back to the middle of the 19th century remains in a relatively good state. It only requires major roof and belfry reconstruction. The tower has been already lost. Local residents wish to restore the church, but lack necessary funds to do so.

Flora and Lavra Chapel in the village Karelskaya in the Pleseck district of the Archangelsk region

The chapel of Flora and Lavra dating back to the 19th century is continually disintegrating.

Zosimy and Savvatia Chapel in the village Serednaya (Semenovskaya) in the Belsk district of the Archangelsk region

The chapel dedicated to Zosimy and Savvatia from the 18th century is located in a beautiful natural setting. The building is very dilapidated, however it is saved from total destruction as it stands at a open and well ventilated place. In 2011, some small conservation works were done on the roof.

Vasilev Church in the village Chuxcherma in the Cholmogory district of the Archangelsk region

The church dates back to the 19th century, however its foundations stem from the 17th century. The monument has been little studied and is in the state of disrepair. In addition, the western wall is affected by washing-off process of the river bank of the Severnaya Dvina River.

Nikolskaya Church in the village Unezhma in the Onezsk district of the Archangelsk region

The monument, dating back to years 1822-1824, is on the verge of falling totally apart. The village was abondoned, roads are non-existent. Hence, the church has little chance to be restored at its current location. There is a need to consider to relocate and restore it in a open-air museum or a living village.

Chapel in the village Afoninskaya in the Verchovazh district of the Vologda region

The chapel has no government protection status as a monument. Its origin is estimated at the beginning of the 19th century, however it could be older. In 2010, a group of enthusiasts from Moscow made an attempt to prevent the collapse of the belfry. They put the whole belfry down by crane and reinforced its body. However, their efforts ended at that state.

Chapel in the village Zashondomie in the Pleseck district of the Archangelsk region

It is one of many typical north-Russian chapels destined to disappear. The history and design of the chapel has been little studied and its origin is estimated at the end of the 18th century.