Description of the attraction
In the days of ancient Russia, churches in the name of Alexander Nevsky were a frequent phenomenon. One of the temples dedicated to this particular faithful was built in the Leningrad region in the city of Volosovo.
The historical development of the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky began in 1902. Its construction was funded by the wealthy princess Balashova Anastasia Feodorovna. The main building material was wood, and after the temple was finally built, its walls were plastered and painted beige; at the bottom of the temple building there was a strip of pink color. In the interior, one vestibule and three volumes should be distinguished. Along the perimeter, the entire church building is decorated with carved wooden platbands located along the very edge of the roof. The roof was covered with galvanized sheet metal, and on top was a dome equipped with a cross. The church windows are tall and right in the center. The main entrance was decorated with high massive columns and was located at the end of the church. All entrances in the temple are built for the convenience of parishioners and are equipped with railings.
The temple abode is small in size, but it is cozy and outwardly looks very elegant. The belfry is located separately from the temple building. The territory adjacent to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is beautifully designed and well-groomed.
In the fall of September 12, 1904, the consecration of the church throne in the name of St. Alexander Nevsky took place. A major significant date was celebrated by the temple in 2000, when it turned 96 years old. During its existence, the church has gone through three wars, moreover, it was closed several times. In 1925, the church of Alexander Nevsky was closed for six months, but soon the parishioners were able to achieve its opening.
In the summer of 1937, the temple ceased its activities again - the cross was removed, the bell tower was destroyed, the bell was broken, and all church property was lost. The temple has turned into a clubhouse. In 1939, the House of Officers worked here, and opposite it was a dance floor - now there is a church cemetery here.
During the Great Patriotic War and for some time after it, there was a camp of the so-called displaced persons in the temple building. After some time, at the request of Orthodox believers, the temple was opened for the purpose of worship. From that moment to the present day, the temple has been operating, accepting everyone who wants to visit it.
As for the icons of the Church of Alexander Nevsky, almost all of them were brought from the village of Opolye, and some miraculously survived in the houses of parishioners. One of the most valuable was the icon called "The Resurrection of Jesus Christ", which was generously donated by Princess Balashova. Some icons are especially precious in terms of their history. Unfortunately, some of the icon painting techniques have been lost.
Burial of Princess A. F. Balashova has survived to this day. In honor of the blessed memory for her good deeds, it was decided to arrange her grave on the territory of the Alexander Nevsky Church, right behind the altar.
In the post-war period, attempts were made to close the church again, but the plan was never implemented. Today, the church of St. Alexander Nevsky requires major repairs.
