Description of the attraction
The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, located in the ancient city of Staraya Russa, was built in 1371, and the St. Nicholas Church is still in operation. The location for the church was chosen the most suitable, where it is especially free and spacious, and not far from the church there is a pre-existing riverbed called Porusya. An amazingly picturesque view opens up from all sides of the temple. Next to the Nikolsky Church is the courtyard of a certain princely governor, and in the distance you can see a large Trade Square. According to the largest number of chronicle sources, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is most often referred to under the name of the Church of St. Nicholas in the City.
Initially, the church was built quite small and four pillars, which made it one of the identical representatives of the largest number of churches of that time. As for the external and internal dimensions of the temple, it is worth emphasizing that they were very small - only 8 x 8 meters, while the internal space was especially small and cramped - 5, 6 x 5 meters. According to the information and research of historians, at the beginning of its existence, the church had only one chapter, as well as a wide narthex.
If we take into account the material from which the church was built, then we can confidently say that there are very few bricks in the masonry. Brick was used to a greater extent in laying out vaults, window openings and arches. The construction of the walls was carried out from hewn limestone slabs, as well as shell rock, while all the ceilings of the church were made of wood.
The monks selected the temple utensils necessary for church needs with particular care. Much attention was paid to the carved iconostasis, which housed the luxurious and beautiful appearance of St. Nicholas of Mirliki, who was the patron saint of commercial affairs.
Over the years, St. Nicholas Church was gradually and irreversibly destroyed and badly dilapidated. At the end of the 18th century, it was decided to carry out restoration work in the church in the exact likeness of the former temple. The leading architect completely recreated all the proper church buildings, although he made them even more beautiful and durable. During the same period of time, the previously one-domed temple became five-domed. A high bell tower was built not far from the temple in 1750.
For many decades, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker delighted a large number of local and visiting parishioners with its appearance, because it was there that they were calm and especially comfortable. But at the beginning of the 19th century, everything changed dramatically. All churches were closed en masse and became the property of the state. It becomes clear that this fate did not pass by the Nikolsky temple in Staraya Russa. In mid-1931, the temple was closed to parishioners, and a vegetable store was equipped in it.
During the Great Patriotic War, St. Nicholas Church was repeatedly destroyed, although in the shortest possible time it was restored in the post-war years. By decree of the city authorities, it was decided to place a part of the exposition of the famous local history museum in the church building, which was soon brought to life. After some time, the temple premises were repeatedly used completely for other purposes - either for household needs, or for communist meetings.
In 1990, the premises of the church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker were given to one Old Believer community, the leadership of which decided to carry out major repair and restoration work. Despite the fact that the repair was carried out very quickly, it was still of high quality, so in 1991, on the feast of the Nativity of Christ, the first divine service took place.
Some time later, in 1992, the city archbishop of Staraya Russa developed a special project providing for the construction of an additional building located between the bell tower and the church, which was brought to life. A refectory, a wardrobe, a vestibule and outbuildings appeared in the room. A fence was made around the perimeter of the church. A year later, the five bells on the bell tower and the dome were replaced.
Today, renovation work continues in St. Nicholas Church and services are regularly held.
