The Ilyinskaya Church, built in 1746, is an example of stone architecture from the early Baroque period, although it has lost some of its original appearance. The first mention of it dates back to 1628, when it was called "the church of Nicholas the Wonderworker beyond the stockade." In documents from 1674, it is referred to as "the church of Saint Prophet Elijah with the altar of Nicholas the Wonderworker." For a long time, it was known among the people and in official acts as "Nicholas, that on the graveyard." The church is two-storied, with a square base, to which a three-part apse is attached, and on the western side, there is a one-story refectory. The walls of the apse, square base, and refectory are adorned with richly ornamented window frames and cornices that frame the upper parts of the building. The ribs of the temple's volumes and the refectory are designed as triple half-columns, completing the ornamental composition. The southern wall of the church features portals whose decorations complement the patterned decor, creating a lace-like play of light and shadow on the brick walls, giving the building elegance and lightness. The Ilyinskaya Church demonstrates the craftsmanship of Arzamas builders.

According to N.M. Shchegolkov, the church was built "extremely solidly and firmly," with two-arsin walls and windows with grilles even in the dome, which indicates a fear of robbers or enemy attacks. The floor in the church was made of cast iron, gifted by parishioners, the merchants Tsybyshev, who owned ironworks.

The interior space of the church measures 40 arshins from the eastern wall of the altar to the western wall and 14 arshins in width from the southern side to the northern side. The walls and the vault of the upper dome were plastered, painted pink, and decorated. The main altar is dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and was consecrated in 1746. The refectory has two altars: the right in honor of Saint Apostle Matthew, and the left, of Saint Prophet Elijah.

Historian of the Russian Church Makary notes that the church houses a carved crucifix, acquired in the late 17th century by the townsman of Arzamas Shayan, also known as Kashchey. N.M. Shchegolkov dedicated an entire chapter in his book "Historical Information about Arzamas" to this crucifix, titled "Tale of the Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, located in the Church of the Prophet Elijah in Arzamas."

The Ilyinskaya Church, along with the warm church of Andrew the First-Called and the tall three-tiered bell tower, formed the ensemble of the Ilyin parish. Unfortunately, the bell tower has not survived.