← Back to feed · Map

Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Vykovo

Фото 1
In the early 20th century, the construction of a new church in honor of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary became a significant event for the residents of the village of Aibary. The architect K. Vasilyev was responsible for the design of the church. It was planned that the church would accommodate 400-500 people. The foundation was to be made of yellow Eupatoria stone, while the vaults and drums of the dome were to be made of concrete using the Menye system.

On July 21, 1903, the architect submitted the project for approval to the construction department of the Taurida provincial government, and in August of the same year, the project was approved. Construction lasted seven years, accompanied by difficulties and delays. Financing required constant investments, and there were often shortages of funds for materials and labor. However, by 1910, the church was completed according to the project. The laying and consecration of the crosses were accompanied by solemn ceremonies.

On the church grounds, a house for the priest and a caretaker's house for the psalmist were built. These buildings, along with all the church land, constituted a single property with two desyatinas of land. There was also a parish school and other structures. The church was located next to the old church, at the intersection of a busy trade road, making it a center of attraction for merchants, pilgrims, and parishioners from nearby villages.

The five-domed church with a tall bell tower was visible from afar. Its architecture was characterized by compactness and harmony. The cross-dome structure of the church was clearly expressed both inside and outside. The interior decoration included paintings on religious themes, a carved iconostasis, and church utensils. Heating was provided by stoves.

After the revolution, the church buildings were transferred to the village council. In 1924, parishioners were allowed to use the church, but in 1928, after an earthquake, the building was declared emergency. Repairs were not carried out, and the church was used as a club. In 1937, the bell tower and domes were dismantled. During the war, the domes were restored, but in 1961, the church was closed again and used as a warehouse. The building suffered greatly from time and lack of repairs.

In 1991, a prayer house was opened in the village, and the restoration of the church began. In 1994, Metropolitan Lazar blessed the restoration work, which lasted seven years. Funding came mainly from donations. Restoration began in 1995, the walls were restored in 1996, the main dome was installed in 1998, and the small domes in 1999. In 2000, finishing works were completed, and in 2002, the bells were consecrated and raised.

The Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the village of Vykovo has become a monument of architecture and culture of Orthodox Christianity in Crimea. The restoration, completed in 2003, returned the church to its original purpose and beauty. On August 22, 2003, Metropolitan Lazar consecrated the church.

Geo point

Церковь Покрова Пресвятой Богородицы в Вйково

Comments