Kirillov, Vologda Province, Russia, October 4, 2024
The Church of the Transfiguration at St. Cyril of White Lake Monastery. Photo: kirmuseum.org
The first service in 200 years was recently held in the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord at the St. Cyril of White Lake Monastery
The historic Liturgy for this 16th-century church and the entire monastery was led by the monastery abbot, Igume Anastasy (Dodarchuk), reports the St. Cyril of White Lake Museum-Preserve.
“For the first time in many years, a Divine Liturgy is being served in this church—this is truly an historic event,” Fr. Anastasy said during the service.
Photo: kirmuseum.org
“We know that a church without prayer as if dies, it ceases to live its full life. Thanks to the fact that we now have the opportunity to hold services here, the church has transformed from an uninhabited building into a true house of God! Everyone present at the Liturgy prayed, and a common prayer was raised. The church has opened up a second life for itself!”
It is specified that the Transfiguration Church had been closed since the 19th century, and only now has the first service been celebrated after the completion of restoration work in the church.
“According to our information, the last service in this church took place in the 19th century. After a fire occurred in the church, and the monastery at that time did not have sufficient funds for construction work, prayer services were discontinued,” said Mikhail Sharomazov, Director General of the Museum-Preserve.
Photo: kirmuseum.org
He emphasized that despite the Transfiguration Church being an architectural monument with a permanent museum exhibition, from this year on, services will be held in the church on its patronal feast on August 6/19.
17th-century church restored at St. Cyril of White Lake MonasteryWork on the Great Hospital Wards (1643-1644) and the hospital Church of St. Euphymy (1646) began in 2022.
“>In April, OrthoChristian reported that the Great Hospital Wards (1643-1644) and the hospital Church of St. Euphymy (1646) at St. Cyril of White Lake Monastery were restored.
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