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…in spring 1964, when Volga-Baltic Waterway was deepened and modernized, the water plane in Lake Beloye had risen, enabling passage of heavy tonnage ships and leaving ancient villages and entire lives sunken. The inhabitants of the flooded territories disassembled their homes and moved, with the Church of Nativity of Christ being left in the abandoned land.
The Church of Nativity of Christ in the village of Krokhino is a unique historical and cultural monument. The church of Krokhino was constructed in late XVIII century by the side of Lake Beloye, at Sheksna River outlet, and presently remains the only Russian church-on-the-water, surviving after vast territories were flooded during the construction of Volga-Baltic Waterway.
This monument is multifaceted, since the Church of Nativity of Christ and the village of Krokhino are:
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◊ historical “gateway” into the ancient lands surrounding Lake Beloye, a symbol of formation of the Russian nationhood at this waterway crossroad, and of Christianity in the Russian North;
◊ a homage to people resettled from the flooded territory, holy places destroyed, churches and monasteries demolished;
◊ a prominent part of archeological heritage of the ancient IX century town of Beloozero and XIV century Krokhino suburb;
◊ vast potential of Krokhino for tourism, due to its location at popular water touring route “Knowing Russian North” Moscow - Saint Petersburg – Moscow, coursed by hundreds of ships and many thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. |
 Therefore, significance of the Church of Nativity of Christ resides not only in its architecture, but primarily – in its history and spirit.
The project of preservation and restoration of the Church of Nativity of Christ in Krokhino (Byelozersky District of Vologda Region) combines a number of historical, cultural and social endeavors related to various eras, events and persons.
The goal of the project is to preserve and restore the Church of Nativity of Christ in Krokhino, which is the embodiment of the history of the flooded settlements and Ancient North, and to develop the touring potential of Krokhino as a unique historical and cultural place of Russia.
For further information regarding to the Project Development Schedule, Technical Concept of the Project, and the expert opinions of the competent bodies and other
Documents
please see the corresponding sections. |
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 How often, when passing scenic historical places, we take a memento photo… Sailing by the Church of Nativity of Christ standing on water for five decades, over half million tourists got to see, examine and capture it.
Just imagine: amidst the water mirror a white colossal church emerges, — how could it be here, maybe just a vision? Then understanding comes: the church is real, and… flooded.
Just a few more years pass and the majority of forgotten and decrepit churches in Russia will become shapeless ruins beyond repair. Each time turning our backs on another timeworn historical building, mansion or church, we expect someone else to take care of them. That object is not our own, it belongs to the public, so there’s nothing wrong in passing by, is it? And what will we show and tell our children about the ancient places and towns? Most likely nothing but those photos made long time ago in the places already non-existent…
The Church of Nativity of Christ in Krokhino and other surviving historical buildings represent unique efforts and labors of our predecessors, worthy of utmost respect. The time has come for us to take maintenance of the monuments of history on ourselves, for we all represent the society responsible for our own cultural legacy.
By combining our efforts we will manage to preserve our history!
Director of Charitable foundation
“Centre of cultural
heritage rebirth “Krokhino”,
Tukayeva A.R.
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