On the high bank of Nizhny Novgorod stands a temple, the like of which does not exist in all stone architecture of Russia. The Assumption Church on Ilyinskaya Hill is the only one in the country covered«Baptised barrel of four faces»— a reception that came from wooden architecture and converted to stone only once.
Merchant, customs head and vow
The first mention of the monastery on Ilyinskaya mountain refers to 1606 — then there was a men’s monastery with a wooden Assumption Church. The monastery was later abolished, the church became parish.
The stone temple was built in 1672 at the expense of the Nizhny Novgorod merchant Afanasy Firsovich Olisov. In 1666, he became the Nizhny Novgorod customs head, and shortly before leaving for Astrakhan for the sovereign’s service he vowed: if things go well — to build a stone Assumption Church. The vow was fulfilled.
Fires, rebuilding and near demolition
In 1715, the temple was seriously damaged by fire, but it was restored. In the late XVIII — early XIX century, the unique baptized roof was partially hidden with triangular pediments. In the 1850s, the architect Turmychev erected a new multi-tiered bell tower in the false Byzantine style.
In 1934 the temple was closed. The refectory and bell tower were completely destroyed. The main volume was going to be demolished under a residential quarter, but the architect Vadim Voronkov sent a telegram to the Minister of Culture Ekaterina Furtseva — and the temple was saved. In the 1960s, under the leadership of the restorer Svyatoslav Agafonov, a scientific restoration was carried out: the pediments of the XIX century were removed and the baptized barrel returned.
Renaissance
The final revival took place in 2004 as part of the Ilyinskaya Sloboda project. The refectory and bell tower were recreated in the forms of the XVII century. On July 29, 2004, Bishop George performed a great consecration, and divine services were resumed in the church.
The facades were painted white, the roofs in green, and the chapters in blue with golden stars. In 2011, four mosaic icons were placed on the outer walls.
Shrines
In the temple there is a list with the miraculous icon “Indrinkable Chalice”, particles of the relics of the Great Martyr Barbara, St. Philaret and Innocent of Moscow. In front of the temple there is a memorial sign to Ivan Kulibin – next to the wooden church was once the estate of his parents.
Charitable FoundationHoly Land
Temples and Monasteries of Russia
