Wooden churches are often associated with ancient Russian architecture. But the skills of ancient builders were not lost in hundreds of years. The proof of this is the Church of the Nativity of Christ in the Ural steppes. Built of larch, without a single nail, survived the Soviet period, the church today attracts attention with its proud appearance.
The temple was built by Kalmyk Cossacks, who arranged a settlement here. They cut down the forest for houses and the church and in 5 years (1904) completed the construction of the temple. The church had a bell tower — the pride of parishioners. The bells were special, cast at the Demidov factory. Their bells spilled far across the neighborhood.
After the victory of the Bolsheviks, hard days came for believers. The last rector of the temple was arrested in 1930. The building was used for economic needs.
They tried to tear it down several times. They removed bells and crosses, dismantled the iconostasis, chopped icons. Some of them have been preserved by local residents.
In 1999, the building was returned to the ROC. It was renovated, painted. Services were resumed in 2005. So far only on Sundays and holidays.
In 2011, during the improvement of the site, a buried well was found. From there they took out a silver cross, a tongue from a large bell, a crucifix.
The well was cleaned and water returned to it. It is believed that it helps against infertility and female diseases.
The church is recognized as a historical object and is under state protection.
Charity FundHoly Land
Temples and Monasteries of Russia
