The Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin in Cherkessk is one of the oldest and most significant Orthodox landmarks in the city, located at 156V Lenin Street. This wooden church, built in the 18th century, is a unique architectural and historical monument that reflects the path of Orthodoxy in the North Caucasus. Here is a detailed description:
The Church of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God in Cherkessk
stands as a remarkable testament to resilience and faith, with a history
deeply intertwined with the migrations and settlements of the Cossacks.
Located at 156V Lenin Street in the heart of Cherkessk, the capital of
Karachay-Cherkessia, this wooden structure is one of the city's oldest
Orthodox landmarks, dating back to the 18th century and serving as both
an architectural gem and a symbol of enduring Orthodoxy in the North
Caucasus.
Its origins trace to 1730, when Cossacks from the
Khopersky Regiment built it as a modest wooden Nikolsky prayer house
along the banks of the Khoper River in what is now the Volgograd Region.
This initial construction reflected the practical needs of frontier
life, using local materials to create a simple place of worship for the
military settlers.
In 1825, as part of broader imperial efforts
to fortify the southern borders, the Cossacks were relocated to the
Caucasus to establish the Stavropol fortress along the Azov-Mozdok
defensive line. Demonstrating their deep attachment to their spiritual
heritage, they carefully dismantled the church and transported it to
Stavropol, where it remained operational until 1831. That year marked
another extraordinary chapter: Cossacks from the nearby Stavropolskaya
village, chanting psalms and prayers, carried the disassembled timbers
on foot over rugged terrain to the Batalpashinskaya village (modern-day
Cherkessk). There, it was rebuilt adjacent to the emerging stone
Nikolaevsky Cathedral, integrating it into the growing community's
religious landscape.
The church's prominence grew over the
decades. In 1876, Emperor Alexander II officially elevated its status to
that of a cathedral, recognizing its role in fostering Orthodox
traditions among the Cossack populations. However, by 1901, with the
completion of the grander stone cathedral, the wooden structure was
dismantled once more and relocated to the southern outskirts of the
city. It was solemnly reconsecrated on October 27, 1902 (November 9 in
the new style calendar) in honor of the Intercession of the Holy Mother
of God—a dedication chosen to commemorate the founding of
Batalpashinskaya on October 14, 1825, which coincided with the feast day
of the Intercession.
Architecturally, the church is a fine
example of Cossack wooden craftsmanship, built from hewn oak logs atop a
sturdy stone foundation to withstand the region's challenging climate.
Its cross-shaped plan features a small bell tower positioned over the
entrance, complemented by three elegant stone porches, each supported by
four columns. The exterior maintains a humble yet graceful aesthetic,
with simple wooden carvings, a traditional Orthodox dome, and a
prominent cross. Inside, visitors find a restored wooden iconostasis and
frescoes updated in the late 20th century, fostering a warm, intimate
atmosphere for worship.
Among its cherished relics are the Iveron
Icon of the Mother of God, crafted in 1904 at the New Athos Monastery in
Abkhazia, and the Icon of the Mother of God "It is Truly Worthy,"
originating from the early 20th century at a Russian skete on Mount
Athos.
During the Soviet era, the church remarkably evaded the
widespread destruction that befell many religious sites, remaining open
throughout and emerging as a vital stronghold for Orthodoxy in the
region amid persecution and secularization efforts. This continuity
allowed it to preserve traditions and provide spiritual solace. From
1976 to 2004, Mitred Archpriest Vasily Afonin served as rector,
transforming it into the spiritual epicenter of Karachay-Cherkessia
through his dedicated leadership; his grave now lies nearby as a site of
reverence. Other notable rectors include Vasily Finance (1939–1941),
Vyacheslav Kovalenko (up to 2011), Mikhail Samokhin (2011–2016), and the
current rector, Archpriest Alexander Nartov, who assumed the role on
March 29, 2016, and has authored a book detailing the church's storied
past. In 2023, to mark what is considered its 180th anniversary in the
local context, a comprehensive book titled "History of the Intercession
Church of the City of Cherkessk and its Clergy" was published and made
available in the regional library.
Today, the church remains an
active parish under the Pyatigorsk diocese's Northern Karachay-Cherkess
deanery, hosting regular services—typically Liturgy at 8:00 AM and
evening prayers at 4:00 PM. Well-maintained with surrounding gardens,
benches, and flower beds, it continues to embody the Cossacks'
indomitable spirit, having survived nearly three centuries of
relocations, wars, and ideological shifts. As a cultural and religious
anchor, it not only honors its Cossack roots but also fosters community
unity in a diverse region.
The Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin is a rare example
of all-wooden architecture of the 18th century:
Materials: Built
of hewn oak logs on a stone foundation, which ensured its durability.
Layout: Cross-shaped with a small bell tower above the entrance. The
temple is decorated with three stone porches with four columns each,
which gives it elegance.
Exterior: Modest but elegant, with simple
wooden trim that preserves the spirit of Cossack architecture. The dome
is small, traditionally Orthodox, with a cross.
Interior: Inside
there is a wooden iconostasis, restored after the Soviet years, and
paintings updated at the end of the 20th century. The atmosphere is cozy
and warm.
The temple holds several significant relics:
Iveron Icon of the
Mother of God: Painted in 1904 in the New Athos Monastery (Abkhazia).
Icon of the Mother of God "It is truly worthy": Created in the early
20th century in the Russian skete on Mount Athos.
The church is active and is part of the Pyatigorsk diocese (Northern
Karachay-Cherkess deanery). Services are held regularly:
Schedule: Liturgy - 8:00, evening service - 16:00 (check on the church
website pokrov-cherkessk.ru).
Condition: The church is well-kept, the
area around is equipped with benches and flower beds. The grave of
Father Vasily Afonin is nearby, which adds spiritual significance to the
place.
The Church of the Intercession is not only a religious center, but also a symbol of fortitude. For almost 300 years, it has survived wars, persecutions and several transfers, remaining active. Its history is connected with the Cossacks, and the consecration in honor of the Intercession reflects the faith of the first settlers who entered the village on this holiday. In 2023, for the 180th anniversary of the temple, the book "History of the Intercession Church of the City of Cherkessk and its Clergy" was published, available in the local library.
How to get there: From the center of Cherkessk (Lenin Street) - 5-10
minutes on foot or by bus # 5 to the stop "Ul. Lenina". By car -
coordinates: 44.210278, 42.042222.
Hours: The temple is open daily,
admission is free.
Vasily Finance (July 2, 1939 - April 4, 1941)
Vasily
Afonin (October 25, 1976 - 2004)
Vyacheslav Kovalenko (? - 2011)
Mikhail Samokhin (2011 - March 29, 2016)
Alexander Nartov (since
March 29, 2016)