The Church of the Epiphany (Церковь Богоявления Господня) is a significant stone Orthodox church in the village of Pezhma, Velsky District, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia. Constructed in the early 19th century, it stands as a cultural and architectural landmark of the Russian North, blending classical design with baroque elements. Replacing earlier wooden churches, it has endured prosperity, Soviet-era closure, and recent revival efforts. With its five-domed structure, towering bell tower, and multiple chapels, it serves as Pezhma’s spiritual and communal heart. As of August 2025, the church is active but holds services only in summer due to ongoing restoration and the lack of a resident priest. It draws visitors for its historical significance and role in local cultural initiatives, embodying the resilience of rural Russian heritage.
Located in Pezhma, a village of about 1,500 residents on the Pezhma River, the church is roughly 20 kilometers southwest of Velsk, the district center. Part of the Pujemskoye Rural Settlement in Velsky District, Pezhma is set amid the forested, riverine landscapes of the Russian North, with traditional wooden houses and rolling terrain. The church occupies elevated ground, its white-plastered facade and bell tower dominating the village skyline, visible from a distance. The Pezhma River enhances the scenic setting, while nearby chapels, such as the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Bereg and St. Panteleimon in Sinega, connect it to a regional network of religious sites. Its prominent position makes it a focal point for both locals and tourists exploring the area’s cultural heritage.
Pezhma’s parish, one of the region’s oldest, dates to the 16th
century, originally called Frolovsky. By 1710, a wooden Church of the
Epiphany existed with side chapels, but it burned down in 1729 and was
rebuilt in 1731. Other wooden churches included those dedicated to
Saints Florus and Laurus (rebuilt 1754) and St. Blasius (1707, burned
1883). The current stone church was constructed from 1805 to 1806,
blessed by Bishop Feofilakt of Vologda and Ustyug, replacing a
dilapidated wooden structure. The building contract was signed on
October 13, 1804.
A bell tower was added in 1834 but developed
cracks, leading to its demolition in 1895 after an inspection by Vologda
architect Remer. A new, taller bell tower was built from 1897 to 1904,
with bells installed in 1903 and a cross in 1904. Between 1904 and 1914,
the church was expanded: vaults were rebuilt, refectory and main church
walls were heightened, and the summer church’s second floor was removed
to create a two-light space with round windows under cross vaults.
A
thunderstorm in 1841 damaged altars, which were repaired and
reconsecrated from 1842 to 1858. In 1937, Soviet authorities closed the
church, citing the community’s supposed refusal to maintain it, and
repurposed it as a grain storage and warehouse, with the churchyard used
for machinery. Liturgical items were confiscated in 1922 for famine
relief, and the last service before closure was in 1933. The first
post-Soviet Divine Liturgy was held on July 19, 2009, after 76 years.
Restoration began in the 1990s with community efforts, supported by the
Territorial Public Self-Government (TOS) “Vozrozhdenie” and Moscow’s
Butovo Polygon parish. By the 2010s, repairs focused on the dome and
drums, requiring specialized skills. As of 2025, restoration continues,
with the church dependent on the Holy Dormition Church in Velsk, and
services led by visiting clergy.
The Church of the Epiphany is a large, white-plastered brick
structure in the classical style with baroque influences, characteristic
of early 19th-century Russian ecclesiastical architecture. Initially a
one-story building, it now stands about 32 meters tall (excluding the
bell tower) after expansions. The main volume is a three-light,
single-apsed cube (chetverik) topped by a central dome and a decorative
wooden five-domed structure on faceted drums, a nod to traditional
Russian Orthodoxy. The refectory, adjoined westward, is spacious with
six pillars, featuring cross vaults and round windows added in 1913 for
a two-light effect.
The multi-tiered bell tower, built from 1897 to
1904, reaches 52.5 meters with its cross, showcasing classical
proportions and decorative elements. Entrances are styled as triumphal
arches, enhancing the facade’s grandeur. The structure uses brick with
wooden dome elements, and the refectory includes heated stoves for
winter use and a flagstone floor installed in 1828-1829. The design
balances functionality with aesthetic majesty, reflecting the era’s
architectural trends under Alexander I.
The interior houses multiple chapels: the main altar dedicated to the Epiphany, an upper chapel for the Holy Trinity (removed in the early 20th century), and refectory side chapels for St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and St. George the Victorious. A carved iconostasis was installed in 1824-1825. Soviet-era repurposing damaged much of the original interior, with many icons and frescoes lost. Restoration has prioritized functional spaces, and as of 2025, only the St. Nicholas chapel is operational, with others awaiting repair. The interior emphasizes simplicity, with cross vaults and natural light from round windows creating a serene atmosphere. No detailed records of current frescoes or icons exist, but efforts aim to restore historical authenticity.
As a federal cultural heritage site, the Church of the Epiphany is central to Pezhma’s identity as a “creative village.” Its restoration has spurred tourism and community engagement, with initiatives like the “Skalinka” museum, theatrical performances of village history, traditional song and dance festivals, and culinary programs like “Pezhem Delicacies” showcasing local foods. The church hosts summer services, weddings, and baptisms, strengthening community ties. Supported by TOS “Vozrozhdenie” and external parishes, it draws visitors from Velsk and beyond, positioning Pezhma as a cultural hub in Velsky District. In 2025, it symbolizes local pride, with events like guided tours and folk craft workshops centered around its historical presence.
As of August 2025, the church is active but operates seasonally, with Sunday services in summer conducted by visiting clergy from Velsk due to the lack of a resident priest. Restoration continues, focusing on the dome, drums, and bell tower, with challenges in securing specialized expertise. The St. Nicholas chapel functions, while others remain under repair. The church is open to visitors, integrated into regional tourism programs, and supported by community fundraising. Its bell tower’s chimes resonate across the village, reinforcing its role as a local landmark.
The church connects to nearby religious sites, including the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God chapel in Bereg (late 19th century) and St. Panteleimon chapel in Sinega. Its history reflects broader regional events, such as the 1917 parish council formation and 1922 confiscations for famine relief. Built during Alexander I’s reign, it exemplifies Russian ecclesiastical architecture’s transition to classical forms. Visitors access it via tours from Velsk, experiencing Pezhma’s folk traditions and natural beauty alongside the church’s grandeur. The ongoing restoration underscores community commitment to preserving this architectural gem in the Russian North.