Moscow, October 28, 2021
Photo: rgo.ru
A well-known Russian Orthodox Church restoration project was awarded by the Russian Geographical Society at its biennial award ceremony held on October 19 in Moscow.
In particular, Common Cause, dedicated to the revival of wooden churches of the Russian north, took home the award for the Best Historical and Cultural Project, for projects in the field of archeology, ethnography and related sciences aimed at studying, restoring, preserving, and popularizing historical and cultural monuments, Common Cause reports.
Common Cause was founded in 2006 as a project dedicated to restoring and rebuilding wooden churches of the Russian north that were neglected, repurposed, and destroyed during the long years of soviet rule. Work has been carried out on more than 150 churches in 370 trips over the years.
President Vladimir Putin noted in his address to the ceremony that the awarded projects have “great national significance.” Participants in the various projects are “brave, talented, intelligent laborers,” setting a good example for future generations of scientists, historians, and academics, the President added.
In all, about 800 applications were submitted for the 8 awards given by the Society.
Handing the award to Common Cause founder Fr. Alexei Yakovlev, art collector Viktor Vekselberg exclaimed that this initiative that touches “the very heritage of the people that absorbed their soul is an invaluable contribution to ensuring that we preserve our historical identity.” Vekselberg also emphasized that Common Cause is notable in that it has engaged thousands of volunteers in its work of restoring wooden churches.
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