Yantsevary, Tatarstan, Russia, May 5, 2026
Photo: tatmitropolia.ru
A joyful spiritual milestone was reached in the village of Yantsevary in the Russian Republic of Tatarstan, where the first Divine Liturgy in nine decades was celebrated at the historic Church of the Protection of the Mother of God, reports Orthodoxy in Tatarstan.
The service was conducted by Father Yaroslav Petrushchenkov, dean of the Pestrechinsky District.
The Holy Protection Church was originally built in 1884 with funds provided by Pavel Vasilyevich Shchetinkin, a first-guild merchant. The church was closed in 1936, and the building was subsequently converted into a school. During this period, the structure underwent significant alterations, including the installation of internal partitions and inter-floor ceilings.
Photo: tatmitropolia.ru
After the school relocated to a new building, the old church fell into abandonment for many years. The bell tower, refectory section, narthex, and southern wall were destroyed. Trees and weeds overtook the church grounds, and the building itself remained in a state of disrepair for an extended period.
“However, the Risen Lord has resurrected our church as well, and by the feast of Pascha it began to return to life,” Fr. Yaroslav commented. “By the blessing of the bishop, work began at the church. The forest was cleared, the debris removed. Inside, we placed icons and installed a temporary altar and table of oblation, so that we could celebrate with great joy the first Paschal service in almost a century.”
The prayers and hymns of the Liturgy were sung in both Church Slavonic and Kryashen languages.
Following the service, a traditional Paschal procession circled the church. Villagers and guests then continued their celebration with a festive meal.
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