Sarley, Nizhny Novgorod Province, Russia, June 30, 2026
Photo: molit-nne.ru
For the first time in a century, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the village of Sarley, Nizhny Novgorod Province, on June 27, the feast of the Synaxis of the Diveyevo Saints.
The service was celebrated by Archpriest Anthony Balabanov and Deacon Dmitry Lantsov. Residents of the village and surrounding settlements were finally able to receive Holy Communion within the walls of the church after a long period of disuse, reports the Molitov Deanery.
Photo: molit-nne.ru
The restoration of the church came about through the combined efforts of local authorities, benefactors, clergy, and parishioners. Significant practical support was provided by dean and rector Archpriest Arkady Zabaturin, who supplied cement and worked alongside parishioners to pour the concrete floor.
Over the course of four years, substantial work was completed on the building, including restoration of the floor, repairs to the basement level, reinforcement of the masonry, repair of the roof, and reconstruction of the dome and cross. Remaining tasks include installing windows and doors, completing exterior and interior plastering, running electricity and heating systems, and laying tile flooring.
Photo: molit-nne.ru
The parish in Sarley today numbers around 100 people. Historically, the church served as a spiritual center for residents of approximately ten settlements. Before the revolution, the parish had as many as 1,700 members.
OrthoChristian has reported on the revival of liturgical life in many such churches. In August, the first Divine Liturgy since the Soviet era was celebrated in the ruins of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Church in the village of Yusupovo, Nizhny Novgorod Province.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, and MeWe!
