17th-century Russian church restored and reopened after 16 years

Belozersk, Vologda Province, Russia, November 3, 2026

Photo: belozermus.ru Photo: belozermus.ru     

A wooden church that sat closed to visitors for 16 years is open again in the northern Russian town of Belozersk.

The Church of the Prophet Elijah, built in 1690, was consecrated on November 2 after a two-year restoration. His Grace Bishop Ignaty of Cherepovets and Belozersk led the service, the diocese reports.

The regional budget put more than 70 million rubles (about $870,000) toward the work. Local residents’ appeals prompted the decision to restore the church, reports vologda-poisk.ru.

Photo: belozermus.ru Photo: belozermus.ru     

The church was built in the late 17th century and now has federal cultural heritage status. It’s the only surviving wooden church in Belozersk. Its old interior paintings, which are more than 300 years old, are especially valuable.

During the restoration, specialists tried to keep every surviving element of the structure, making new parts using traditional techniques to bring back the church’s historic look as carefully as possible.

After the consecration, the church was closed again for the winter, in line with the requirements for preserving wooden monuments. It will begin receiving visitors regularly on June 1.

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11/3/2026

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