First Divine Liturgy in 100 Years Celebrated at Restored Karelia Church
Karelia marked a milestone in its church restoration efforts with the first Divine Liturgy in a century at the Church of the Nativity in Vekhruchy, highlighting a broader revival of the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
KARELIA, RUSSIA — The restoration of Orthodox holy sites is continuing in Russia’s Republic of Karelia, including the historic Church of the Nativity of Christ in the village of Vekhruchy, Prionezhsky District.
Head of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov visited the church, which is slated for restoration, and took part in a landmark event there: the first Sunday Divine Liturgy celebrated at the site in more than 100 years. The service was held at the metochion of the Novodevichy Women’s Monastery and gathered local residents alongside Abbess Margarita.
Parfenchikov described the occasion as a meaningful return to spiritual roots for many in the region, noting that the church is once again becoming a center of faith and an important stop on the “Great Russian Northern Way,” a pilgrimage route spanning more than 5,000 kilometers across 12 regions of Russia, including Karelia.
Following the service, the head of the republic presented Abbess Margarita with the honorary badge “For Contribution to the Development of the Republic of Karelia,” praising her efforts to preserve Orthodox traditions and support pilgrimage.
Parfenchikov also noted that, ahead of the 800th anniversary of the Baptism of the Karelians in 2027, Karelia continues to restore churches, establish educational centers, and renew museum spaces.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Holy Trinity Monastery appealed for funding for cupola and mosaic restoration.
