Village Ladoga in the Leningrad region - one of the oldest settlements in north-western Russia.It was here in the early Middle Ages originated Russian statehood.In the second half of the XII century begins the Christianization of these lands.At the initiative of Bishop Niphon in Ladoga built seven (according to other sources - eight) temples.Up to now only completely preserved church of St. George in Ladoga and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the border convent.
history of the construction of the St. George Church
temple was built after the victory of Russian troops over the Swedes on the river Voronege.The exact date of the start of construction is not defined, it is only known that the church was erected in 1165-1166 years.In 1445 the wall around the church grew monastery.The founder of the monastery was Archbishop of Novgorod Efimov.Bishop paid great attention to repairing the church, as well as paintings on the walls of the monastery.After so many years of frescoes in need of updating.Before artists were challenged to keep the ancient painting and when creating new murals follow previously adopted the style and content.
Then the temple covered with a new roof, replaced the altar barrier, put the two-tier iconostasis.As such, the monastery existed until the beginning of the Time of Troubles (XVI-XVII centuries.).
In the years 1584-1586 the church of St. George in Ladoga different gable covering vaults and conical dome completion.Above the western facade has attached dvuhprolёtnuyu belfry.During overhaul the church in 1683-1684 gg.hipped gable cover replaced, increased drum, laid four windows, completed rastesku window openings.Unfortunately, at that time we did not pay enough attention to the frescoes, many of which were brought down from the walls and were lost under the new floor.
Scientific Restoration of
interest in ancient Russian painting was revived at the beginning of the XIX century.Church of St. George in Ladoga, whose history goes back centuries, came under the patronage of the Imperial Archaeological Commission.Through the efforts of enthusiasts of the frescoes have been saved.Copying images involved the artist VAProkhorov, NEBrandenburg.The researchers of Russian antiquity VNLazarev, VVSuslov studied art features frescoes.
In XX century the works on the restoration of the temple, which was consecrated in 1904.By a happy coincidence, the Church of St. George in Ladoga escaped the horrific destruction during times of militant atheism.His contribution to the renewal of the monastery have architects, historians, artists, restoration workshops - VVDanilov EADobmrovskaya, AADredge and others.In 1996, restoration work has been completed.As a result, St. George's Church acquired original appearance.The walls of the temple was released from alien accretions, and now the attention of the congregation presented extant works of ancient art.
about Saint George
patron of the church is a holy martyr George that prompted his countrymen to accept the Christian faith.Handling the inhabitants of Palestine to Christianity was the result of a victory over the forces of evil saint, known as George and the Dragon.
In those days, the Palestinian residents of the city Ebal were pagans.Townspeople are very afraid of a terrible snake that lived in the lake and eat people.In order to save his subjects, the king ordered to be eaten on a daily basis to give a child a snake.Once children in the city is left, and brought a sacrifice monster princess.
girl standing on the shore of the lake, resigned to his fate, when suddenly, out of nowhere, appeared a horseman.It was St. George, rode to the aid of citizens.With the help of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, the serpent was defeated, bound and given to slaughter the Palestinians.Seeing the ruined Monster, people rejoiced and believed in Christ.
George and the Dragon is embodied in the icon of the same name.Leake St George defeating the monster, symbolizes the victory of man over the forces of evil on their weaknesses, passions and doubts in the faith.The struggle against evil should not only be around him, but in themselves.
Church of St. George in Ladoga: architecture
As mentioned above, due to the fruitful work of many people, the church restored to its original form.The building matches the style of the iconic buildings of pre-Mongol era.One-domed church has four pillars and three ravnovysokih apse.The height of the temple is fifteen meters, and the area of the monastery is seventy-two square meters.
windows in the north, south and east facades are arranged asymmetrically.Traditional symmetry is observed only on the western facade.Through this architectural design in the appearance of the temple brings some dynamics, and the building does not look classically strict and proportionate.
asymmetry has functional significance: the windows are arranged so that the inside of the room got daylight.Window openings in the fence of the northern and southern facades are constructed in the form of a pyramid.The windows, which are located at the bottom, under the gallery opened.The rooms on the second floor choirs western corner of the church joined wooden flooring.Stairs leading to the gallery, located in the western wall.
Oriental fence side of the temple facades are slightly smaller in size, like the apse pressed into the wall of the drum significantly shifted towards the east.The Church is not strictly centric, which was typical of Novgorod architecture of those times.The temple was built in the fortress, so the masters were forced to take into account existing structures.
temple paintings
George church frescoes of the beginning of the XII century.Byzantine art is intertwined with the social needs of ancient Russia.Appointment paintings - educate people, join the parishioners to Christian values.Especially revered in the Novgorod land was St. Clement of Rome.
George Church Murals are made in the same style.The artists of that time possessed the technical skills, felt color, aware of the term and the laws governing the interaction patterns with the space of the church.
to have survived only a fifth of the frescoes.More clearly visible in all painted dome and drum composition "Ascension of the Lord."On top of the altar depict kings, prophets David and Solomon, Novgorod revered for their wisdom and concern for Christians.Addressed to the governor of the faces of old men: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Gideon, Nahum, Ezekiel.Also stored image of Our Lady of the Archangel Gabriel, Bishop John the Merciful, George, angels.
Town Church
Church of St. George in the village of Staraya Ladoga.It is the oldest settlement in the Leningrad region.The first buildings were discovered in 753.Ladoga is mentioned in the "Tale of Bygone Years" as the possession of Prince Rurik.According to the Novgorod Chronicle, he is buried in the village of Prophetic Oleg.
addition to the St. George Church in Staraya Ladoga has the eponymous museum-reserve, Staraya Ladoga Fortress, male and female monasteries.
