Church of the Erection of the Cross, Stary Oskol, church building in Stary Oskol, Russia
The Church of the Erection of the Cross in Stary Oskol is a brick building with a cross-in-square design, constructed in 1805 on the site of an earlier wooden church. The structure features a central curved roof over the main area and altar, sloped roofs on the side chapels, a three-level bell tower with a pyramid shape, and wide windows with metal grilles throughout.
The church was built in 1805 by the local community to replace an earlier wooden structure at the same location. Two side chapels were added in the 1840s, and six large bells were cast in 1860, some weighing over one ton. During the Soviet period, the building was used for storage but the congregation continued meeting secretly, and the bells were restored in the 1990s.
The church serves as a center for local worship with a wooden iconostasis featuring three levels in Baroque style and many icons displayed in carved frames. The painted walls depict scenes from Christ's life and saints, creating a space where community members gather for prayer and spiritual reflection.
The church is open from early morning to evening daily and visitors can walk around the building and explore its interior. It is best to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and visitors should respect the quiet religious atmosphere and avoid disrupting any services taking place.
The bell tower contains six original bells cast in 1860, with some weighing over one ton and bearing inscriptions that record the town and church of that era. These bells were removed during the Soviet period but were restored and replaced in the 1990s, making them functional again.
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