Saint Michael the Archangel Church, Yelets, Orthodox church in Yelets, Russia

Saint Michael the Archangel Church is an Orthodox church in Yelets whose main church building is in the Russian-Byzantine style, while its bell tower follows early Classicism. The church was rebuilt several times and reached the early 21st century in a semi-ruined state; active restoration began in 2018, and it is now almost fully restored.

A wooden Church of Michael the Archangel stood in Yelets in the 17th and 18th centuries; the stone church was built in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was rebuilt repeatedly and reached the early 21st century half-ruined. Active restoration began in 2018, and the church is now almost fully restored.

The church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael, a figure Orthodox tradition depicts as leader of the heavenly hosts. The building stands in Yelets, a town on the Bystraya Sosna in Lipetsk Oblast, and is listed as a regional cultural heritage site. Its dedication links it to a widespread Russian custom of naming churches after archangels and military saints.

The church welcomes visitors on several weekdays and offers special religious services during major Orthodox holidays throughout the year. It helps to check availability before visiting and be aware that active worship may affect access to certain areas.

The church preserves two distinct architectural styles: the main worship area was built in the Russian-Byzantine style, while the bell tower follows early classicism. By the early 21st century the building stood half-ruined, and active restoration began only in 2018.