Saint Nicholas church so Usokhi, Orthodox church in Pskov, Russia
Saint Nicholas Church so Usokhi is an Orthodox church in Pskov with white walls and traditional Russian architectural features including domed roofs and decorative stone elements on the exterior. The structure displays the characteristic masonry work and proportions typical of Pskov's architectural tradition.
A stone church on this site was first recorded in 1371, serving as the main church of the Opotsky district. By 1535 it was so dilapidated that it was demolished and replaced by the present building in 1535–1536. In 1780 the two-span belfry was dismantled and a bell tower erected; the church was badly damaged in 1941–1944 and restored in 1945–1947 and 1964–1966 under Yuri Spegalsky.
The name refers to a dried-up marsh or stream, usokha, beside which the church stood; it was the main church of the Opotsky End district. Services resumed on 22 May 2008 after an 80-year break under Soviet rule, led by Metropolitan Yevsey. The parvis once hosted popular assemblies of the district.
The church is open to visitors during the day, though access may be limited if religious services are taking place. It is worth checking ahead to find the best time to visit and to confirm opening conditions.
A legend holds that Ivan the Terrible, passing through Pskov after the Novgorod campaign, ordered the ears cut off the large bell whose ringing had frightened his horse; blood is said to have flowed from the severed ears. The two-span belfry was dismantled in 1780 and replaced by a bell tower, rebuilt as a belfry on the north wall in 1964–1966.
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