Annunciation Church in Arkazhi, Medieval Orthodox church in Veliky Novgorod, Russia

The Annunciation Church sits near Myachino Lake and features architectural elements typical of 12th-century religious structures in the Novgorod region. The building has stone walls and a simple interior layout centered around the altar area.

Built in 1179 by Archbishop Ioann (Ilya) and his brother Grigory (Gavriil), the church is said to mark the tenth anniversary of Novgorod's victory over Suzdal. Chronicles record that construction took 70 days; a legend tells of a miraculous horse bringing the brothers two chests of gold and silver to finish the work. Grigory, later archbishop, commissioned its frescoes in 1189. It burned in 1386, and in the 16th century its vaults, dome and upper walls collapsed; it was rebuilt in the 1680s.

The name \"in Arkazhi\" comes from the nearby village of Arkazhi, not from the Arkazhsky Monastery, which the church never belonged to. The frescoes, painted in 1189, show the Novgorod school's bright palette and sharp outlines. Near the south apse is the shared grave of Archimandrite Photius and Countess Orlova-Chesmenskaya, whose remains were moved here by believers after their tombs were opened in the 1930s.

The building is open to visitors and provides informative materials about its architecture and historical importance. It is best to wear sturdy footwear since the church sits on uneven ground and the paths around the site are not always paved.

The church owes its name to the nearby village of Arkazhi, not to the Arkazhsky Monastery founded later; it belonged to the Annunciation Monastery established by Ioann and Gavriil together with the church. By the south apse lies the shared grave of Archimandrite Fotiy and Countess Orlova-Chesmenskaya, whose remains believers moved here after their tombs at Yuryev Monastery were opened in the 1930s.