Saint Catherine's Church, Lutheran religious building in Arkhangelsk, Russia.
Saint Catherine's Church is a former Lutheran church in central Arkhangelsk, built in stone in 1768. Originally Baroque, it took on a more Gothic appearance after several rebuildings. Inside, a pipe organ spans the full height of the building. It now serves as a chamber hall of the Pomor State Philharmonic.
Lutherans built the stone church in 1768, replacing an earlier wooden one; a Reformed parish had existed since the mid-17th century and a Lutheran parish since 1683. A decree of 30 November 1817 merged the two parishes, with festive services held mainly here. After the October Revolution the church was closed, used as a gymnasium, then handed to the philharmonic.
The church began as the Lutheran parish founded by German and Dutch merchants in the 17th century; a Reformed parish existed first, and a Lutheran one followed by 1683. A decree of 30 November 1817 merged the two parishes, with festive services held mainly in Saint Catherine's. Today the former church is a chamber hall of the Pomor State Philharmonic, used for organ and classical concerts and ceremonies.
The building stands in the centre of Arkhangelsk and now serves as the chamber hall of the Pomor State Philharmonic, so visits depend on its concert programme rather than on church opening hours. Look for the organ that rises the full height of the hall. The interior is used for performances and ceremonies, not worship.
Inside, a pipe organ rises through the full height of the building, installed after the former church was converted into a concert hall of the Pomor State Philharmonic. The organ is the room's defining feature, and organ and chamber music concerts are held here regularly.
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