Unique Orthodox church of 12th century restored in Veliky Novgorod - 16 December, 2002

Restoration of a unique Orthodox church of the 12th century has been completed in the north-western Russian city of Veliky Novgorod, this correspondent was told on Monday at the Novgorod regional committee on culture, cinema and tourism.

The church restored in Veliky Novgorod after many years of repairs is that of Fedor Stratilat.

According to chronicles, this ancient Russian Orthodox church, considered one of the most beautiful historical monuments in Veliky Novgorod, was built in 1118, and suffered numerous alterations.

In this Novgorod church, restorers have been able to give a second lease of life to medieval paintings.

The unique Orthodox church will be handed over to the Russian Orthodox Church on Saint Nicholas' Day, Thursday, December 19.

According to information from the Novgorod diocesan administration, the Fedor Stratilat church will become the 108th functioning Orthodox church in the Novgorod region.