Sacred Complex
“They Worshipped a Stone Idol”: Sacred Landscapes - Orthodox–Pagan Syncretism in Northern Traditions
In Christian terminology—and in common popular perception—any interaction between humans and natural objects on a sacred level is usually interpreted as “pagan worship” of stones, springs, trees, or groves. As if peopl...
The Everlasting Footprint
On the banks of the Saba River, in the village of Raykovo, stands the Chapel of Archangel Michael. This small wooden church is unusual in its design: a log structure encircled on three sides by an open gallery, offerin...
Khalui II - The Chapel of Prophet Elijah and the Sacred Stone
Approaching Khalui from the direction of Oshevensk, the first thing that greets you after crossing the Churyega bridge is the Chapel of Prophet Elijah. Erected in the grim and hoary 18th century, it stands as a classic...
Khaluy III or Sacrilege: Crime and Punishment
If you take a walk along the "embankment" of the village of Khaluy — a steep high slope running along the river of the same name — and carefully make your way down at a certain spot, you will find two crosses sheltered...
Iskolena: A Mystical Tale from Russian Folk Beliefs
Near the town of Troitsk, there still stand three linden trees, famed throughout the surrounding region. They sprang from a single root, yet came to be known collectively by the name Iskolena . In ancient times...
12.01.2024