The Village Cathedral

The cathedral is the first big sight you see when you arrive to Illyria. I visited the cathedral each time I was in Illyria. There were not many people at the everyday service. The village cathedral is called St.Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It was called after the great warrior and diplomat Prince St. Alexander Nevsky, Prince of Novgorod, who, according to the legend, had routed the Swedish knights on the banks of the Neva in 1240 and afterwards had been canonized as a saint of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The cathedral was built in 1885 and survived Stalin's dictatorship. Father Alexander is the cathedral dean now. He lives in a small house in the cathedral courtyard. The parish celebrates St.Alexander of the Neva Feast Day on September 12 every year.

Like in many other villages, attending a liturgy on Sundays is a must here (not for all the villagers, though). Most pilgrims arrive to big holidays such as Easter, Trinity Day, St.Alexander Nevsky Feast Day and Christmas. You can light candles to the health of your dear ones. I always approach the icon of St.Alexander of the Neva, stand and ponder. The Most Holy Mother of God, save us! - This is what we say when we approach the icons of the Most Holy Mother of God.

There are several icons and images of the Virgin inside the cathedral. The dome has been refurbished as well as many other things in the cathedral.
I would say there are more passive believers than the active ones. Lots of villagers seem to be too busy with their chores to attend the liturgy. So do not be surprised if you see just a few people attending the service.

Besides, I had the feeling that there were more pilgrims in this church than locals.

The people get their bread and water sanctified and stand there praying and following the service conducted by Father Alexander. There are very old icons among the cathedral icons here.

This is one of the oldest churches in Luhansk region. The Old Church Bell is to the left of the entrance to the church courtyard. As you enter the church, look up and take a look at this painting. It is dedicated to the Day of Judgement. Be careful when you enter: there is a rounded wooden bar at the threshold.

We were privileged to take part in the Trinity celebrations at the village cathedral. There were a lot of people inside. They were mostly from the entire Lutuhine County.

We saw a lot of different icons in the left part if the interior. Each one has its own story to tell you...

On Trinity Day, like on no other day of the year, the floor of the church was strewn with green grass as the symbol of Trinity.