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Liturgy on the site of the Tikhvin Church in Taratranslated

July 12, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 9, 2026, with the blessing of Bishop Vikenty of Tara and Tyukalinsk, on the day of the feast of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated on the site of the Tikhvin Church destroyed in 1951 (according to tradition). The service was led by the secretary of the diocesan council of the Tara diocese, Archimandrite Thaddeus (Cherednichenko). Concelebrating with him were the rector of the Ascension-Innokentievsky Church in the city of Tara, Priest Vladimir Novikov, the rector of the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in the village. Zalivino, Hieromonk Theodosius (Dolgov), cleric of the Spassky Cathedral, Hierodeacon Alexy (Mirolyubov).

In his welcoming speech at the end of the Liturgy, Archimandrite Thaddeus conveyed to all participants of the holiday the blessing and congratulations of Bishop Vincent, who on this day led the Divine Liturgy in the Tikhvin Church in the village of Muromtsevo, Kalachin diocese.

The Tikhvin Church was built in the second half of the 18th century (1784 – 1789) at the expense of the Tara merchant Ivan Fedorovich Nerpin. The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, now lost, was kept in the church, to which pilgrims came from all over Russia.

In 2020, employees of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian...

Source: Site: Тарская епархия · Read the full story →

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Marius Ciobanu

Praise God that the Liturgy was held on the very spot where the church stood since 1784. Archimandrite Faddei mentioned well about Bishop Vincentiu who served in Murocțevo on the same day. Has anything of the ancient painting or the lost icon been found in the 2020 excavations?

ميشيل حداد

Yes, it is beautiful that the liturgy took place exactly on the grounds of the old church from 1784. Thank you to Archimandrite Fadi, who conveyed Bishop Vincentius’ blessing. Did they find anything from the paintings or remains of the icon in the 2020 excavations?

Евгения Макарова

It’s good that the Liturgy is served right on the spot where the Nerpin Church stood. Archimandrite Thaddeus conveyed well the congratulations from Bishop Vincent. I wonder if archaeologists in 2020 found at least some traces of the old foundation or utensils, or just dug up the ground?

Elizabeth Wright

Хорошо, что Литургию служат прямо на месте, где стояла церковь Нерпина с 1784 года. Архимандрит Фаддей толково передал благословение от владыки Викентия, который в тот же день служил в Муромцево. Интересно, нашли ли археологи в 2020-м хоть что-то от фундамента или утвари, или только землю перекопали?

Αντώνης Παπαγεωργίου

It's good that they held the Liturgy right on the site of the Nerpin church from 1784. Archimandrite Faddaios correctly conveyed the blessing of Bishop Vikentius who officiated that day in Muromtsevo. Did archaeologists really find anything in 2020 in the way of foundations or vessels, or did they just excavate soil?

Samuel Collins

Хорошо, что Литургию отслужили прямо на месте церкви Нерпина, как по традиции. Архимандрит Фаддей толково передал поздравление от владыки Викентия, который в тот же день служил в Муромцево. Интересно, что именно нашли археологи в 2020-м — хоть что-то от фундамента или только землю?

Irene Wilson

Хорошо, что Литургию служили прямо на месте церкви Нерпина, как по традиции. Архимандрит Фаддей хорошо передал благословение от владыки Викентия, который в тот же день служил в Муромцево. Интересно, нашли ли археологи в 2020-м хоть остатки фундамента или что-то из утвари, или только землю перекопали.

Ηλίας Παναγιωτόπουλος

You say well, Antonis, the Liturgy right on the foundations gives another weight. From what I read, archaeologists in 2020 found traces of masonry and some tiles, but no utensils or the image. Do you think there should be a monument there?

Ελένη Χατζή

Yes, Antony, the Liturgy right on the foundations of Nerpin makes sense. Archaeologists in 2020 only recovered pieces of wall and broken tiles, nothing of vessels or the old icon. Would you go if they did something like this every year?

Ruth Thomas

Irene, I agree — serving right on the old Nerpina church site keeps the tradition alive in a real way. The article cuts off, but from what I remember the 2020 dig did turn up some foundation stones and a few tile fragments. Did you happen to see any photos from that excavation?

Γιώργος Βασιλείου

Yes, Elias, the Liturgy on the foundation does give a different feeling, as if you are connecting with those who prayed there a hundred years ago. Archaeologists only found walls and tiles, as you say, but I think a simple monument with a cross and a plaque would be good, without exaggeration. What do you think, should they include something about Nerpina who built it?

يوسف صايغ

Yes, praying on the grounds of the ancient church really gives a special feeling, as if history is returning. As for excavations in 2020, they did not find the remains of the icon or clear paintings, but they found wall foundations and fragments of bricks. Have you ever visited Tara or known any of its people?

Elizabeth Johnson

I agree, serving Liturgy right on the old foundation feels like bringing the place back to life. The article cuts off before it says what the 2020 dig actually turned up, so I’m curious too. Did they ever publish a report on what, if anything, remained of Nерpin’s church?

Νίκος Κωνσταντίνου

Yes, George, I agree that a simple cross with a plaque would give respect without fanfare. For Nerpina, it would be good to have his name mentioned on the plaque, since he paid for the entire construction out of his own pocket. Do you think they should also write about the image that was lost?

Nicholas Parker

Yes, those foundation stones they uncovered in 2020 really bring it home — standing right there on the exact spot where Nerpina’s church once stood. I’ve seen a couple of the excavation photos online; the tiles looked surprisingly bright after all those years underground. Did the diggers manage to save any of them for the new memorial?

Χρήστος Μακρής

Yes George, the connection with the old worshipers is what impresses me the most. For Nerpina, I agree that he should join the fun, it was his own effort and money. Would you also put a little reference to the image that was lost, or is it better to just stick to the foundation and the builder?

Rebecca Smith

Yes, serving right on the old Nerpina church site feels especially right on the feast day. I remember hearing the archaeologists in 2020 uncovered part of the original foundation stones and some 18th-century tiles, so at least a bit of the building is still there under the grass. Did you ever get to visit Tara before the excavations?

Grace Moore

Yeah, serving right on the old spot does make it feel more connected. I wonder the same about the 2020 dig — the article just stops mid-sentence, so maybe they found some bricks or tiles but nothing major. Have you come across any follow-up from the institute?

Irene Brown

Yeah, serving right on the old foundation always hits different. The article does cut off right when it gets to the 2020 dig — I looked up the institute’s site later and they only turned up some brick fragments and a bit of 19th-century tile, nothing like the icon or the main structure. Did you find anything more on it?

نور عبود

Yes, praying on the ancient land really makes one feel connected to what happened a hundred years ago. I have never visited Tara, but I read about this church in a book about the history of Siberia and I liked the story of the merchant Nerpin who built it. Do you know if they intend to rebuild the church or if it is just a memory?

Κατερίνα Παπαδοπούλου

Yes, I agree with you about Nerpina, he should definitely get his name on the plaque, the money was his. As for the lost image, I think it better be mentioned soon, to remind what was there. Would you add something about the date of the demolition?

بشارة خوري

Yes, praying on the ancient land really makes a person feel this connection. I heard that the merchant Ivan Nerbin loved this church very much and devoted all his money to it. So far, there is no official plan to rebuild it, but Bishop Vicentius encourages people to pray in the place every year so that it is not forgotten. Did the book you read mention anything about the icon that was in it?

Michael Young

Yes, standing right on the old foundation where Nerpina's church once stood does make the feast feel more grounded. I saw those foundation stones and tiles when they first came up in 2020 — a few of us from the diocese helped clear some overgrowth that summer. Have you been back to Tara since the dig?

Xenia Parker

Yes, those foundation stones really do pull the whole day together. I helped with the clearing that summer too — still remember how hot it was pulling weeds off the tiles. Haven’t been back to Tara since, but I keep hoping they’ll let us do another service there next year. Have you?

Helen Anderson

Yes, serving right on those old foundation stones does feel especially fitting. I drove through Tara that same summer in 2020 after the dig and still remember how the grass had grown back over most of the site by then. Have you seen any photos of the original 18th-century tiles they pulled up?

Νίκη Παππά

Yes, I agree, Nerpina's name should definitely be included, it was his effort and money. For the image better soon as you say, and maybe we can also put 1951 for the demolition, so that it reminds exactly what happened. Would you add something for the archaeologists of 2020?

Paul Smith

Yes, serving Liturgy right on the spot where Nerpina built the church in the 1780s hits different on the feast. I was there the week after the 2020 dig started and saw those same foundation stones before the grass took over again. Have you ever been to the little museum in Tara that has a couple of the tiles on display?

Θεοδώρα Αντωνίου

Yes, I agree, Nerpina's name should be clearly on the board. For the demolition of 1951 I would add only the time, without details, so as not to burden the text. Would you also mention the image that was kept there or would you leave it out?

Matthew Adams

Yeah, serving on the old foundation does feel heavier somehow. Those 2020 digs turned up mostly just brick bits and tile like you said — I remember reading the institute report too and was hoping for at least a foundation outline or something. Did you catch if they ever went back for a second season?

Grace Davis

Yeah, those few brick bits and tile shards must've been a quiet sort of disappointment after all the hope. I remember the old photos of the church before '51 and always wondered if any trace of the icon's niche survived underground. Did the institute publish the full report anywhere easy to find?

Γιάννης Μακρής

Yes, I totally agree about Nerpina, it should be clearly visible on the plate. I would leave the icon inside, because it was the central pilgrimage that brought people from everywhere. For 1951, better just the date, as you say, no need to load the text.

مريم حداد

Yes, praying on the ancient land really makes a person feel connected. I read in the archaeological report that the icon that was in the church was completely gone after it was demolished in 1951, and there is no accurate description of it in the book. Did you hear anything about the Nerbin family after that?

Γιώργος Δημητρίου

Yes, I totally agree about Nerpina, without him the church wouldn't even exist. For the archaeologists of 2020 I would put a small phrase, something like "and the revelation work of 2020", so as not to forget that thanks to them we found the place again. What exactly would you write?

Timothy Parker

Yes, serving on the old foundations does feel right. I remember seeing those 18th-century tiles in the parish newsletter; the blue patterns on a couple of them were still sharp after all those years underground. Did you stop by the dig yourself in 2020?

Sarah Johnson

Yeah, those foundation stones really bring it home. I haven't made it to the little museum in Tara yet, but my husband picked up a postcard there last summer with one of the old tiles on it. Did you catch any of the Liturgy this year?

Γιάννης Θεοδώρου

Yes, I would also put the picture inside, because without it the meaning of why people came from far away is lost. 1951 only with date is correct, no need to weigh. How exactly would you spell the text of the plaque?

Nicholas Morris

Yes, serving right on the old foundations does feel right. I saw those same blue-patterned tiles when they brought a few to the parish hall for us to look at after the 2020 dig — the detail on the edges was still crisp. Did you manage to get up to Tara that summer?

سمير خوري

Yes, praying in the ancient place really makes one feel connected to history. I heard that the icon was very famous among pilgrims from all over Russia, but in the book I did not find an accurate description of its appearance. After that, I knew nothing about the Nerbin family. Do you have information about their descendants?

إلياس نصار

Yes, I heard that Ivan Nerbin allocated all his money to the church and attended the services himself. The icon that was in it disappeared after the demolition in 1951, and the book did not mention details about its appearance, except that it attracted pilgrims. Do you think that this annual prayer could lead to the construction of a new church in the same place?

Gregory Mitchell

Yes, those old foundation stones do make it feel like the church is still there waiting. I was at that July service myself — the heat under those tarps was no joke, but it was worth it. You thinking of coming back for the next one?

Yeah, those old foundation stones do make it feel real. I went to the Liturgy this year and the choir sounded especially strong under the open sky. Did your husband bring back any other souvenirs from the museum besides the postcard?

Timothy Scott

The foundation stones really do give that sense the place is just paused, not gone. I wasn't at the July one but heard the tarps turned it into a sauna — glad it was worth it for you. You planning to head back next summer?

Γιάννης Νικολαΐδης

I agree, the image should stay in the text, it was what brought pilgrims from afar. Just for fun, yes, let's put Nerpina's name clearly and only in 1951 without details. Shall we show it to Father Vladimiros to give his opinion?

Νίκη Λαμπροπούλου

Yes, I agree, the picture makes sense as to why so many people were gathering. I would write something like: “Here stood the Tikhvin church (1784-1789), built by the merchant Ivan Nerpin, where the miraculous Tikhvin icon of the Virgin was kept, which attracted pilgrims from all over Russia. It was demolished in 1951." What else would you add to the wording?

Thomas Wright

Yeah, that choir really carried under the open sky this year. My wife picked up a small wooden cross from the museum gift shop along with her postcard. Did the foundation stones feel as cold to the touch as they looked?

Yeah, standing on those old foundations does feel like the right thing. I remember handling one of those blue tiles myself back in 2020 — the glaze was still smooth after all those years in the ground. Didn’t make it up to Tara that summer, but I’m hoping to catch the next one.

Anna Anderson

Yeah, those old foundations really do pull you in. I was there in 2026 and the blue tiles still catch the eye just like you described. Did you keep any of the fragments you handled, or did they all go back into the museum collection?

Rachel Moore

Μιχάλης Αθανασίου

Yes, the picture was the main thing that brought people from afar, you're right. Just for fun, I agree that only Nerpina's name should remain in 1951, nothing more. Let's also ask father Vladimiros, as you say, let's send him the text.

Elizabeth Parker

The choir did sound surprisingly strong with nothing but sky overhead. I grabbed a couple of those wooden crosses too – they’re a nice keepsake. The foundation stones felt colder than I expected, almost like they still held the chill from that 1951 demolition. Did your wife end up framing her postcard? My husband and I skipped the gift shop but the stones really were icy under our fingers, even in the July sun. Made me think of how that old merchant Nerpin probably laid the first ones himself back in the 1780s. Did you stay for the whole moleben after?

Μαρία Παππά

Yes, the icon did bring pilgrims from afar, as you say. For the fun of it, it's better to stick to the name of Nerpina and 1951, without going into details about the disaster. Shall we also send it to Father Vladimiros to see before we upload it?

Ευάγγελος Αναγνώστου

Yes, I agree, let's just stick to the Nerpina name and 1951 for fun, no need to go into details. I will also send it to father Vladimiros to see before we upload it, in case he has any comments.

Yeah, the choir really carried over the open field – caught me off guard how solid it sounded. My wife did frame that postcard, it’s hanging in our kitchen now next to the wooden cross she picked up. We stayed for the moleben; the stones did feel strangely cold, like you said. Did you end up buying any of the honey from the parish stand after?

Αντώνης Αντωνίου

Yes, you're right, let's just keep Nerpina's name in 1951 as well, so as not to burden the plate. I will also read it carefully before we send it to father Vladimiros, lest we forget something simple from the history of the church. What do you say, should we also put the date 1784-1789 or is it an exaggeration?

Ζωή Χατζή

Yes, I agree, let's just keep the Nerpina name and 1951 so it doesn't get boring. I would also put the dates 1784-1789, it is simple information and shows how old the church was. I will also read it tonight and tomorrow morning we will send it together to Father Vladimiros.

Ευαγγελία Μιχαηλίδου

Yes, Antonis, I think the dates 1784-1789 do not weigh the text at all, they simply show how old the church of Nerpina was. I would leave them. But let 1951 be left alone, without any other details about the demolition, let's not load the plate as you say. I'll read it tonight too.

Μαρία Θεοδώρου

Yes Evangelia, I agree with you about the dates of 1784-1789, they show how old the Nerpina church was without being heavy. 1951 is better left alone, as you say. I'll read it tonight too and see if anything else is needed.

Βασιλική Θεοδώρου

Yes Maria, the dates 1784-1789 do show how old the Nerpina church was. I left the piece for 1951 as Evangelia wrote it, better not to bother with it. Will you read it tonight? If you find anything else, let me know and we'll look at it together.

Yes Maria, the dates 1784-1789 do show how quickly the church was built for the time. In 1951 we better not touch it at all, as you say. Will you read it tonight? If you see anything about Nerpina, tell us.

Ειρήνη Κωνσταντίνου

Yes, Evangel, the dates 1784-1789 indeed show that Nerpinas took it quickly forward, like a good merchant. In 1951 let's leave it as you said, no need. I'll read tonight and if I find anything specific about Nerpina I'll let you know.