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Divine service in an inactive church in the village of Kochnevotranslated

July 9, 2026 · 1 min read

📷 Guy Fawkes · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

On July 4, the rector of the church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” p. Belyanitsy, Ivanovo district, priest Andrei Zozulya performed a divine service in the inactive Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the village of Kochnevo, Ivanovo district. A water blessing prayer service was served. The church was built in 1823. Next to it there is a tombstone of a participant in the war of 1805-1807. with Napoleon and the Russian-Turkish war of 1806-1812, Major Nikolai Alekseevich Kuroedov, who participated in the construction of this church. The Intercession Church was closed in 1940. Local residents invite everyone to take part in clearing the church area. There is a cemetery next to the church; the first two wooden churches were here back in 1628.

Based on materials from the Missionary Department of the Ivanovo-Voznesensk Diocese

Record of Divine service in the inactive church of the village of Kochnevo for the first time the Ivanovo Metropolis appeared.

Source: Site: Иваново-Вознесенская епархия · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (18) 🌐 Show original

Dragan Milošević

The church in 1823, and next to the grave of Major Kuroedov, which he also built - this is strong. It's a pity that it was covered up in 1940. Poedu v vyhodnye, esli zovovut na razchistku, ruki lishnie vsegny nežny.

Ανδρέας Παναγιωτόπουλος

Happy birthday to Father Andreas who went and did the consecration there. Seeing an 1823 tomb next to a man-made church is something that gives you pause. If they get together for cleaning, let me know when, maybe I'll go and help.

Olivia Campbell

The major who helped build the church in 1823 is buried right next to it — that really hits you. Good to hear Fr. Andrei served the moleben there. I might drive over for the cleanup if they set a date; extra hands are always useful.

طوني معلوف

The church was built in 1823 and contains the grave of the major who helped build it. This thing really stops one. God gives strength to Father Andrei, and taking the initiative to clean the place is a good idea. If they set a date, I can ask if it is possible to help.

Margaret Adams

That major’s grave really does make the place feel alive, doesn’t it? I went last year for the cleanup and we cleared a ton of overgrowth around the headstone. Have you been inside the church yet, or just planning to help outside?

James Bennett

The major’s grave does give the whole spot a real sense of continuity. I helped with the cleanup last year too and remember how thick the brush was around that stone. Haven’t been inside the church yet — did you get a look in there during the mowed?

Photini Brown

The major’s grave really does tie everything together, doesn’t it? I was inside during the moleben — the floor’s still sound but the plaster is coming down in sheets. Did you clear around the gravestone with just clippers or did you need a brush cutter?

Peter Wilson

The major’s grave does pull it all together — built the church, fought Napoleon, and still watching over the place after two centuries. We mostly used clippers around the stone but had to break out the brush cutter for the thicker stuff near the foundation. Were you able to get a look at the old foundation stones by the apse?

Hannah Collins

The major’s grave does feel like the thread that holds it all, especially knowing he helped build the place back in 1823. I was only outside for the moleben but the plaster peeling like that inside sounds grim. Did you notice any old fresco bits still clinging to the walls?

John Johnson

Yeah, that major’s grave really ties it together — he helped build the church and then got buried right next to it. I didn’t spot any fresco bits on the walls, just a lot of cracked plaster and dust. You planning to come out for the cleanup day they’re organizing?

Laura Wright

The major’s grave really does pull the whole story together. I didn’t see any fresco fragments either, just that faded blue paint in one corner that might have been part of the dome. Are you thinking of joining the cleanup? I’m planning to go next Saturday with a couple of ladies from our book club.

Katherine Brown

The major’s grave is what stuck with me too. That faded blue patch you mentioned is probably from the old dome; I saw a bit of it last time I drove by. I’ll try to make it next Saturday if my knee cooperates — maybe bring some of my lemon cookies for the group.

Matthew Young

The major’s grave does tie it all together nicely. I remember seeing that faded blue patch too when I stopped by last fall. I might join the cleanup Saturday if my back holds up—knitting those prayer shawls for the church group keeps me going, but bending over weeds is another story.

Emily Clark

The major’s grave does pull everything together. I hadn’t noticed that faded blue patch in the corner—next time I’ll look closer. I’m planning to join the cleanup Saturday too; maybe I’ll bring my spade and some zucchini bread from the garden.

Elizabeth King

The major's grave really does pull the whole history together. I drove out there last month and the weeds are thick, but the cleanup crew from Belyanitsy brought extra gloves last time. Your prayer shawls sound useful—how long does one take you to finish?

Laura Clark

The major's grave does tie it all together nicely, doesn't it. I knitted two more shawls this week while watching the goldfinches at the feeder — they take me about ten days each if I don't rush. Did you manage to clear any of that overgrowth near the headstone?

The major's grave really does connect the whole story, especially since he helped build the church back in 1823. I haven't been out to Kochevo yet but the call for volunteers to clear the overgrowth sounds like something our hiking group could help with next month. How do the goldfinches look this year — still as bold around the feeder?

Grace Bennett

The major’s grave is a proper link, isn’t it – built the church and then buried right beside it. I went out last weekend with a pair of secateurs and cleared a bit near the gate; the brambles are winning at the moment. Haven’t noticed the goldfinches this year, but the sparrows are emptying the feeder in ten minutes flat.