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Apr/17

17

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Staritsa

Staritsa, founded in 1297, is a small town with a population of about 8,000 people located in the Tver region, 65 km south-west of Tver. There are several churches and estates in the town and its surroundings.

One of the most interesting churches is the complex of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – unique in its appearance. Staritsa on Google Maps. Photos by: Dmitriy Gazin.

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 1

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 2

This church, standing on the left bank of the Volga River, is also known as the Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, the patroness of trade.

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 3

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 4

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 5

The history of this name, Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, is related to paganism. In ancient Rus there was such Slavic goddess as Makosh, the only woman among other deities.

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 6

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 7

She was one of the most important pagan images – the goddess of harvest, land and rain, the patroness of women. With the baptism of Rus her image passed to Paraskeva Pyatnitsa.

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 8

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 9

All the churches dedicated to her were built near rivers, or other water bodies, as Paraskeva, like Makosh, was considered the patroness of water and rain.

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 10

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 11

Today, this church, built in 1750-1825, is one of the main sights of Staritsa.

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 12

Nativity Church in Staritsa, Russia, photo 13

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