The Tolochin Women's Monastery has been included in the State Investment Program for the restoration of architectural monuments of the 18th century

The Holy Protection Convent in Tolochin has been included in the State Investment Program "Reconstruction with Restoration of an 18th-Century Architectural Monument".

For several years now, the church at the Holy Protection Convent in Tolochin has been enveloped in scaffolding. Until 2013, the abbess of the convent, Mother Anfisa, and the sisters tried to carry out repairs on their own, but restoration was also needed, which is more complex. And now, thanks to the fact that the architectural and historical monument has attracted the attention not only of the district but also of the region and the republic, the work is in full swing.

The contractor for the facility is an organization from a neighboring district, Kruglyanskaya PMK-266. The builders have strengthened the foundation and thereby prevented further destruction of the building, as evidenced by the longitudinal cracks on the facade. Even before the reconstruction began, specialists warned the nuns: this process of destruction of the shrine could not be stopped by cosmetic repairs, a more thorough approach was needed. Therefore, the restoration of the church began precisely with the basement.

In addition to construction work, other issues are gradually being resolved. More than a month ago, new bells were purchased with donations from parishioners. These are the famous Tutaev bells from the Yaroslavl region, which ring in many churches in Russia and Ukraine. A medium-sized belfry was purchased, and the largest ones were left as rarities, dating back to tsarist times: one of them is used for ringing, the other is kept as a relic.

In addition, the domes are currently being restored by masters from Chelyabinsk. Frames have been made, which have been coated with titanium nitride. However, to install all the domes and continue the high-altitude work, special equipment is needed, and its rental is not cheap.

There were also some difficulties. For example, due to unforeseen circumstances, it was necessary to deviate from the plan provided for by the restoration project and begin repairs not with the roof, but with the facades.

– When inspecting the facades, the cornices began to crumble. Thus, in order not to damage the new roof, the builders started working on the facades, postponing the roofing work until all exterior walls are restored. Now they are finishing one tower, and soon, we hope, they will start the second one. I should note that the restoration of facades and exterior decorative elements of such a structure is a very labor-intensive job, but the workers are handling it successfully, – says the abbess of the monastery, Igumenya Anfisa.

This facility is quite complex for the builders, as it is an architectural monument. And it's not just about repair, but about restoration. This is a very meticulous and responsible undertaking; it is important to preserve the authenticity of the structure down to the smallest details, to observe all forms and proportions. Let us recall that the uniqueness of the Tolochin church lies in the fact that it is built in the style of late Vilnius Baroque, so every step is coordinated with republican and regional design and scientific organizations. For their patience, the quality of work, and their reverent attitude towards the shrine, the abbess of the monastery sincerely thanks the director of Kruglyanskaya PMK-266, Nikolai Patronchik, and the entire team working on the site, under the leadership of foreman Ilya Ivanov. After all, building numerous shopping and cultural and entertainment centers today is one thing, but preserving spirituality and history is quite another.

Natalia Ryzhkova, "Vitebskiye Vesti"