"With our fertile imagination we exceed the basic needs of the body to the point of impossible luxury; we lavish innumerable sauces on our food; to show off, we dress up in expensive and luxurious clothes; and when criticized for this useless extravagance we answer that we are merely doing what is fitting and proper."
-Saint Nilus of Sinai
-Saint Nilus of Sinai
The Church of Saint John the Baptist in Kerch! 3️⃣
Built between the 8th-10th centuries during the Byzantine period, its foundation likely incorporates materials from even earlier Christian structures, possibly dating to the 6th century.
Throughout its turbulent history, the sanctuary survived numerous invasions, first by the Khazars, then the Mongols in the 13th century, and later Ottoman rule after 1475 when Kerch became part of the Islamic empire. Remarkably, while many Crimean churches were converted to mosques during this period, Church of Saint John maintained its Christian identity, possibly protected by local Greek communities.
During Soviet times it served as a museum, religious services briefly resumed during the Nazi occupation 1941-1944, but were banned again after the war. Today the church is active once again!🥰
Built between the 8th-10th centuries during the Byzantine period, its foundation likely incorporates materials from even earlier Christian structures, possibly dating to the 6th century.
Throughout its turbulent history, the sanctuary survived numerous invasions, first by the Khazars, then the Mongols in the 13th century, and later Ottoman rule after 1475 when Kerch became part of the Islamic empire. Remarkably, while many Crimean churches were converted to mosques during this period, Church of Saint John maintained its Christian identity, possibly protected by local Greek communities.
During Soviet times it served as a museum, religious services briefly resumed during the Nazi occupation 1941-1944, but were banned again after the war. Today the church is active once again!
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM