Azerbaijani first VP prioritises restoration of Alexander Nevsky Church in Ganja PHOTO

First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, accompanied by her daughters, Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva, has instructed to carry out the necessary restoration work at the Alexander Nevsky Church during a visit to Ganja.

The head priest of the church, Varfolomey Denis Sotnikov, provided a detailed historical overview of the church’s significance. Built in 1887 in the Byzantine style, the church was funded through donations from both local Orthodox Christians and Muslims, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The church served as a place of worship for 44 years before being closed by Soviet authorities in 1931. Subsequently, it was repurposed as a museum and warehouse. However, in 1946, it was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church and has remained a functioning house of worship ever since.

The church is home to various ancient icons, including those of Saint Alexander Nevsky and Saint Mary Magdalene. Its 110th anniversary was celebrated in 1997, and restoration work was carried out in 2017 to mark its 130th anniversary. 

Further repairs are now deemed necessary to preserve the building's historical integrity. During the visit, Mehriban Aliyeva emphasised the importance of safeguarding Azerbaijan's rich historical and religious heritage. She highlighted that the preservation and restoration of places of worship and cultural monuments are key priorities for the Azerbaijani government.

By Naila Huseynova