Unveiling of St Nicholas the Wonderworker monument in Murmansk
Governor Marina Kovtun took part in the opening ceremony of unveiling the monument to St Nicholas the Wonderworker, which took place on 28 July in the city centre of Murmansk.
The Head of the Region emphasised that the unveiling of the monument to the patron saint of all sea-farers and the most revered saint in Russia – Nicholas the Wonderworker – on the date of the anniversary of the Baptism of Russia and on the eve of the Day of the Russian Navy bears a deep spiritual significance.
Marina Kovtun reminded that nearby, next to the present Kirov Palace of Culture, around a century ago the foundation of a church of Nicholas of Myra had been laid. The church was never built, so the erection of this monument to St Nicholas the Wondermaker in the very heart of the capital of the Polar Region can be seen as a restoration of historical justice.
The idea for the monument belongs to the famous traveller, explorer, and artist Fedor Konyukhov. The image of St Nicholas the Wondermakers was copied from an icon painted by the traveller.
“I am very glad that today, on such a great day of celebrating the 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia we are unveiling the monument to St Nicholas the Wondermaker. The Saint is the patron of fishermen and sea farers. Your city has always been under the patronage of St Nicholas the Wondermaker but before now he visible only in spirit. Now you can see him every day,” said Fedor Konyukhov during the opening ceremony.
Governor Marina Kovtun thanked Fedor Filipovich, his team and family for their hard work and patience, that allowed this holy image to be brought to the city of Murmansk.
“We believe that your great aspirations will be fully realised, and all four planned monuments, positioned in the form of a giant cross – in Murmansk, Moscow, Sevastopol, and Nakhodka – will bless our Motherland. God may give you strength and success in this good work,” said Marina Kovtun.
The ceremony of the unveiling of the Saint Nicholas the Wondermaker was followed by a procession of the Cross and consecration of the monument, which was held by the Metropolitan of Murmansk and Monchegorsk, His Grace Simon.