Can you imagine bricks being carried at night? It happened here at the Chapel of St. Blessed Xenia Peterburgskaya. This chapel stands as a testament to faith. It honors Xenia Grigoryevna Petrova of Saint Petersburg.
The Chapel of St. Blessed Xenia Peterburgskaya is one of the most beloved sites. Locals highly revere it. The chapel is on Smolensk Cemetery in the Vasilieostrovsky district. It stands near the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. The chapel is open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM.
Ksenia’s story is remarkable. Born in 1730 in Saint Petersburg she married Andrey Fedorovich Petrov. He was a court singer. His death left Ksenia devastated at the young age of 26.
After her husband’s death Ksenia’s life changed dramatically. She distributed her possessions to the poor. Donning her husband’s clothes she insisted he was alive. She claimed Ksenia had died instead. She wandered the streets barefoot. Ksenia helped those in need and offered insight. People soon recognized her gift of foresight.
Legend says Ksenia secretly aided the Smolensk Church construction. She carried bricks at night. This selfless act sped up completion.
In 1902 the current stone Chapel of St. Blessed Xenia Peterburgskaya was erected. It replaced an earlier small chapel. Architect Alexander Vselslavin designed it in the Russian style. The chapel was consecrated on October 12 1902.
In September 1940 the chapel was closed. It was nearly demolished. However the decision was later reversed. During the Leningrad blockade the chapel served as a warehouse. Valuables from churches were stored there.
The chapel reopened in 1947. It was reconsecrated after renovations. In 1962 it was nearly closed again. It was then used as a workshop. In 1983 the Russian Orthodox Church restored it. It was reconsecrated in 1987. In 2003 the gilded dome was restored.
The Chapel of St. Blessed Xenia Peterburgskaya walls are made of brick. They are painted light green. Each facade features a group of three arched windows. These have columns. The windows are adorned with icons. The facades have mosaics of Christ and Xenia of Petersburg. The building is topped with a tent-shaped roof. It has a gilded onion dome and a cross. Inside the chapel there is a marble iconostasis. It features a mosaic of Christ the Savior.
Today the Chapel of St. Blessed Xenia Peterburgskaya remains a popular pilgrimage site. People seek blessings and help. They leave notes with prayers. The chapel stands as a symbol of faith hope and charity. It is dedicated to Saint Xenia a beacon of light in Saint Petersburg.