“God gave. God has taken away blessed be the name of the Lord”. These words echo through time connecting us to the story of the Church of Saint Righteous Job the Long-Suffering.
Welcome to one of Saint Petersburg’s most renowned sacred sites. The Church of Saint Righteous Job the Long-Suffering stands as a testament to faith. It remains the only operating church within the Volkovo Cemetery. This is one of the city’s largest necropolises.
Let me share the story of its origins. Back in 1499 to 1500 the Vodskaya Pyatina book mentions a river. It was called Setuy during Swedish rule in the 17th century. That river is now known as Volkovka.
In 1710 Peter I gave the land surrounding the Alexander Nevsky Monastery to the monastery. This included the village of Volkovo. In 1714 people from different regions were settled along the Big Moscow Road. This road followed today’s Ligovsky Prospekt. They were to transport dignitaries. By December 1723 Volkovo Field was assigned to this community. It became their graveyard.
Empress Elizabeth ordered a cemetery to be built in 1756. It was to be near the Admiralty side. This decision was because the existing cemetery near the Church of John the Forerunner was too close to the city. It hindered imperial processions to the Ascension. The first church. The Church of the Nerukotvorny Image of the Savior was consecrated on December 3 1759. It was small and cold.
In 1776-1777 a warmer wooden church was built by a merchant. It was dedicated to the renewal of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Jerusalem. However it burned down in 1782.
A stone church was built in its place. It was consecrated on September 13 1785. Metropolitan Gavriil Petrov officiated the ceremony. In March 1793 the side-altar of Archangel Gabriel was also consecrated.
The Spasskaya Church became overcrowded over time. A decision to construct a new church was made in 1809. Vasily Beretti designed it. However the Church of Saint Righteous Job was only laid down in 1837. This was under Metropolitan Seraphim. F.I. Ruska significantly improved the project. The magnificent three-altar temple was consecrated on November 15 1842. Metropolitan Iona of Georgia officiated.
The Krukov family initiated the construction of the Church of Saint Righteous Job. Paraskeva Krukova a merchant funded it. In 1850-1852 another All Saints Church was added.
Now this is important. The Church of Saint Righteous Job is the only church that remains fully preserved. It is one of five churches of the Volkovo Cemetery. In the early 20th century it was often called “Krukovskaya”. This name honored the Krukov family.
The Soviet era brought religious oppression. But this church continued to function. It shared its space with the Spasskaya and Resurrection churches. These churches now serve different purposes.
Today the Church of Saint Righteous Job stands as a beacon of faith. It is a monument of federal significance. This cherished church offers daily services. It welcomes all to partake in its sacred traditions. Its architecture reflects the Russian style. This style embodies the spirit of the Orthodox Church.
Before we move on I want you to notice something. The external walls showcase a blend of arches and decorative elements. These details evoke the charm of 17th-century Russian architecture.
Here you can find solace and spiritual connection. Take a moment to reflect on the history and enduring faith.