Hidden behind a Haussmannian door in a quiet courtyard lies the Eglise Saint-Séraphin de Sarov. This unassuming entrance belies the remarkable story within.
The Eglise Saint-Séraphin de Sarov is a wooden church with a distinctive blue dome. It’s a truly unique sight in Paris. A hidden gem tucked away in the 15th arrondissement. Most tourists miss it. It’s a testament to the enduring faith of Russian exiles.
The original church was built in the 1930s. Funded by small donations from local Russian émigrés. These were people who fled the Russian Revolution. They remained loyal to Tsar Nicholas II. They found solace and community here. The current wooden structure dates back to 1974. It stands on the site of its predecessor. The church holds a special significance for this community. They rebuilt their spiritual home after a devastating fire in 2022.
Inside the Eglise Saint-Séraphin de Sarov you’ll find something truly remarkable. Two maple trees grow inside the building. One of them is still alive and growing. The interior is richly adorned. Beautiful ornate gold gilt iconography is typical of Russian Orthodox churches. Many works of art decorate the walls. Some are by renowned artists. Jeanne Reitlinger and Mère Marie Skobtsov are among them.
Finding the Eglise Saint-Séraphin de Sarov is an adventure itself. You need to locate 91 rue Lecourbe. Then look for a blue wooden door. It has a sign indicating the church is at the end of the second courtyard. Press the buzzer. Enter the courtyard. Discover its hidden tranquility. The church is nestled within a second courtyard. Its blue dome peeks above the other buildings.
Sadly the gates to the church are often locked. You can still admire the beautiful wooden chapel from a distance. The Eglise Saint-Séraphin de Sarov is open for services on Saturdays and Sundays. It is also open during special events such as the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine and La Fête des Jardins. If you are lucky enough to enter you’ll discover a place of peace and profound history.
The Eglise Saint-Séraphin de Sarov is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of a community. It’s a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling city. Hidden treasures and poignant stories await those willing to seek them out. It is a truly unforgettable experience.