Hidden beneath layers of paint within the Xinle Road Orthodox Church lay forgotten treasures. This magnificent church on Xinle Road in Shanghai’s Xuhui district boasts a rich and complex history. Initially constructed in 1934 under the guidance of Bishop John Maximovitch it served as the largest Orthodox church in East China. The church’s construction followed the arrival of Russian Orthodox refugees. Its design is reminiscent of the Kremlin.
The Xinle Road Orthodox Church’s story is one of resilience and rediscovery. During the Cultural Revolution the church faced significant challenges. It was repurposed as a warehouse and later an office. Many of its original relics including beautiful stained-glass windows were sadly destroyed. Even the murals depicting biblical stories vanished. Local residents recalled a poster instructing the removal of religious imagery.
However the Xinle Road Orthodox Church endured. In 1988 the Shanghai Cultural Heritage Committee recognized its historical value initiating repairs. A further extensive renovation began in 2007. Initially planned as a museum the project eventually led to the church’s restoration as a place of worship. On May 15 2013 Patriarch Kirill celebrated the Divine Liturgy there for the first time in over fifty years.
Then came an incredible revelation. During the 2007 renovation workers discovered nine remarkably well-preserved frescoes. These breathtaking works of art had survived decades hidden under layers of paint. Experts were astounded by their similarity to frescoes in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The Shanghai frescoes’ composition and content mirrored the Moscow originals. This striking resemblance suggests the Shanghai artists may have been inspired by the Moscow cathedral which was destroyed in 1931. The Shanghai frescoes were a testament to the enduring power of faith and art.
The Xinle Road Orthodox Church stands as a powerful symbol today. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of faith. It’s a place where history art and spirituality intertwine. It’s a treasure that has been preserved for future generations to admire.