English: This photo was taken on 17 Sept 2012 in Village Podzhigorodovo.

The Church of Archangel Michael in Village Podzhigorodovo is one of the most beautiful and unusual churches in the Klin Rayon and the Moscow Oblast. The church was built in 1778-1783 by local landlords, brothers Youriev. Forty-two years ago, when I first visited the church, I could read this inscription on the wall: «This Church was built in 1783 A.D. in the reign of Our Sovereign Lady Empress Catherine II, by the effords of Alexey, Councillor of State, Peter, Captain, and Nikolay, Major, sons of Michael Youriev.» The church is built in Pseudo Gothic style. According to research, the architect was most likely one of the pupils of Vassily Bazhenov. It is possible that the drawings of the church were given to Youriev brothers by their neighbour, landlord P.A.Tatischev, who had a church of the same style in one of his manors. The church is located on a hill on the right bank of the Nudol river. From a distance you can take the belltower for a mast of a ship. The retinence of decoration and the compactness of it's form, makes the church look modest and simple, which is typical of village construction. The belltower is exquisite. It is tall, square in the lower part, and round in the upper. It is designed with various tiers diminishing to the top. The belltower is completed by an elegant tent-shaped roof. It is evident that the design of the bell tower was not just a fantasy of an architect unfamiliar with traditional Russian architecture. It inherited the style of the elegant bellowers of the Moscow churches of the XVII century, most notedly the Moscow Kremlin bellowers. First stone steps, then wooden steps, which have been recently renewed, lead to the belfry , where you can view the surrounding countryside. To the east lay wild woods and fields, which extend to the Istrinskoye Reservoir. It’s easy to climb the bellower holding on to the well-preserved old metal railings. In 1906 the church was renovated and plastered. This changed the original architectural look of contrasting red brick and white stone trim. Although the plaster overlay is now being restored, one can nevertheless imagine how beautiful the church looked before the overlay was applied! On the second floor there was a summer church. Fragments of the old iconostasis have survived. Now the church services are held year-around in the summer church on the first floor. In 1937 the church was closed by local authorities. The priest was shot in Butovo in about 1938. The church building was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1992. During the intervening 55 years the church building deteriorated. Sacks of fertilizer were stored in the church building, and it’s only a sign written by hand “Do not touch! Preserved by the State!” reminded that the church was a monument of the Republic historical value. Since 1992, when the building has been returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, more and more people are attending church services in the Podzhigorodovo church. Restoration is proceeding: new Roof, rebuilt old stove heating system, exterior church walls plastered. In August 2012 the restoration of the bellower started. A crucifixion was installed on the road close to the church through the efforts of the local congregation. Also, the local congregation defended a plot of land close to the church (church is now of Federal historical value), where new cottage would have been built.

For forty some years I have been admiring the Church of Archangel Michael from the window of my village house on the left bank of the Nudol river. I am happy to see the positive changes in the life of this wonderful church.