The Borisovskaya Sloboda has been mentioned in historical sources since 1695 as part of the Khotmyzhsky (Grayvoronsky) District. Along with Ivanovka, Mikhaylovka and Nikolayevka, it was one of the first settlements in the region. In 1705, the sloboda came into the possession of Count Boris Petrovich Sheremetev, and during the Battle of Poltava it served as a rear area for Russian troops. The cultural prosperity and spirituality of this place is connected with the name of Sheremetev, in particular, the construction of a monastery in honor of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, the opening of a musical theater, and the foundation of an icon painting school. By the early 20th century, it was a center of many handicrafts, including leather production, weaving and pottery.
The territory of St. Michael’s Church is considered the oldest place in Borisovka. Back in 1698, the first Sloboda settlers built a wooden church there. It was erected in the village of Kozacha Lopan, originally bore the name Lopanskaya and was consecrated in honor of Michael the Archangel.
In 1811, during the heyday of Classicism, a new stone church with one dome was erected next to the old wooden one. In the second half of the 19th century, its external and internal appearance changed a lot. Strict classicist style gave way to abundant, loud splendor and wealth. The reason for the reconstruction of the church was a greatly increased parish: the original space could not accommodate all worshipers. The clergy enjoyed great authority among the locals.
This photo portrait, made in the workshop of Grigory Vasilyevich Safontsev, is paired with one of the priest; the pictures are distinguished by a cohesive style and backdrop.
Priests’ wives, also called mothers, have been revered since ancient times as the first assistants of priests: they, mothers and keepers of the hearth, were usually entrusted with work in the church and other “public” affairs.
The families of the clergy at the turn of the 20th century loved to decorate the house with either a family photo or paired portraits. Masterfully captured photographs pasted on cardboard mats were valued on a par with paintings and served as family heirlooms.
The territory of St. Michael’s Church is considered the oldest place in Borisovka. Back in 1698, the first Sloboda settlers built a wooden church there. It was erected in the village of Kozacha Lopan, originally bore the name Lopanskaya and was consecrated in honor of Michael the Archangel.
In 1811, during the heyday of Classicism, a new stone church with one dome was erected next to the old wooden one. In the second half of the 19th century, its external and internal appearance changed a lot. Strict classicist style gave way to abundant, loud splendor and wealth. The reason for the reconstruction of the church was a greatly increased parish: the original space could not accommodate all worshipers. The clergy enjoyed great authority among the locals.
This photo portrait, made in the workshop of Grigory Vasilyevich Safontsev, is paired with one of the priest; the pictures are distinguished by a cohesive style and backdrop.
Priests’ wives, also called mothers, have been revered since ancient times as the first assistants of priests: they, mothers and keepers of the hearth, were usually entrusted with work in the church and other “public” affairs.
The families of the clergy at the turn of the 20th century loved to decorate the house with either a family photo or paired portraits. Masterfully captured photographs pasted on cardboard mats were valued on a par with paintings and served as family heirlooms.
