St. Nicholas Monuments in Russia
Because Saint Nicholas is the patron of all travelers and, also, border guards, the Foundation of St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker is installing St. Nicholas monuments at various places along Russia’s frontiers for the project From Kaliningrad to Chukotka. Cities, towns, and other organizations have also installed Saint Nicholas sculptures.
The beautifully detailed bronze statues are the work of some of Russia’s most noted sculptors, including Gregor Potocki, Sergei Isakov (10), Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Klykov, Alexander Rukavishnikov, Raisa Lysenina, and Boris Sergeyev and Olga Pankratova. The sculptures are up to 8 meters high, weighing up to 6 tons. Sometimes they are air-lifted to remote locations and lowered into position.
The Saint Nicholas monuments are intended to bring the saint’s protection to safeguard the spiritual and geographical areas of the country from internal and external threats. In addition Saint Nicholas, especially in Russia, is an eternal symbol of Christian love, patience and service.
Click on thumbnails to see larger photos; click on the text link for more photos and information. If you have Google Toolbar, the translation feature will translate the Russian text.
Photos 1-17, from the comprehensive Russian Saint Nicholas website, www.nikola, used by permission;
Photo 19, St. Petersburg Submariners’ Club, used by permission;
Photos 20-24, from Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Charitable Foundation, the foundation installing most of these monuments, used by permission.