Lower Arkhyz, Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia Russia
[Russian Orthodox - Byzantine]
This church, built during the 900s, was a cathedral of the Byzantine diocese of Alania, thought to have been dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The three Zelenchuksky churches are believed to be on the site of the ruined and forgotten city of Maghas, the capital of ancient Alania. The Christian state was destroyed in the 12oos by the Mongke Khan. The area is now an archaeological preserve.