SACRED AND ARTISTIC DIMENSIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS FROM MYRA OF LYCIA NEAR ALUSHTA

Abstract

The Church of St. Nicholas from Myra of Lycia (Wonder-worker) in the village of Malorіchynske, Alushta district, Crimea, was built in 2007 by Ukrainian masters (architect and monumental artist A. Haіdamakа, designer B. Dedov). The architectural and artistic concept of the church is connected with the sacred connotations of the signature of Nicholas the Wonder-worker as a spiritual “lighthouse”, an amazing patron who relieves the gloom of sorrow and the onslaught of troubles with “rays of miracles”. At the same time, he is the savior on the waters, and for those, floating on the sea, he is the Helmsman. The temple complex also includes the Museum of Maritime Disasters as a memorial to those killed on the waters. The sacred and artistic dimensions of the temple are based on the plots of numerous miracles of St. Nicholas of Myra and in its artistic and figurative integrity cause a unique religious and aesthetic effect of the spiritual synergy of Faith, Hope, Love for those who need salvation.