Mykola Chudotvorets Church
Nicholas the Wonderworker is a saint particularly revered and remembered by Orthodox Christians. He worked many miracles during his life and even more wonders happened after his death. He can be your helper or comforter in any situation. Christians often turn to him for comfort and help in any life's troubles. Many churches have been founded in his honour, the most interesting and original of which is located in Kyiv, on Naberezhno-Khreshatyns’ka Street. It considers a Kyivan miracle as “it is growing just out of the water” and due to this fact this wonderful construction bears many names: Nikolas’ Church on the Water, St Nicholas Church, Nicholas the Wonderworker Church!
The only church in Ukraine located directly in water area was officially laid down on December 19, 2003. And on July 7, 2004 it was fully prepared to appear before the audience in all its glory: a reflection of its white walls and gleaming golden domes in the waters of the Dnipro River lit up all around! On the feast of St John the Baptist this church was sanctified. On the same day within its walls the first liturgy held.
For the present day there is no definite opinion as to where exactly the Kyivans were baptised in 988. Adherents of one of theories argue that it happened not far from the Church of St Illia, on the banks of the rivers Dnipro and Pochaina. Holding this point of view, St Nicholas Church is located exactly at that place where the process of Christianization of Rus’ took place.
The building of the church is quite interesting. The authors of this unique project are Olena Miroshnichenko and Yuri Losyts’kyi. According to their plan, the foundation under the church was mounted on the piles in the form of a circular plate, connected to the embankment with a pedestrian bridge of 15 meters long. The building facades are decorated with sculptural pediments with groin windows from four sides. The shape of the church resembles a blooming chestnut.
Considering the highly technical planning of this construction, its foundation was mounted on the piles of 12 meters high. Everything was provided for the case of rising water level in the river, so the temple wouldn’t be flooded.
The height of building is 23 meters. It can accommodate about 50 people and still the same - on the adjacent site. There are two ways out to a balcony in the church, which is located directly above the water.
One of the main attractions of the church is an icon of St Nicholas, which is more than 200 years old.
Despite the fact that this temple appeared not so long ago, it has already become one of the most vivid symbols of the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. Guides tend to regard it as one of the most interesting sights of Poshtova Square. You can see this amazing temple from the observation desk at the People’s Friendship Arch (in Ukrainian – Arka Druzhby Narodiv), as well as from Havans’kyi Bridge straight out of the car.
You can expect a wonderful view of the city from this church! Here you can see many photographers who come to photograph this beauty. Newly-married couples are of the greatest delight and admiration of St Nicholas Church, because it is believed that the church on the water gives holiness to the wedding ceremony, makes it special and unforgettable.
