On the eve of National Unity Day and the celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, on November 3, 2025, Metropolitan Alexander of Bryansk and Sevsk consecrated the cross and dome at the church in honor of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos in Selechni village, Suzemsky district, Bryansk region.
Selechnya village is a border village, and church life is only strengthening here. The Church of the Intercession, founded in 1847 and closed in 1938, is currently being restored here. Many local residents gathered for the consecration of the cross and dome for the restored church.
Bishop Alexander was co-served by the dean of the Suzemsky church district of the Bryansk diocese, Priest Alexy Serebryakov, rector of the Church of the Intercession in the village of Selechna, Priest Nikolai Kistenev, rector of the church of Archangel Michael in the village of Kokorevka, Priest Viktor Gamzov, cleric of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Bryansk, Deacon Evgeny Kuzhelev.
After the consecration of the cross and the dome, the head of the Bryansk Archdiocese addressed the audience with an archpastoral address.
"Today, a historic event took place, which marks an important stage in the revival of the shrine," the bishop said, in particular, "the church in honor of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos has found its head — the holy cross and dome. The dome symbolizes the firmament, and the cross placed above it is the greatness of God and a sign of Christ's victory over death."
In prayerful memory, Bishop Alexander presented Nikolai Ovsienko with the Svensk Icon of the Mother of God, the heavenly patroness of the Bryansk region.
Addressing the villagers and all participants of the solemn service, Nikolay Ovsienko noted: "This place is special for my wife Natalia and me. Here are the roots of her family, here is the soul and heart of many generations of our relatives. And the fact that today we are lucky enough to be present at the consecration of the dome and cross, marking the rebirth of this great temple, is definitely not a rural event. Our ancestors built this temple. We have read a lot that has been preserved in its history, and we understand that this is a very pious place. It was a wonderful and stunning temple. With God's help, we hope to complete all the work so that the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos in Selechna shines with its former splendor, so that it attracts believers and allows them to remember their roots. I express my confidence that life in the village will be revived along with the revival of this shrine. God save you, dear Vladyka, the church is being reborn through your prayers."
The dome and cross with a total height of 5.5 meters and a weight of 170 kg were made in the Yaroslavl region. With the help of a crane, they were placed on top of the church. To date, the floor has been made in the temple, windows have been installed, and brickwork is being restored. It is planned to make the roof before the new year and to begin interior plastering of the walls in winter.
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The parish of the Intercession Church in Selechna has been mentioned since 1628. By 1752, there was a wooden church in honor of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a stone church was built in 1847. The church is three-aisled: the side chapels were consecrated in honor of the prophet of God Elijah and St. Nicholas. The domed temple was built in the Empire style and is distinguished by its monumental forms. Its capacity is 3,000 people. The last service was held here in 1934. In 1938, the church was officially closed.
The parish of the Church of the Intercession was reopened in March 2011, and a church has been built in the building of the former store, where services are regularly held.
The restoration of the architectural monument of regional significance began in 2021 by the decision of Governor Alexander Bogomaz with the assistance of Nikolai Ovsienko and philanthropists.