[Russian Church in Harbin, China] - Lot 35

[Russian Church in Harbin, China] Bulk archive concerning the construction of the Blagovechtchensk church in Harbin, China, between 1931 and 1942. Harbin was a Russian city in Manchuria that welcomed many Russians after the Revolution. They built many Orthodox churches there, but this was probably the largest and most famous. The documents are certificates of recommendation issued in recognition of a significant contribution (usually in time and effort, but also in money) to the church by an individual or group. In this case, a certain Elena Pavlovna Mavridi, in recognition of her efforts towards the construction of the Church of the Annunciation in Harbin by Archbishop Meletios. The photo with all the portraits represents the building committee of this church. The documents are apparently signed by Archbishop Meletios. Construction of the temple began in autumn 1930 under the direction of Metropolitan Melety. Work lasted a decade, encountering constant difficulties and a chronic lack of funds. The temple, designed in the modernized Byzantine style by civil engineer BM Tustanovsky, was one of the most beautiful Russian-built edifices in Harbin. The Cultural Revolution did not spare the church.