Synthesis of secular and ecclesiastical influence on the process of creation of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra

DOI:

Review date:

Publish date:

Abstract: This article examines the secular and ecclesiastical influence on the image of the Orthodox temple, which formed and complemented it during the time of its construction. The subject of this research is the impact of cultural-historical context of the XVIII-XXI centuries upon the capital cathedral of the Orthodox men’s monastery – the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. The object of this research is the main temple of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra as a historical and cultural site. Special attention is given to determination of the sources of artistic distinctness and transformation of adornments throughout the period of existence of the site as the basis of restorative practices (on the example of a particular temple). Such analysis may become the foundation for methodological recommendations on restoration of the objects of cultural heritage of religious designation. The author concludes that the claccisistic cathedral obtained its image due to the activity of the Empress Catherine II and Archbishop Gavriil (Petrov), conveying the supporters of different worldviews – secular and sacral – the spirit of symphony and mutual reconciliation. Examination of the artistic distinctness of the cathedral and its present popularization allows understanding the non-liturgical (universal cultural) significance of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, and contributes to carrying out comprehensive scientific restoration.