The Clergy of the Michael the Archangel Church During the Soviet Era

Abstract

This article explores the history of the Orthodox parish of the Michael the Archangel Church in Karaganda during the Soviet era. It examines the development of the parish’s religious life from its origins as an underground dugout chapel to its recognition as an officially registered prayer house. Particular attention is paid to the fates of the rectors and clergy of the church, their role in preserving ecclesiastical life, and their contributions to the material development of the church under state control and repression. The study is based on archival data, memoirs, and documents from Soviet government agencies. The article highlights the lives of four prominent rectors of the cathedral and, based on archival records, provides information about less-known priests who briefly served the parish. From 1935 to 1937, the community of the future Michael the Archangel Church was shepherded by Priest Yakov Ivanovich Penkov. In 1938, Priest Vladimir Mironovich Kholodkov succeeded him. During his ministry, he made significant efforts to improve the church's infrastructure: he secured permission for the registration of the prayer house and later oversaw the construction of a one-story church building, albeit without domes. From March 4, 1950, to 1962, the parish was headed by Protopriest Ioann Stepanovich Pevunov. From 1962 to 1965, the rector was Protopriest Dmitry Andreyevich Mlodzyanovsky. From 1965 to 1992, the parish was led by Protopriest Alexey Vyacheslavovich Ulovich, under whose leadership the church received the status of a cathedral.