Bishop Methodius laid the foundation of a church in honor of the Life-Giving Trinity in the village of Verkhny Bagrjaz of the Zainsky District.

      On May 13, 2026, on the day of the commemoration of the Feast of the Ascension of the Holy Spirit, a significant event took place in the village of Verkhny Bagrayazh in the Zainsk district for the local residents and the entire Almetyevsk diocese — the laying of the foundation stone for a church in honor of the Life-Giving Trinity. The service was conducted by Bishop Mephodiy of Almetyevsk and Bugulma. His Grace was assisted by the archpriest Rodion Sadykov, the dean of the Zainsk district, the archpriest Konstantin Petryaev, the dean of the Leninogorsk district, as well as the clergy of the Zainsk deanery. The celebration was attended by believers and villagers for whom this event became an important milestone in the spiritual life of the area. During the service, the ruling hierarch read special prayers for the foundation of the future church and laid a commemorative capsule in the foundation. This symbolic act marked the beginning of a new stage in the revival of the Orthodox shrine in Verkhny Bagrayazh. After the laying ceremony, Bishop Mephodiy addressed those gathered with a pastoral word. He congratulated all participants on this historic event, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the church's construction and the importance of preserving Orthodox traditions in rural areas. It is worth noting that the church of the Life-Giving Trinity has a rich history. The first church on this site was built in the 19th century, in 1887, with funds from the benefactor — merchant Ivan Stakheev. During the Soviet era, the church was closed and repurposed as a village club, with the altar area used as a stage. The revival of the shrine began in recent years. In August 2025, Bishop Mephodiy consecrated the crosses and bells for the future church. Currently, finishing and restoration work is ongoing in the building, and preparations are being made for the Great Consecration ceremony. The residents of the village of Verkhny Bagrayazh hope that the restored church will become not only a spiritual center but also an important symbol of historical memory and unity for the local community.

      Photo: Press Service of the Almetyevsk Diocese

      Aigul Yarullina