John the Teologist’s Chapel in Kenozero National Park, Arkhangelsk County, Russia. Photo: Directorate for Cultural Heritage, Dag Myklebust

John the Teologist’s Chapel dates from the 18th century. The chapel is situated in the remains of a “holy grove” which has been undisturbed for several hundred years. Removing dead trees, picking flowers or gathering mushrooms is not allowed in sacred places such as this.

Kenozero National Park in Arkhangelsk County is one of three main target areas for the Norwegian-Russian environmental cooperation coordinated by the Directorate for Cultural Heritage.  The chapel was restored in 1997-99 by Russian and Norwegian craftsmen.