Dedications of orthodox churches in Novosibirsk diocese (1990-2020)

The article analyzes the choice of altar dedications of Orthodox churches in the context of actualization and preservation strategies of Orthodox symbolism using the evidence of current practices in Novosibirsk Diocese. The study is based on field materials collected by the author in Novosibirsk Region and Novosibirsk City in 1990-2020, as well as reference information on Novosibirsk Diocese from databases. The number of religious Orthodox buildings as well as number and dedication of altars have been established. The comparison has shown an increase in the number of altars and expansion in the list of their dedications. To date, dedications to the Holy Life-Giving Trinity, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and Archangel Michael have the largest number of altars. Altars dedicated to St. Sergius of Radonezh, Holy Martyr Panteleimon, the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God, the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, and Holy Apostles Peter and Paul show somewhat smaller number of altars. The number of altars dedicated to the Mother of God is about 20 % of the total number of dedications and all altars. Dedications to the Twelve Great Feasts and other great feasts have been identified; there were no dedications to Minor Feasts. It is concluded that presently the Diocese follows Orthodox norms in traditional dedications. The number of dedicated altars is increasing and symbolic field of dedications is expanding, reflecting the ideas of catholicity and multi-ethnicity, preserving the memory of historical events in recent history as well as regional and local holy objects of worship. The strategies for preserving the symbolism of Orthodoxy combine traditionality with active introduction of devotions which have not previously appeared in Novosibirsk Diocese, accompanying the increase in the number of altars.