Construction of Orthodox churches in Eastern Siberia in the 17^th - first half of the 19^th century

   The article is devoted to the history of the church construction development in Eastern Siberia during its evolvement. The general evolution of scientific research on the declared subject indicating an insufficient knowledge was observed in its historiographical review. The article reveals the main features of the Russian Orthodox Church’s construction policy in the region at various stages of the period under review. The contribution of the clergy and local population to the process of church building is demonstrated. The role of all Irkutsk bishops in organization of The Orthodox churches building site in Eastern Siberia after the establishment of an independent administrative and religious structure,the Irkutsk diocese, in its territory, especially, the transition to stone construction is given coverage to on details. Also, the results of their activities in that field are summarized. The main architectural styles dominated the church construction in Eastern Siberia and successively succeeded each other in the 17^th - first half of the 19^th century (“tent-roofed”, “Siberian baroque”, “classicism”, etc.) are considered and architectural masterpieces of religious sites construction in the region including those survived to nowadays in the region are indicated. The organizational, technological and financial aspects of the church construction are covered as well as the numerous difficulties and obstacles faced by the organizers and participants of that process, and the ways to overcome them. The article notes the role of the Orthodox churches construction in the cultural development of Eastern Siberia during the period under review and as a “cultural heritage” of the past. The conclusion contains the eductions based on the results of studying the subject.

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