Under the protection of the holy image. Documentary narrative about the Znamensky Cathedral of Tyumen

The book of Nadezhda Leonidovna Antufieva is dedicated to one of the oldest temples of the Tyumen region - the Znamensky Cathedral (previously the Znamensky Church), which played a crucial role in the spread and strengthening of Orthodoxy in the region.
Before us is not just a historical study, its peculiarity lies in the spiritual-religious component of the book: the central spiritual canvas is the history of the icon of the Mother of God "Sign of the Znamensky Cathedral.
If we talk about the historical component of the book, then it is quite voluminous and covers the chronological period in several centuries. The author begins the study with the period of joining Western Siberia to Russia, considering the spiritual, political and socio-economic conditions of the appearance of the temple and in stages characterizing each stage of its history: from the beginning of construction to the present. The book takes into account the architectural traditions of Russia and the region, a comparative analysis of the artistic appearance of the cathedral is carried out, the study was carried out in the context of the history of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is a scientific background and determines the entire spiritual and historical projection of the book. It is especially necessary to say about the collected material regarding the biographies and the fate of the church-leders of the cathedral, starting from the 17th century, as well as parishioners who supported the temple in difficult years of persecution of the church.
Among the sources on the basis of which the book has been created, it is necessary to note archival materials, most of which were first introduced into scientific circulation, as well as a wide range of evidence of a different kind: newspaper publications of past years, memoirs, interviews, personal memories and other sources. As a special value of the book, it should be noted the photographs and illustrations collected in it, capturing the images of clergy, parishioners, types of cathedral and icons, archival documents and many other evidence and artifacts.
In general, the book represents an undoubted spiritual, historical and scientific value. It is intended for a wide range of readers.
Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, O.N. Naumenko