Church of the Archangel Michael

The historic city of Bukhara is home to the current temple of the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese of the Central Asian Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church – the Temple of Archangel Michael.

The church was first built of wood in 1860 by Russian Orthodox Christians who arrived at that time in a resettled village on the outskirts of the city and consecrated as the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky.

In 1872, the church was severely damaged by a fire, after which in 1875, with the help of construction workers and the military, a new church building made of baked brick was erected.

During the Soviet era, in 1929, the temple was closed and converted into a warehouse, and 2 years later the bell tower was demolished, on which 5 bells were suspended. The largest of them was called Archangel Michael.

After Uzbekistan gained independence, in 1992 the temple was handed over to believers and consecrated by the Church of Archangel Michael.

Today, services are held in the church, and not many parishioners can be seen there. On weekdays, 20 people, and on holidays, 30-35 people. The service is conducted by Priest Leonid Petrov.