Mom Forces Me To Smell Her Feet

The Church in Powunden

>> As the Konigsberg Internet Service klops.ru "today [ www.klops.ru 16.02.2010] reports are, at St. Barbara's Church of Powunden (Russian Khrabrovo) in Samland unique frescoes, among other things, the sacred Paul's show, just before the destruction caused by rain, snow and wind. " If not urgent measures are taken to preserve the masterpiece, the fresco could be washed away this year " said the historian and ethnographer Sergey Trifonov Internet service. The frescoes on the inner wall of the church was first mentioned in 1325. They were created to 1370/80, as Powunden Castle seat of the bishops was samländischen and were exposed 1924th 2nd World War, survived intact, the church was used as a club and then finally burned out. After use as a quarry for Russian homes as it is today only a ruin. Trifonov have the problem of Frescoes already Vyacheslav Mosgow, a leading restorer of the State Hermitage Museum, discussed the recommendations had been for the restoration. He also spoke with Governor Georgy Boos. This is appropriate instructions to the Ministry of Culture and have given the monument. Which they are, has not be verified. <<

Powunden were baptized in the church many generations of my ancestors, married and buried in the churchyard. The end of July 2009 I have been looking at my bicycle tours through the Samland, even after this church and I fought through nettles and brambles. I knew nothing of ancient frescoes. The spire and roof are missing, The former interior is ransacked wild crater next to the crater. The sprawling green hides many things. I must be careful when climbing around. The ruins are still impressive, a stunning example of medieval architecture. I was surprised the fresco on the inside wall of the tower completely. Enthusiastically I photograph as much as I can in the rest of the dwindling light summer day.

travelers from the 90 years reported that they have seen in the churchyard in Powunden looted tombs. The open pits, bones lying around on piles of dirt around the church ruins around shocked apparently only German tourists ... Such a sight I had, at least at this point spared. The graves of my ancestors I was in the inaccessible jungles around the church is not everywhere, although the location description of my mother was very concise.

The medieval fresco is in deplorable condition. However, I've been thrilled to have found it. My mother can not remember that this painting to pre-war times had been seen or known. She has experienced in 1945 deliberately staged rededication of the church in a disreputable club soldiers, accompanied by the destruction of the entire church inventory. The goal was to demoralize the probably still numerous remaining German population, which is mainly up to the fall of 1948 for Forced labor remained there. Any form of belief and religion was strictly forbidden.

I have no hope that can be done by the Russians effectively rescue the remaining frescoes. Powunden is not unique. The Samländischen churches are among the oldest in Prussia, and so it is not surprising to find in other religious buildings similarly impressive remains of medieval paintings.

I fear that the few who show interest in such historical treasures, not against the superior forces of ignorance and indifference can be penetrated. Even if high official church ruins be declared a National Monument (as in Pobethen for years), even if Russia signs point to the cultural worth protecting, so it is the continued vandalism, torn down the signs, busy Grabräuberei operated and further bricks stolen. So far, no one seemed to mind.






Powunden Khrabrovo is today. It is located about 20 km north of Kaliningrad. Just east of the historic center begins the site of the only airport in the Kaliningrad Oblast. A few years ago as a hub of East is projected, of which nothing at all to notice. The regional airline KD Avia is broke. I see only occasionally in July 2009, a few old propeller aircraft during landing.