Publications
The Exhibition “Russian Tile” in the Novodevichy Convent (1980–1998). From the History of the Exhibiting of Architectural Ceramics Collection of the State Historical Museum
A significant milestone in the exhibition history of Russian tile art, the 'Russian Tile' exhibition (1980–1998) held in the Novodevichy Convent's Choir Hall—then a branch of the State Historical Museum (SHM)—demonstrated the potential of architectural ceramics as both decorative and applied art. The exhibition showcased approximately 2,000 tiles, primarily from the SHM's collection, alongside other decorative objects and slides, offering a comprehensive presentation that advanced contemporary understandings of tile as a historical source. Analyzing unpublished archives from the museum's departments—Ceramics and Glass, Written Sources, and Accounting—Iordanskaya reveals how this exhibition shaped modern approaches to exhibiting and studying Russian tiles, bridging traditional and research-oriented perspectives.
Features of detection and interpretation of intravital and postmortem changes according to the results of traditional X-ray and X-ray computed tomography of objects from historical graves and artefacts
A groundbreaking study leverages traditional X-ray and X-ray computed tomography to unravel the mechanisms, physical nature, and patterns of intravital and postmortem changes in biological and non-biological objects dating from 1550 to 1918. By analyzing relics such as those of Saint Macarius the Roman of Novgorod, remains of Mother Superior Theophania, and a chair leg linked to Tsesarevich Alexey, researchers demonstrated these methods' high informativity in accurately interpreting historical changes in skeletal bones and artefacts. The findings underscore the necessity for specialized forensic radiology expertise to avoid diagnostic errors, offering valuable insights into the preservation and interpretation of historical remains.
New data on the necropolis of Novodevichy monastery: the funerary vault of Smolensk cathedral and the restoration of the 1880s
A recent study has uncovered previously unpublished materials from the restoration of the 1880s, providing new insights into the funerary vault of Smolensk Cathedral within the Novodevichy Convent's necropolis. This significant burial site for Russian aristocracy in the 16th-17th centuries was examined during a comprehensive restoration (2017-2019) by the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which re-evaluated burial objects and prepared historical materials for publication. The study reveals that while inscriptions on monuments were known since the late 18th century, stone sarcophagi and their inscriptions were only discovered during the 1880s restoration—details of which had remained unpublished until now.
Nikolai Gogol and the Psalter: Four Unpubliched Autographs of the Writer
Four previously unpublished autographs of Nikolai Gogol, featuring his extracts from the Psalter dating to the 1840s, reveal a deeper connection between sacred poetry and Gogol's artistic vision. One manuscript, intended for A.O. Smirnova, was published for the first time in this study, while three others highlight Gogol's engagement with a rare 1770 translation of the Psalter by His Grace Ambrose, a key figure in the construction of Moscow's Novodevichy Convent. These autographs, housed in Pushkin House and the Russian State Library, demonstrate Gogol's unique approach to the Psalter—both as a devotional text and an inspiration for Russian poetry. The research also links these manuscripts to Gogol's correspondence with poet N.M. Yazykov, offering new insights into his reflections on the future of lyric poetry.
Orthodoxy. Science. Culture. To the 500th Anniversary of the Moscow Novodevichy Convent
A significant exploration of the Novodevichy Convent's role as a bridge between spiritual and secular traditions reveals its enduring influence on Russian culture. The 500th anniversary celebration book highlights how the convent's legacy, preserved through literature from the 18th to 19th centuries—such as sermons, memoirs, diaries, and letters—embedded Christian values and national ideals into Russia's societal fabric. This continuity underscores the convent's historical significance in fostering a harmonious union of faith and governance, offering a unique lens on Orthodox-Science-Culture interactions.
Stones-notes on Maximilian Voloshin’s Grave
A comparative analysis of vernacular 'cults' at two sacred sites—Maximilian Voloshin’s grave in Crimea and a tower of the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow—reveals that both attract visitors who leave inscribed stones with requests for health, family well-being, prosperity, and success. While these appeals mirror societal values reflected in sociological surveys, they primarily serve as aesthetic or symbolic gestures rather than expressions of urgent need. The study quantifies the structure of these messages, demonstrating parallels between the two sites despite differences in context, and underscores their role as tourist attractions where 'honoring' the mythologized figures is more about ritualistic gaming than practical petitioning.
The History of the Luzhniki Stadium: From the Settlement to the Arena
Luzhniki Stadium, a symbol of Soviet Moscow, emerged from a long history tied to the Novodevichy Convent and its surrounding territory. This study reveals how the area's name, natural features, and urban development evolved over centuries, culminating in the construction of one of the Soviet Union's most significant sports complexes. By analyzing historical records and social factors, the research traces Luzhniki's transformation from a rural settlement to a modern landmark, highlighting its cultural and architectural significance within Moscow's landscape.
Iconographic Program of Altar Murals in the Smolensk Cathedral of the Novodevichy Convent and Piety of the Godunov Family
The altar murals of the Smolensk Cathedral in Novodevichy Convent, commissioned during Tsar Boris Godunov's reign, reveal a strategic iconographic program aimed at legitimizing his dynasty. The study finds that these murals, particularly those in the central apse and eastern transept, form a donor-like composition featuring figures of the Godunov family—Tsaritsa Irina, her late husband Tsar Fyodor, and their deceased daughter Feodosia—venerating the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. This composition, unique to its time, replaces traditional donor portraits, symbolizing the Godunovs' aspiration for divine validation. The murals also emphasize themes of salvation and unity with the heavenly realm, as seen in the 'Pокров Богоматери' (Theotokos of the Intercession) scene, reflecting an optimistic vision of a righteous Orthodox state under Boris's rule. Additionally, adjacent symbolic images of the Theotokos with Christ in the tomb ('Do Not Weep for Me, Mother') and the All-Seeing Savior link to the theme of resurrection, reinforcing hope for eternal life. The absence of the Last Judgment scene suggests a deliberate construction of a serene, hopeful narrative aligned with Godunov-era piety and Boris's aspirations for a peaceful reign.
The Novodevichy Convent in the Mirror of Urban Legends
Urban legends and myths surrounding the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow are deeply intertwined with its historical narrative, shaping perceptions of this significant religious and cultural site. The study reveals that these legends, collected from diverse sources including local history literature, media, and personal accounts between 2008 and 2018, often reflect broader themes tied to the convent's name, construction, and purported miraculous events. By analyzing these narratives, researchers demonstrate how folklore enriches the understanding of the convent's role in Russia's political and cultural heritage.
Deliverance of St. Macarius from the June Fire of 1547 in the Novinsky Monastery
Research reveals that the Mazurinsky Chronicle (1680s) provides definitive evidence that Metropolitan Macarius was evacuated to Novospassky Monastery, not Novinsky or Novodevichy Convent, during the 1547 Kremlin fire. This challenges long-standing assumptions rooted in the Postnik Chronicler and clarifies a historiographical legend about the metropolitan's refuge. The study examines late chronicle monuments (17th century) and classical 19th-century historiography to demonstrate that Novospassky Monastery, with its significance in church hierarchy during the Romanov era, was the likely destination. It also explores the status and role of these monasteries in medieval Moscow and Russian Church history.
Archaic imitation: history of the cult of Tsarevna Sophia and rhetorical strategies of messages to her
A notable discovery in the study of religious and cultural practices at UNESCO World Heritage Sites is that the cult of Tsarevna Sophia Alekseyevna, associated with the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow, emerged as a secular phenomenon in the 21st century. Unlike pre-revolutionary times, where memories of Sophia were preserved locally without religious connotations, modern veneration has taken the form of wall inscriptions addressed to her, reflecting an eclectic blend of prayer formulas and contemporary epistolary styles. The research analyzed a corpus of these inscriptions from 2010-2014, revealing that authors attempted to imbue their messages with the status of prayers through stylistic markers, despite lacking formal religious support or established liturgical language.
Z pałacu do klasztoru. Panowanie Zofii Aleksiejewnej – niekoronowanej carowej Rosji
Sophia Alekseyevna, a prominent figure in Russian history, defied conventional norms by becoming the regent for two tsars, leveraging her intelligence and character. Her reign faced challenges, including unsuccessful military expeditions under Vasily Golitsyn, which weakened her position. Ultimately, she was sidelined by Peter the Great and imprisoned in the Novodevichy Convent, where she attempted but failed to regain power. This study examines Sophia's historical significance, contrasting her with other influential women in Russian history such as Zoe Palaiologina and Marina Mniszech, highlighting her unique role in breaking from traditional expectations.
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