Documentary backdrop image for Batek (2023)

Documentary backdrop image for Batek (2023)

202380 minPGdocumentary

Batek

202380 minPGdocumentary

A semi-literate former convict built a large wooden church in a penal colony, adhering to the canons of ancient Russian architecture.

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Director

Svetlana Stasenko

Synopsis

A semi-literate former convict built a large wooden church in a penal colony, adhering to the canons of ancient Russian architecture.

People

Svetlana Stasenko

Svetlana Stasenkodirector

Synopsis

Gena Chudnevich was born in a Russian prison. After spending time in an orphanage, he returned to prison as a teenager. There, he began building a large wooden church, despite being semi-literate. Gena became hieromonk Gerontius and led a group to restore ancient monasteries. Following a personal tragedy, he faced rejection from the official church for his contributions.

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