Monument to Peter and Fevronia
The monument to Peter and Fevronia of Murom, the patron saints of family and marriage, appeared in Yaroslavl in 2009. This is one of the first sculptures in Russia depicting the famous Orthodox couple. Within the framework of the Family Circle program, more than 60 such monuments have already been installed throughout the country, which is why Peter and Fevronia have become the most popular saints in the 21st century (in terms of creating sculptures).
Peter and Fevronia found themselves in this part of the city for a reason – the central wedding Palace is located very close by. Now, after the ceremony, the newlyweds first go to be photographed at the monument in the hope that the marriage will be successful. Tourists are not inferior to them either. It has already become a tradition to take selfies near Peter and Fevronia in all cities where there are similar monuments: creating a collection of such photos, you can travel almost the entire country. Curiously, there is also a reconciliation bench near the monument, the two halves of which are slightly tilted, which is why people are forced to sit very close to each other. So the place near the monument to Peter and Fevronia really helps to stay in peace, love and harmony.
The story of Peter and Fevronia of Murom is unusual. According to the life, the commoner Fevronia managed to cure Prince Peter of leprosy, which he contracted during the battle with the fiery serpent. As a reward for the treatment, she wanted to become the prince's wife, and at first he agreed to fulfill the girl's request, but did not keep his word. However, his illness returned, as Fevronia deliberately did not heal the last poisonous scab on her body. She resumed treatment, and the prince had to marry a commoner. Their marriage became so happy that at an advanced age, having already taken monastic vows, they turned to God for the only request – to let them die on the same day.
The sculptures of Peter and Fevronia look different in all cities. Yaroslavl spouses stand side by side, half turned to each other. They have a pigeon and a dove in their arms, with one of the birds "hugging" the other with its wings. This idea belongs to the sculptor Konstantin Chernyavsky. Collaborating with the program "In the Family circle", he has developed more than ten projects of compositions based on stories about the holy couple. According to the master, this affected his family: two sons and a daughter were born during his work.
