The text describes the Catholic church in the town of Nizhny Novgorod, located at the mouth of the Oka River into the Volga. The interior of the church is presented, as well as the question of the image of the Blessed Virgin. The history of the church, said to have been built in 1862 through the efforts of Agapit Elarov, is also briefly outlined. The privilege granted to this temple by Józef Maksymilian Staniewski is also mentioned, as well as the parish priests Rev. Szymon Budrewicz and his successor, Rev. Bronisław Orlicki, Aleksander Zabiełło and Ildefons Leszczyński (Source: Tygodnik Illustrowany, Warsaw 1870, Series 2, Vol. 5, p. 304, after: University of Łódź Digital Library).

A modernised reading of the text.

Catholic Church in Nizhny Novgorod.

In the provincial town of Nizhny Novgorod, simply called Nizhny, situated at the mouth of the Oka River into the Volga, there is a Catholic church of brick, miniature, with a beautiful porch and pediment, decorated with a sign of salvation, It is situated at the foot of a lofty mountain at the exit called Zelenskiy-jazd, where from the morning until deep into the night, every day, and especially in August during the Makariev fair, there is a constant rumble of carriages passing by. This temple, nice and cleanly kept, has an organ, many oil paintings on the walls and three carved altars. The large altar contains an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose name the church was consecrated to; the side altars have Jesus in the Garden on the left and St Wenceslas on the right. To either side of the high altar are two sacristies, from which doors lead to the presbytery, separated from the nave by a wooden balustrade. In winter, during the great cold weather, the church and vestries are heated by several iron cookers. The church is cheerful and pleasant; only one thing strikes the eye: some beams under the ceiling, inappropriately placed by the architect. According to the Latin inscription on a bronze plaque by the grilles, this church was built in 1862, thanks to the efforts and expense of Agapit Elarov and other believers. It is a pity that we do not have the details of the life of this Elarov, benefactor and founder of the temple. All that is known is that he was an Armenian, trading in Nizhny, a respected man, rich and eager for the glory of God. At present, his son is the trustee of this church and tries earnestly to maintain it decently. In the sacristy, in a frame behind glass, there is a privilege granted for this church by the archdiocesan bishop-supragan Joseph Maximilian Staniewski, dated 26 September 1853, by which, for the greater piety of the faithful and salvation of souls, he allows the celebration of Mass, with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, according to church regulations, on the days indicated. Next to the church, there is a nice brick house for the pastor and behind it, another wooden house for the vicar and the church staff; a little further on there are a coach house and a stable. The church and the mentioned buildings are separated from the street in front by a wooden barricade, supported by brick pillars, surrounded by a wall on the sides, and on the fourth side there is a high and steep hill, covered with turf, on which the walls of the ancient Nizhgorod castle, called Kremlin, are visible. This church especially in summer reflects beautifully from the mountain and is a nice view. Just outside the church walls a chapel for Orthodox Christians was built in 1865. A little further on, the towers and domes of the church rise above the houses, behind which the Volga is visible. The first parish priest in Nizhny was Fr Simon Budrevich, who, until the temple was built, held services in a chapel in a private house. When he took up residence in Nizhny, I do not know. It was during his time that the church was built. He died on 14 June 1857, at the age of 47 and 23 years of priesthood. In the last year of his life he was assisted by Fr Bronislav Orlicki, who is now vice-curate and chaplain at the war grammar school, where he teaches religion to Catholic youth. After him, Fr Alexander Zabiełło, a former professor at the Roman Catholic Theological Academy in St Petersburg, took over the pastorate; but when he was soon assigned to another post, Fr Ildefons Leszczyński was sent from Pskov, who has remained there until now.