Orthodox Church of St. Archangel Michael

After the Kokand Khanate was dissolved in 1876, the city of Osh became part of the Fergana region of the Russian Empire. In 1877, a military field church made of adobe bricks with a wooden frame was erected in the city. The current church, which replaced the original, was built between 1904 and 1910, following a standard design for regimental churches.

In 1928, the church was closed down and converted into a club. Its appearance was heavily altered, with crosses removed, the dome and bell tower destroyed, and the iconostasis and altar completely dismantled. During the 1980s, the building of the former church housed the Osh Regional Philharmonic Hall. It wasn’t until 1992 that the structure was returned to the Orthodox community.

During the Kyrgyz-Uzbek conflict in 2010, the church served as a sanctuary, sheltering people of various nationalities. The parish organized the baking and distribution of bread, offering vital sustenance during those turbulent days. On the third day of the conflict, the church’s rector, Archpriest Viktor Reymgin, led a cross procession through the rebellious city, calling for an end to the violence.

Plans are currently underway to restore the church to its original historical appearance as it was before 1918. Despite the dwindling number of Orthodox Christians in Osh, with the Russian population now numbering less than 5,000, the church continues to hold services, as well as perform wedding and baptismal ceremonies.

Adjacent to the church, a small shop offers Orthodox items, candles, and other religious articles. The candles are handmade from wax sourced from the church’s own beehives, which were established on the premises. The honey produced here is sold in many of Osh’s stores, adding a sweet connection between the church and the community.