MAPPING OF MEMORIAL TREES OF HOLY PLACES IN RUSSIA AND THE NEAR ABROAD

Abstract

The history of the Orthodox Church in Russia and the Near Abroad is related by definite mode with world of nature environment. Trees growing now or existed in the past in territories of holy places are elements of this world. These plants were eye-witnesses of miracles, participants in events of Holy History and the life of Christian ascetics. Some of them persisted until the present and have a great value as unique examples of nature and culture heritage. Mapping of such objects surviving of last centuries has a large value for their inventory and protection. This corresponds with All-Russian federal program “Trees - memorial of the living nature”. Data about extinct plants are important for profound study of the history of holy places and reconstruction there of historical landscape.