Over the decades, moss, lichen, and insects damaged and destablized the wall timbers, the wood in the iconostasis, and the shingled roof. Significant leaks developed, allowing moisture to infiltrate the building and mar its interior finishes. Dust and candle wax have also left the iconostasis in poor condition, obscuring the religious imagery. (...)
Over the decades, moss, lichen, and insects damaged and destablized the wall timbers, the wood in the iconostasis, and the shingled roof. Significant leaks developed, allowing moisture to infiltrate the building and mar its interior finishes. Dust and candle wax have also left the iconostasis in poor condition, obscuring the religious imagery. In 2001, WMF started the conservation process by eliminating the problematic insects, humidity, and vegetation. Structural analysis was conducted to implement the technical specifications needed to stabilize the church. Local resources and the expertise of local craftsmen were used to create hand-hewn wooden cleft shingles to conserve the roof. The walls were shored up and other damaged elements were replaced. Among the imagery conserved on the iconostasis were the paintings depicting Christ the teacher, the virgin and child, and two of the apostles. To prevent water filtration, drainage canals were dug and a long-term maintenance plan for the building was put into effect by the end of the project in 2004.
