If you've never heard of the St. Anna Chapel in Columbus, North Carolina, then it comes as no surprise. But what will definitely come as a (delightful) surprise is where the tiny little chapel is located.
The small Russian chapel, part of the Eastern Diocese of the Russian Church Outside of Russia was consecrated in 2014 upon its completion near the small town of Columbus (population, 1,000).
In keeping with tradition, the chapel is not ornate. Its structure and design take the shape of the cross (representing Earth, which has a beginning and an end), and the chapel is topped with a dome (representing Heaven, which has no beginning and no end).
The small chapel is stunning in its simplicity, which is complemented by its meaningful design elements. But there's one thing about this chapel you can't see in these photos.
It's located in the middle of a vineyard. Literally. And the sight of the chapel and the vineyard together just may be awe-inspiring enough to bring you to your knees.
You'll find this one-of-a-kind Russian chapel at North Carolina's Russian Chapel Hills Winery.
Where, on any given day, you can admire how the chapel seems to spread some heavenly love to the annual crop growing heartily on the vines.
In fact, you can even enjoy a glass of that blessed wine while you relax at the tasting room and gawk at the view.
Russian Chapel Hills Winery began around 2012, when two local growers and wine makers joined together. The chapel was the final element added to the new concept in 2014.
You could say, with a chapel in the middle of the vineyard, that Russian Chapel Hills Winery grapes are especially blessed, and are therefore, one of a kind in North Carolina.
And so is St. Anna Chapel, as she quietly sits in the middle of all those grapevines each year, lovingly overseeing their progress until the next harvest.
Have you been to Russian Chapel Hills Winery or St. Anna Chapel in North Carolina?We'd love to know! The winery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You'll find them both at 2662 Green Creek Drive, Columbus, North Carolina. Find out more on their official website.
Take a look at another unique chapel in North Carolina here.
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