The two churches were built in 1526 on Nutnaya Street by Novgorod and Moscow merchants on the site of an older, 14th century church.
The churches are unique in the history of old Russian architecture because of their coupled positioning and a large number of domes - four in all: two large and two small ones. In the 20th century, for a period of 30 years, the Church of St. Philip the Apostle was the only functioning church in Novgorod.
The churches have been reconstructed by N. Kouzmina, an outstanding restorer and architect.
Serveces are held daily at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., on Sunday at 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.