A commission has been set up to assess the damage caused to the cultural heritage of the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali. Most of the ancient churches and monuments dating from the the 13th century now lie in ruins. But one church miraculously survived

Father Yalov along with members of his congregation hid in the basement of a burning building when Georgian troops and tanks entered the city. He prayed, and feared a coming massacre.

«[The Georgians] were in the city. I knew that the cleansing process was about to begin. I guess the women did not have a clear idea of it, but for us men it was obvious. You know it's easy to do – they open the cellar, throw a grenade, throw more and more until no one is left moving,» said Father Yalov, recalling the horrifying ordeal.

Luckily the priest survived, and went to tend to the injured and dying in the city. When he returned to the cathedral he was surprised to see that it was still standing, despite being directly targeted by Georgian artillery fire.

For some it was no surprise. Local resident Genreitta Vogichaeva, among others, believes the cathedral is especially blessed.

“People with very grave diseases come to the church and get cured. Before undergoing a surgery they come here to make sure it all goes well. And it does – 100 percent!” said Genrietta.

One event in particular secured her belief in the church's unique powers.

“After the bombing I came to the church and found many burnt books here. But one was intact – it was on the life of the Causasian St. Fiadofski. I opened it and say that the day of his death was August 8, the day war broke out. So it could be a little miracle!” she said.

Meanwhile, during the night a series of shots could be heard from around Tskhinvali, including the mountains, where some Georgian snipers are reported to be remaining.

Currently Russia’s Emergencies Ministry seems to be the main driving force behind the city’s restoration. Around 1700 staff have been sent there and are working to restore power, water supplies and communications.

Several Russian radio stations are beginning to broadcast again.