Church of Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Vidzy

Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos in Vidzy is a rare example of church architecture in the Art Nouveau style, built between 1907 and 1910 based on the design of architect Leon Witan-Dubiejkowski. Located in the town of Vidzy, Braslaw District, Vitebsk Region, the church belongs to the Old Orthodox Pomorian Church and is listed as a protected cultural heritage site of Belarus.

History

The Old Believers’ community in Vidzy was established at the end of the 18th century. In the early 20th century, a new brick church was constructed with the active participation of parishioners. The church was consecrated in 1910. Since 1996, the parish priest has been Father Ioann Pushkaryov. The church remains active to this day and continues to serve as a spiritual center for Old Believers in the region.

Architecture

The church in Vidzy is built of brick, with a rectangular main volume, a pentagonal apse, and a three-tier bell tower. The architectural style is Art Nouveau with elements of retrospective Russian ecclesiastical design. The facades are decorated with brick ornaments and arched window openings. Above the altar part rises an octagonal drum topped with a dome.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos in Vidzy is of great interest not only as an example of early 20th-century architecture, but also as a unique testimony to the spiritual and cultural identity of the Old Believers’ movement in Belarus. One of the most revered relics of the church is the icon of “Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker”, dating back to the early 19th century.

Excursions and Visiting

The church is part of religious and architectural tours through the Vitebsk Region. It can be visited as part of a tour from Minsk, Polotsk, Vitebsk, or within tours of the Braslaw area. Visitors are invited to discover the church’s unique architecture, the history of Old Belief in the region, and its rich spiritual heritage, including ancient icons. You can book an individual or corporate guided tour with a visit to the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos in Vidzy, as well as other landmarks of the Braslaw District.