The church in honor of the Holy Virgin Protection

The Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is located in the historical area of the village of Krupcy, which is now part of Minsk. The church is a pilgrimage site and a spiritual center associated with the miraculous Krupcy Icon of the Mother of God and a sacred spring believed to have healing properties. Built in the traditions of Orthodox church architecture, the temple is open to parishioners and tourists year-round.

History

The holy site dates back to 1612, when the first chapel was erected here, presumably by monks from Vilnius. In the 19th century, the chapel was replaced by a wooden church, and in 1857, a new church on a stone foundation was completed. Funds for construction were gathered by the entire community, including parishioners, the governor of Minsk, and local theaters. A caretaker’s house with rooms for pilgrims was built nearby, and the church became the home of the miraculous Krupcy icon.

Architecture

The current church building was consecrated in 2007, yet it carefully preserves the continuity of spiritual tradition. Architecturally, it blends classical Orthodox design with features typical of modern church buildings. Nearby are a small church at the spring, consecrated in 1998, and a memorial cross erected in 1992. Inside the church are sacred relics, including a copy of the miraculous icon and relics of Orthodox saints.

Excursions

You can visit the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos as part of an individual tour of Minsk. We offer a flexible format — the tour can be customized to match your interests and include not only the church in Krupcy but also other landmarks of the capital. This is a perfect option for those who want to explore the spiritual and historical aspects of the city. You can book a private tour from Minsk with a visit to the church, the holy spring, and other unique cultural and religious sites.