Catholic church of St. Mary on Parafyanovo

In the picturesque village of Parafyanovo, Vitebsk Region, stands the magnificent Church of Saint Mary — a stunning example of Neo-Baroque architecture. The church belongs to the Dokshitsy deanery of the Vitebsk Diocese and is listed as a cultural heritage site of the Republic of Belarus. Its spires rising into the sky can be seen from afar, attracting both pilgrims and lovers of historical architecture. Today, it remains a vital spiritual and cultural landmark, embodying the resilience of faith and rich heritage of Belarus.

History

The parish in Parafyanovo dates back to 1630, when the first wooden church was built. It was rebuilt in 1675, and at the end of the 19th century, a decision was made to construct a new stone temple due to the growing Catholic population. The cornerstone was blessed in 1900, and construction — funded by local parishioners — was completed in 1904 or 1908, depending on the sources.

The 20th century brought trials: the church became the spiritual home of priest Mechislav Bogatkevich, later beatified as a martyr. In 1963, Soviet authorities closed the church and converted it into a warehouse for a local distillery. It was returned to the faithful in 1988 in a dilapidated state, and restoration took over a decade.

Architecture

The Church of Saint Mary is a three-nave, twin-towered basilica with a small transept, representing Neo-Baroque architecture of the early 20th century. The interior is divided by eight columns, creating a sense of solemnity and harmony. The altar is completed by a semicircular apse with an ambulatory and two sacristies.

The central nave and transept are covered with intersecting gable roofs, while the façades are adorned with pilasters and profiled cornices. The central nave is vaulted with a cylindrical arch and lunettes, while the side aisles feature cross vaults. Particularly impressive are the 1927 gypsum bas-reliefs depicting the Stations of the Cross — expressive, spiritual, and finely crafted.

Excursions

This church is a true gem among the sights of the Vitebsk Region and is a must-see. An excursion from Minsk to the Church of Saint Mary in Parafyanovo offers a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual and architectural heritage of Belarus. We especially recommend an individual tour, during which you can explore the church in detail, learn about the lives of its priests and the challenges of its restoration. Such a visit promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for every traveler.