Church of Nicholas in Petrikov

The St. Nicholas Church in Petrikov is an outstanding monument of 19th-century Orthodox architecture, located on a picturesque hill above the Pripyat River in the town of Petrikov, Gomel Region. Built in 1839, the church still bears the marks of a turbulent history, spiritual dedication, and architectural beauty. This site is a true discovery for those planning a trip from Minsk to the St. Nicholas Church in Petrikov — a route that combines religious, historical, and cultural heritage of the region.

History

The church’s history dates back to the 18th century. On the same site where the stone church now stands, there was a wooden church built in 1772, which was destroyed by fire after a lightning strike in the early 19th century. A memorial stone on the church grounds commemorates that earlier structure.

In 1839, thanks to donations from parishioners and local merchants — Kebets, Morgun, Korol, and Korulsky — construction of the new church began. However, the times of persecution did not spare it: in 1929, the church was closed, and in 1930, a massive bell weighing over 120 poods was removed from the bell tower and sent for smelting. Later, the building was used as a flour warehouse.

During the Second World War, the church was reopened for worship. Despite numerous difficulties, the faith and selflessness of the parishioners helped preserve the building and even overcome the threat of closure in the 1970s. A key role in its preservation was played by Archpriest Yevgeny Veigo, who persistently defended the community’s right to pray in their church.

Architecture

The church has a cruciform shape, with a dome crowning the composition. The interior walls are richly decorated with frescoes, some of which date back to the first half of the 20th century. Of particular artistic value are the icons of Saint George and Empress Alexandra (1926), as well as the Archangel beneath the icon of the Virgin Mary (1927). The frescoes on the dome and walls were painted by artist A. Tereshkovich and partially restored and expanded in 2005 by Ukrainian painter A.I. Kutenkov.

The church preserves its spiritual atmosphere not only through its imagery and architecture, but also thanks to rare books that have survived in its library and are still carefully kept.

Excursions

The St. Nicholas Church in Petrikov is not only an architectural gem but also a living chapter of Belarusian Orthodoxy. To explore this place more closely, we offer a trip from Minsk to the St. Nicholas Church in Petrikov in the format of a private guided tour.

On request, we can arrange a personalized itinerary that includes not only a visit to the church but also other fascinating sites in the region — such as monuments, historic estates, or natural attractions of Polesia. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural ambiance of southern Belarus accompanied by an experienced guide.