Church of St. Cosma and Domian in Ostrovec

Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian is one of the most significant Catholic churches in Belarus, located in the town of Ostrovets, Grodno Region. It belongs to the Ostrovets Deanery of the Grodno Diocese and is an architectural monument in the Classicist style. Built between 1785 and 1787, the church is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus.

History of the Catholic parish in Ostrovets

The Catholic parish in Ostrovets was founded as early as 1458. In the early 17th century, the town became the property of the Korsak family, who built a Dominican monastery and a wooden church between 1616 and 1618. Two centuries later, in 1785–1787, a stone church replaced the old wooden one, which has been preserved to this day.

Transfer of the church to the Orthodox Church

After the suppression of the 1863 uprising, many Catholic churches in modern-day Belarus were transferred to the Orthodox Church. The Ostrovets Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian was no exception—it was handed over to the Orthodox Church in 1866, after which a dome with an onion-shaped top was added to the building.

Return to Catholics and the Soviet period

In 1918, after Ostrovets became part of Poland following the Treaty of Riga in 1921, the church was returned to the Catholic community, and the onion-shaped dome was removed. During the Soviet era, the church remained open, which helped preserve it in good condition.

Modern status as a cultural heritage site

On August 2, 2016, by a resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian was granted the status of a regional cultural heritage site. This highlights its significance as an architectural and historical landmark.

Architectural features of the church

The Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian is a three-nave basilica with elements of Classicism and Baroque. Its architecture emphasizes strict symmetry and harmony of forms. The main facade features a two-tiered composition, with a four-column Ionic portico crowned by a triangular pediment. The upper part is decorated with a massive attic with decorative niches.

Interior of the church

The church's interior space is divided by four columns into three naves. The central nave is covered with a cylindrical vault with lunettes, while the narrower side naves have groin vaults. Two sacristies are located on either side of the presbytery, adding to the architectural unity of the church.

Excursions to the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian

The Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian is one of the key attractions in the Grodno Region, drawing tourists and pilgrims alike. During an excursion to Ostrovets, visitors can learn about the church's history, its architectural features, and its religious significance. Excursions in Belarus that include a visit to the church offer a deeper insight into the cultural heritage of the region: Belarusian Mosaic Excursion; Excursion Kushlyany - Soly - Ostrovets - Gervyaty - Vornyany - Mikhalishki.