Church of St. Paraskeva the Serbian

The Church of Saint Paraskeva of Serbia is an outstanding example of wooden religious architecture, located in the Kobryn District of the Brest Region. The church is consecrated in honor of Saint Paraskeva of Serbia — one of the most venerated female saints in Eastern Orthodoxy. The building stands out for its harmonious combination of architectural austerity and spiritual depth, and its history is closely linked to the dedicated efforts of local residents.

History

The first documented mention of a church in the village of Bolota dates back to 1652. The current structure was erected in 1882 with funds collected by parishioners and a donation from the landowner A.M. Gan. The project was designed by architect F. Afanasyev in 1880, and the construction was carried out by local peasants led by V. Garbuzov. No hired labor was used, and the work was supervised by architect Zolotaryov. The completed building was inspected on October 13, 1885.

Architecture

The church was built in the style of classicism with elements of traditional Belarusian wooden church design. The main volume is cubical, topped with a steep hipped roof and an onion-shaped dome. A rectangular apse with vestries and a three-tier bell tower adjoin the building. The entrances are highlighted with columned porticoes, and the facades are decorated with cornices and profiled paneling. Inside, the centerpiece is a three-tier wooden iconostasis from 1885, designed by engineer A. Remer. The church houses 18th–19th century icons, including «Saint Mother Paraskeva Pyatnitskaya» and «Synaxis of the Theotokos».

Excursions

The Church of Saint Paraskeva of Serbia is a fascinating destination for pilgrims and history lovers. It can be visited as part of an individual excursion from Minsk. We will be happy to create a personalized itinerary through the Kobryn District, including a visit to the church and other important landmarks of the region. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Belarusian wooden architecture and learn about local history and spiritual heritage.