Pokrovsk church in Korma

The Church of the Holy Protection in the town of Korma, Gomel Region, is one of the notable monuments of Orthodox architecture in the Neo-Russian style of the late 19th century. The church is distinguished not only by its architectural expressiveness but also by its spiritual significance: the incorrupt relics of Saint Righteous John of Korma rest here, attracting pilgrims from all over Belarus and neighboring countries every year. Today, the church is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus and is a popular destination for pilgrimage and cultural-educational tourism.

History

The first wooden church in honor of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos was built in Korma in 1760, when the village was owned by the Polish magnates Czartoryski. By the end of the 19th century, the building had deteriorated significantly, and the community needed a new, more spacious church. With the blessing of elder John Gashkevich, the parish priest undertook three days of fasting and prayer to discern God’s will regarding the place for construction. As a result, people began witnessing a mysterious glow — as if candles were burning — in the village square. It was at this very spot that the new stone church was laid in 1897, and it has been preserved to this day.

Architecture

The church is composed of three volumes that resemble the log structures of traditional wooden churches. The central cubic volume is crowned with a smaller light drum topped with an onion-shaped dome on an octagonal base. The altar part of the church has a complex polygonal shape, and the western section features a refectory and a bell tower above it. The facades are richly decorated with lancet and rectangular windows, adorned with kokoshniks, keeled and triangular pediments. Inside, the church is covered with a variety of vaults: cross, cylindrical, and semi-spherical. The apse stands out with its four-tiered carved iconostasis. Altogether, the church is not only a spiritual center but also a regional architectural treasure.

Excursions

The Church of the Holy Protection in Korma is one of the highlights of our excursion from Minsk, which we will gladly organize for you in a personalized format. This is a unique opportunity to explore the history and architecture of the shrine and venerate the relics of Saint John of Korma. The tour can be tailored to your preferences — whether as a pilgrimage, a historical-cultural trip, or part of a broader tour across the attractions of the Gomel Region. We offer flexible itineraries, experienced guides, and full-service travel arrangements for a comfortable and enriching experience.