Blagoveshchensk church in Olkovichi

The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a unique Catholic temple located in the village of Olkovichi, Minsk Region, Belarus. This architectural monument, belonging to the Vileyka Deanery of the Minsk-Mogilev Archdiocese, was built between 1897 and 1902 and consecrated in 1905 in the Neo-Gothic style. It is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus. Occasionally, it is referred to as the "Annunciation Church," but the correct name is the "Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary."

History of the Church: From Chapel to Cathedral

The history of the Catholic parish in Olkovichi dates back to 1699 when a small wooden chapel with an image of the Virgin Mary was built here. In 1722, the owner of Olkovichi, Bishop Alexander Harain, funded the construction of a wooden church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the second half of the 18th century, the parish gained independent status. At that time, the church measured 26×11 meters, and a separate two-tiered wooden bell tower stood nearby. In 1761, the Carmelites founded a hospital at the church, underscoring its significance as both a religious and social institution.

Architectural Changes and the Construction of a Neo-Gothic Church

In 1754, a new church was built in Olkovichi in the Neoclassical style, featuring a six-column portico and a two-tiered tower. In 1886, the parish was led by Father Gasper Yakubovsky. Decades later, between 1897 and 1902, the construction of a new stone church in the Neo-Gothic style began. It was consecrated in 1905 in honor of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Unfortunately, the old wooden church has not survived.

Closure and Years of Abandonment

The tragic events of the 20th century affected the fate of the church. In 1915, the parish priest of Olkovichi was Mieczysław Petrzhikovsky. In 1950, the church was closed, and its building was repurposed as a grain storage facility. In 1969, a lightning strike caused a fire that destroyed the roof, leaving the structure abandoned until the late 1980s.

Revival: Restoration and Modern State

In 1989, the Church of the Visitation was returned to the Catholic Church. After restoration, it became an active place of worship once again and today serves as a spiritual center for not only the residents of Olkovichi but also the faithful from neighboring villages. The restored church has become a notable landmark in the Minsk region, attracting tourists and pilgrims alike.

Architectural Features of the Church

The church is a three-nave structure, with the main nave ending in a high apse, flanked by sacristies. The corners of the apse and side facades are reinforced with stepped buttresses, giving the building a majestic appearance. The central tower rises above the main facade, and the entrance is framed by a pointed arch portal. The interior is divided into three naves by two rows of five-column arcades, covered with pointed vaults. The columns are adorned with ceramic tiles featuring images of leaves and grape clusters, adding to the elegance of the interior. The main altar is wooden and richly decorated with carvings, while the church's side windows have characteristic pointed arches.