Temple of Mother of God All grieving Pleasure

The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in Minsk is an Orthodox cathedral complex built in memory of the victims of one of the most tragic pages in Belarusian history — the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. It became not only a place of mourning and prayer but also a symbol of hope, healing, and spiritual revival. The church is located in one of the quiet, green areas of the capital and is visible from afar thanks to its majestic dome and strict architecture that inspires reverence. This shrine is an important object of Belarus's cultural and spiritual heritage and is included in the routes of city tours in Minsk and thematic excursions across Belarus.

History of Creation

The tragedy at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on April 26, 1986, deeply shook the entire world, but especially the Belarusian people, who received a significant share of radioactive contamination. The idea to build a church dedicated to the victims of the disaster arose in the early 1990s. The site for the church was consecrated on April 26, 1991 — the fifth anniversary of the accident. This event was marked by a religious procession and a memorial service, attended by clergy, liquidators, and victims.

The construction was funded by donations from believers, public organizations, and with state support. The church was solemnly opened and consecrated in 1995 by His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia. Since its consecration, the church has become a center of remembrance for all who gave their lives fighting the consequences of the technogenic disaster and all who suffered from the accident. Its altar contains holy relics, and the iconostasis was painted especially for this church in the best traditions of icon painting.

Architecture and Spiritual Life

The architectural design of the church combines elements of the Byzantine tradition and features of ancient Russian ecclesiastical architecture. This is manifested in the massive walls, arched window openings, multi-dome composition, and rich decorative facades. The Byzantine features give the church strictness and monumentality, while the elements inspired by the architecture of the churches of Veliky Novgorod and Pskov add warmth and national character.

The complex includes:

• the main cathedral dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow";

• the baptismal church of Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk — the patroness of Belarus;

• two chapels;

• a bell tower with uniquely sounding bells;

• an educational building where Sunday school and spiritual-educational classes are held;

• a refectory where pilgrims can have a meal;

• workshops and social spaces where classes and occupational therapy for people with disabilities take place.

The spiritual life of the church is active: regular Divine Liturgies, prayer services for health and repose, spiritual talks, Orthodox holidays, youth meetings, and pilgrimages are held. The church participates in charitable programs and also serves as a spiritual support for people whose lives were affected by the Chernobyl tragedy.

Excursions with Church Visit

The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" is a must-visit site on the routes of excursions from Minsk, especially for those interested in Orthodox architecture, Belarusian history, and spiritual symbols of the 20th century. Excursions including a visit to the church offer not only external and internal viewing but also stories about the Chernobyl tragedy, the role of religion in healing national memory, the architectural features of the complex, and the life of the parish. You can book a guided tour with a visit to the church on the website Ekskursii.by, where a wide range of tours with professional guides is available.