St. Vladimir Church and Memorial Chapel in Chizhevschina

The Church of St. Vladimir, located in the village of Chizhevshchina in Kobrin District, Brest Region, is a major spiritual and historical landmark in Belarus. This Orthodox church, consecrated in honor of Prince Vladimir, serves as a symbol of remembrance for the tragic and heroic events of the 1794 uprising. Next to the church stands a memorial chapel dedicated to the Russian soldiers who died in battle near the Krupchitsy Monastery.

History

The history of the church is closely tied to the Battle of Krupchitsy, which took place on September 17, 1794, during the uprising led by Tadeusz Kościuszko. Fierce fighting broke out near the monastery, located by the former village of Krupchitsy, between Russian and Polish troops under Suvorov’s command. The monastery was destroyed, and its church was converted into an Orthodox parish. It was later destroyed by fire in 1882. A month later, a new church project was approved, though construction did not begin until 1891 and was completed in 1894 — symbolically marking the 100th anniversary of the battle. Stones for the church were taken from the ruins of the former monastery. In 1984, the church was repurposed as a memorial to the fallen Russian soldiers, and in 2004, a memorial chapel was added nearby.

Architecture

The stone church is built in the Neo-Russian style, with a cruciform layout and a pentagonal apse. Harmoniously integrated into the rural landscape, the building impresses with its monumental appearance. Its architectural concept reflects both spiritual significance and commemorative purpose.

Excursions

The Church of St. Vladimir and the memorial chapel in Chizhevshchina can be visited as part of a private excursion from Minsk, which we can tailor to your interests. You can also book a customized excursion from Minsk to the Brest Region that includes this site and other notable locations. This journey offers a unique opportunity to explore Orthodox heritage and connect with the history of one of the key battles of the 1794 uprising.