Patron Saint's Day: March 15
This church, otherwise referred to as “the festive church” by the parishioners, was built in honour of the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God. Architect N.M. Diadko drew inspiration from various styles of the Ancient Russian church architecture, specifically, those of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pskov-Novgorod. Snow-white walls with thin horizontal lines, arcaded frieze, a huge and elevated blue dome with golden stars forming a crown, and a decorative corbel arch around the dome helps to create its solemn and festive look.
The interior of the church resembles that of the ancient Byzantine churches. Natural materials, viz., limestone, various hues of marble, slate stone, quartzite, travertine, hornbeam and oak wood, brass and bronze, are used for decoration. Ancient techniques, such as fresco painting, mosaic, stone incrustation, enamelwork, and stained glass were employed for this project.
This magnificent church took eight years to build and decorate: the construction took three years, and the decoration took five years. It is here that all festive services and the Sacrament of Matrimony are celebrated. The church in honour of the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God was consecrated by His Holiness Alexis II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, during his visit to Belarus on October 18, 2008.
