Derechin is known not only for its church. In the past, it was home to a prestigious military academy founded by one of the most influential magnates of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania — Andrzej Sapieha. Later, the academy building was transformed into a luxurious palace. All of this makes the village attractive to tourists interested in history, architecture, and culture. Modern excursions across Belarus often include Derechin in their itinerary. Anyone can book a tour with a visit to this unique church to enjoy a vivid experience of Belarusian historical heritage.
History of Creation
The idea to build a new church in Derechin emerged in the late 19th century, when the local Catholic community grew significantly and urgently needed a spacious, solemn church to meet the needs of its growing congregation. The existing religious buildings could no longer fully satisfy the demands of the faithful, so the decision was made to construct a new one.
The Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary was laid and built in the early 20th century, which was a bold step during a time of political and social upheaval in the region. The church became a symbol of faith, resilience, and the cultural identity of the local Catholics. Local landowners and benefactors played a key role in its construction, aiming to preserve and enrich the cultural heritage of their ancestors.
The history of the church is closely intertwined with the history of the village of Derechin itself, which in the 18th century was renowned for its military academy. The academy’s founder, Andrzej Sapieha, made a significant contribution to the development of local infrastructure, and later the academy was transformed into a majestic palace. This historical link between the palace and the church is still evident, and during an excursion from Minsk, tourists can learn many interesting facts about these stages of the village’s development. Modern tours that include a visit to the church tell the story of its creation, the specifics of religious life in the early 20th century, and the influence of the church on the growth of the local community.
Architecture and Spiritual Life
The Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary is a remarkable example of Neo-Gothic architecture. It is built of solid red brick, which gives the structure a majestic and austere appearance. The facade is adorned with characteristic pointed arches, windows, and decorative elements, while towers and buttresses lend the church a vertical aspiration and emphasize its spiritual significance.
The interior of the church is crafted with great attention to detail. Inside, visitors can see preserved stained-glass windows, wooden décor elements, altars, and benches created in traditional Catholic style. A special atmosphere is created by the soft light streaming through the stained glass and the silence filled with prayer and the spirit of faith.
Today, the church is active and serves as an important center of spiritual life for the Catholic community of Derechin. Regular services, liturgies, baptisms, weddings, and other sacraments are held here. Catholic holidays gather large numbers of parishioners and pilgrims, while excursions across Belarus that include visits to the church allow travelers to connect with the region’s spiritual culture.
Excursions with Church Visit
For those interested in the history, architecture, and spiritual traditions of Belarus, a variety of excursions across Belarus are available, including visits to Derechin and the Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary. An excursion from Minsk is especially convenient and can be arranged as a one-day trip or as part of a longer tour through the landmarks of the Grodno Region.
During the tour, travelers will not only explore the church itself but also learn about its history, architectural features, the fate of its parishioners through different eras, and the church’s role in the cultural and spiritual life of the village. Additionally, the tour program may include a visit to the site of Sapieha’s military academy and the remaining elements of the palace and park complex.
You can easily book an excursion with a visit to the Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary on the website Ekskursii.by. This trip offers a unique opportunity to delve into lesser-known yet highly interesting chapters of Belarusian history, to feel the spirit of past ages, and to admire the beauty of architectural heritage. A church visit tour is not only an architectural and historical experience but also a chance to feel the peace, faith, and cultural depth that fill this sacred place.
