History of Creation
The history of the church dates back to the late 15th century when Albrecht Gashtold, the owner of Volozhin, built the first wooden church here in honor of St. Joseph. In 1681, Volozhin received a new church and a Bernardine monastery thanks to the efforts of Józef Bogusław Słuszka, who invited 16 monks to the monastery, opened a library, and a parish school.
The fire of 1730 destroyed all the buildings, but a year later, Maria Doyenhof, the new owner of Volozhin, allocated funds for the construction of a new church. In 1864, after the liquidation of the monastery by the Tsarist authorities, the church was converted into an Orthodox church. During the Soviet period, the building was used for industrial purposes. In the early 2000s, the church was restored and returned to the Catholic community thanks to the efforts of local residents and believers.
Architecture and Spiritual Life
The Church of St. Joseph is a rectangular building with a six-column front and a Doric order portico. The facade is adorned with four arched niches where statues of the evangelists once stood. Nearby is a gate-bell tower that repeats the architectural style of the church. During World War I, the bells were dismantled, but the recently restored bell tower once again delights parishioners with its clear sound. Today, the Church of St. Joseph is a place of regular services, solemn liturgies, and important events for the Catholic community.
Tours with a Visit to the Church
The Church of St. Joseph is a popular stop on tours around Belarus. Travelers can book a tour with a visit to the church to personally see this unique architectural monument and learn interesting facts about its history. A tour from Minsk to the Volozhin Church can be a real discovery for admirers of architectural masterpieces and the spiritual heritage of Belarus.
