In Miory, near the ancient church, there is a unique monument to the unborn child – an important attraction for tourists seeking the cultural heritage of Belarus. The Christian faith condemns the artificial interruption of pregnancy, considering it a great sin, a stance that has been reflected in the public speeches of the church’s sexton, Vladislav Petraytis. His sermons draw the attention of both local residents and visitors, highlighting the social issue where mortality is beginning to exceed birth rates, almost resembling a modern Chernobyl tragedy. The initiative to create this monument, implemented with the participation of the talented artist Ales Dranets, has become a significant cultural event and a tourist magnet for the region.
Symbolism and Artistic Concept of the Monument
At the heart of the monument’s composition lies deep symbolism: in the recess of the guillotine’s frame rests half an apple, traditionally regarded as a symbol of sin, within which the seed of new life is embedded. Above this symbolically arranged element hovers the guillotine’s knife, ready to descend, adding drama to the scene. Between the apple and the knife rises the image of the Mother of God, embodying protection and a gentle shelter for the emerging life. This artistic solution attracts the attention of tourists and connoisseurs of religious art, making the monument an important landmark on Belarus’s cultural route.
