Holy Cross Exaltation Church – A Unique Wooden Temple
At the entrance to Omelenets from the village of Verkhovichi, on a small hill, stands the Holy Cross Exaltation Church – one of the four wooden churches in the Kamenets district. It is built in the retrospective Russian style, rare for Western Belarus, which makes it unique among the churches of the Brest region.
History of Construction and Reconstruction
According to preserved records, the church in Omelenets was built around 1713. The manuscript "Parish Chronicle of the Holy Cross Exaltation Church" mentions that in 1836, the building was significantly expanded: the western wall was renovated, a northern sacristy and a wooden vestibule were added. Major renovations in 1876–1879 strengthened the walls, replaced the foundation, built a sacristy on the southern side, and installed a new iconostasis, altering the church’s original appearance.
Belfry and Church Brotherhood
The church’s belfry at that time housed five bells of varying weights – from 32 pounds to 10 poods. Each bell bore inscriptions, with the smallest one marked with the year "1666". A brotherhood of about 200 people was affiliated with the church.
Architectural Features of the Church
The church is built in a cruciform shape. A pentagonal apse adjoins the main structure from the east, while a vestibule with a belfry is located on the west. The walls are clad in profiled wooden planks, and the main façade features a gabled canopy supported by ornate brackets. The belfry is crowned with an onion dome. Above the central part of the church rises an octagonal light drum with a tented roof, while the corners are decorated with quadrangular towers topped with domes. The altar is separated from the main area by a two-tiered iconostasis, and the choir loft is supported by four wooden pillars. The five-domed structure symbolizes Christ and the four evangelists – Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John.
Challenges of the 20th Century: Wars and Fires
During World War I, the church suffered severe damage: its windows were shattered, the roof was riddled with shrapnel, and the belfry was damaged. In 1923, a year after the villagers returned, lightning struck the church, setting its dome ablaze. However, in 1925, another fire broke out inside the building following an explosion, engulfing the church in flames. The cause of the fire remained unknown. After the tragedy, services were held in a small cemetery church.
Relocation and Reconstruction of the Church
With the insurance compensation and donations collected, the villagers purchased a pre-built church from the Jabłeczna Holy Onuphrius Monastery. The dismantled structure was transported by railway to the Cheremkha station and then delivered to Omelenets by horse-drawn carts. Construction of the new church began on May 6, 1927, and was completed on May 16, 1930. An inscription inside the dome, discovered during renovation in 2012, confirms this date.
The Church During World War II
On September 7, 1930, the new church was consecrated. Many stories, passed down by elderly parishioners, are associated with this place. During World War II, a Soviet radio operator hid in the church’s belfry. When the Germans discovered this, they opened fire on the church, but no bullets hit the belfry. In 1945, the church’s priest, Father Yevgeny Misyuk, wrote to Marshal Zhukov requesting assistance in acquiring new bells. Soon after, a package weighing one ton arrived – the weight of three new bells.
Historical Heritage
Today, the Holy Cross Exaltation Church of Omelenets is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus. This unique wooden temple attracts tourists and pilgrims, serving as an important part of the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
