Dormition of the Theotokos Church (Saria)

The temple was built in Neo-Gothic style in the middle of the XIX century in a small village Saria which located in Vitebsk district. This church is one of the most remarkable architectural masterpieces of Belarus. In the beginning it was a Catholic Church but now it belongs to Orthodox Church.

In the middle of the XIX century the owner of Saria was nobleman Ignatius Lopatinsky. He ordered to build a church for the sake of her beloved wife and young son that passed away. Lopainsky loved his wife Mary very much and his grief was so strong so he decided to create a church as elegant as possible that will resemble a beauty of his wife. He summoned one of the best German architects a famous Gustav Shaht. Construction of the temple was finished in 1857. It was sanctified in the name of Mother Mary. Near was constructed nice looking park.

In 1865 the temple was confiscated by government and passed to orthodox. In 1935 church was closed and during The Second World War it was used as a warehouse. In XX century in late 80^th this building was partly reconstructed. In 90^th the temple was returned back to the Orthodox Church. In 2013 near the church were erected sculptures of Peter and Fevronia of Murom. From that moment local Orthodox Christians celebrate The Day of Family, Love and Fidelity because sculptures of these saints represent an ideal example of an excellent family and they also show an example of pure immaculate love. Dormition of the Theotokos Church is a unique Neo-Gothic temple and there is nothing similar in nowadays Belarus. If you decided to visit Belarus surely go to this incredible place.