By Victoria Potonia: A unique monument of the 19th century – a triangular church – is located in the village of Bolshaya Svorotva, Baranovichy District. Nobody knows why the shrine has such an unusual shape.
The history of the shrine is interesting and mysterious. In 1747, it was built in 1747 by Nikolay Ovsiany, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s Treasury clerk. When the lands were transferred to the new owners – the family of Nezabytovsky – the church retained its form, but became more monumental. During the Great Patriotic War it burned.
Originally the church was a Uniate church, and later – an Orthodox one. It has been rebuilt several times, burned, and could disappear altogether. But the priests, patrons, and local residents made every effort to revive the shrine. The foundation and walls of the church have survived to this day. They are almost 200 years old.
Thanks to the local residents who work in the archives with photographs and drawings, it was possible to restore the church in its original form in the early 19th century. Restoration works lasted 4 years. In 2009, the church opened its doors again.
One more feature that makes the church unique is the fact that there were 3 religions at that time – Orthodox, Catholic, and Uniate Christianity. The center of the church had a triangular throne with three icons, and believers of the three branches of Christianity could approach them from their own side.
As for the shape of the church, there are several versions as to why the temple is triangular. Some associate this with the Freemasons, others – with the Holy Trinity, and still others – with the influence of European culture.
Similar churches have survived in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania. In Belarus, it is the only such monument of historical and cultural heritage. And pilgrims and tourists often come to see this unique triangular church.
