Chirvonaya Dubrava. Ruins of St. George's Church.

This church, built in the second half of the 19th century, became not only a symbol of faith, but also a testimony to the generosity and respect for the Orthodox community on the part of Joseph Voinilovich, the owner of the Mokrany and Kuntsevschina estates. Despite the fact that Joseph Voinilovich himself was a Catholic, he decided to support the local Orthodox community. The temple replaced an old wooden church built in 1839, which fell into disrepair due to lack of repair and burned down in 1857. The villagers, having no funds for restoration, began to collect donations, but the main contribution was made by Joseph Voinilovich.

In just two years, from 1865 to 1866, a new brick church, painted white, was built on the outskirts of the village of Zadvortsy. The Church of St. George was made in the traditional pseudo-Russian style, close to the architecture of the church in the estate of Narkevich-Iodko Pukovo. The church could accommodate up to 900 parishioners, and its bell tower and flat apse gave the building a special charm.

The temple served the faithful until the mid-1920s. The last priest was Father Vasily Shilov, who was repressed in 1930 and sent to Karelian camps, where he died. After that, the church was looted, and a mill was built in its walls. This decision remains a mystery, because the Voinilovich estate already had two steam mills. The breaking of mill structures into the walls of the temple, constant vibration and noise led to the destruction of the building: the roof collapsed, and numerous cracks appeared on the walls. After the mill stopped working, the church finally turned into ruins.

Today, the church is hidden by thickets of trees and grass, and only a careful glance can distinguish the remains of brick walls and a powerful entrance, where the image of the saint was once located.

The ruins of St. George's Church are not only a reminder of faith, but also a symbol of a lost heritage. Local authorities and local historians are making efforts to preserve the memory of this place, but significant resources are required to restore the church. Nevertheless, even in its ruined state, the temple attracts tourists and history buffs who seek to touch the past and feel the atmosphere of antiquity.

If you decide to visit this place, be prepared for the fact that the ruins are difficult to access, and there are many thickets around. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes to explore this historical landmark in comfort.