Olekshitsy. Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The church was built in the second half of the 19th century to replace the dilapidated wooden church that was previously on this site. It is a striking example of Belarusian architecture and was built in the style typical of Orthodox churches of that time, using traditional building materials.

The construction of the temple was completed in 1871.

The history of the church is closely connected with the name of Count Arkady Kurlov, who was born in the year the construction of the temple began. Subsequently, owning a large fortune and having no heirs, the count invested a lot of money in the temple, thanks to him the walls were decorated with paintings.

During the Soviet years, the church was closed, the building was used as a warehouse, and the frescoes were destroyed.  It was only in 1989 that it was returned to the faithful.

The church building is distinguished by its simple but expressive architecture. The temple is made of rubble stone and decorated with brick. The main elements include a dome, a cross at the top and beautiful stained glass windows that create a special atmosphere inside the temple.

Inside, the temple is spacious and very bright. The interior of the church is decorated with icons and paintings that reflect Orthodox traditions. Six ancient frescoes have survived to this day – they are located closer to the altar. The rest of the frescoes are modern. The painting of the temple continued for four years. And today the temple is completely painted: both the walls and the ceiling. The territory of the temple is surrounded by a beautiful stone fence.

The Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary plays an important role in the life of the local community. It is the center of spiritual life, where divine services, holidays and other church events are held. The church also serves as a venue for weddings, baptisms and other significant events for parishioners.

Today, the church is also open to tourists who are interested in the history and culture of the region. The Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a cultural heritage that preserves the traditions and customs of the Belarusian people. This architectural monument continues to inspire and unite people.