Privalki. The Church of St. Thaddeus the Apostle.
Church
Belarus, Grodno region, Gozhsky village council, village of Privalki.
Description
The Church of St. Thaddeus the Apostle, located in the lowest point of Belarus — the village of Privalki, represents not only architectural, but also cultural value. At the place where the church now stands, there were three shrines at different times, each of which left its mark on the history of this region.
Categories

Historical

Architectural monument
Comments
Reviews to the Place
1Ольга Ерёменко
15.03.2025
The Church of St. Faddey the Apostle in the village of Privalki.
The village of Privalki has two versions of its name. The first version connects it with the location next to the shaft, and the second — with the legend of the lost city of Raygorod. According to legend, this city was swallowed up by the earth for the sins of its inhabitants, and a depression formed in its place. The bells ring here every evening, symbolizing the atoning for sins by the locals.
The history of the church begins in the 16th century, when a wooden Catholic chapel was built here, which in 1609 became the church of the Gozha Parafia. In 1766, the village passed into the possession of the Oginsky princes, and the first owner, Frantishek, restored the church. In 1792, thanks to the decree of Stanislav August Poniatowski, Privalki received Magdeburg rights, which is confirmed by the preserved royal charter and coat of arms.
Unfortunately, in 1866, the church was closed by the authorities, and the parafia was liquidated. In 1913, the church burned down, but in 1918 it was restored by parishioners, and on August 16, 1920, it was consecrated. Throughout its history, the church has changed its appearance several times.
The modern church, built in 1919 from wood, has a rectangular shape with a pentagonal apse and is flanked by two sacristies. The roof is covered with tin, and the triangular pediment of the main facade is framed by two four-tiered tent bell towers. There are two bells on one of the bell towers — the old one, dating from 1870, and the new one, installed in 1996.
The interior of the church is also impressive: the hall is covered with a folded wooden ceiling, and the walls of the three altars are decorated in neo-Baroque style. The main altar depicts the Mother of God with the Infant Jesus, and the side altars are dedicated to St. Nicholas. Joseph and the Crucifixion. Above the vestibule is a balcony with an organ choir supported by two columns.
The Church of St. Faddey the Apostle is a monument of the third category of value and is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of Belarus. Its rich history and architectural features make it an important site for studying and preserving the cultural heritage of the region.