Pruzhany. Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary

The first Catholic church in Pruzhany was built in 1522. By the middle of the 19th century, it had become too small for a significantly enlarged parish, so it was decided to build a new stone building. To do this, the famous architect Henrik Marconi was invited from Warsaw. However, after the suppression of the uprising of 1863 and the beginning of repression against the Catholic Church, the still unfinished building was selected and handed over to the Orthodox (the building was destroyed during the Great Patriotic War).

After the old wooden church burned down, Catholic believers sought the construction of a new church in Pruzhany. In 1877, a construction permit was obtained, and in 1878 the project was approved and construction began. The authorities stipulated that the new church should not exceed the height of other buildings in the city, so they decided to abandon the construction of towers.

The construction of the church in the neoclassical style was completed in 1883, and on September 8, 1884, it was consecrated.

During the First World War, the temple was severely damaged, but in 1929-1930, when Pruzhany was part of Poland, its major restoration was carried out. In 1939, the future Cardinal Kazimir Sventek was the vicar of the Pruzhany parish. After the capture of Pruzhan by Soviet troops in September 1939, he was arrested and sentenced to death, but released during the German occupation, returned to the temple and served until December 17, 1944, when he was arrested again and sent to camps. Due to the persecution, Abbot Anthony Royko was forced to leave for Poland, and the parish was left without a priest. Believers continued to gather in the temple for prayers for two more years, until it was closed and sealed on March 2, 1948.

In 1951, the House of Culture was located in the temple building. The interior was destroyed, the metal parts of the organ were scrapped, and the wooden parts were used to heat the building.

The Church of the Ascension of the Virgin is a monument of neoclassical architecture. The building has a rectangular shape in plan and is covered with a gable roof. The main facade is characterized by a symmetrical axial two-tiered composition and ends with a triangular pediment on a rectangular attic. The architectural design uses classical elements, and the side facades are rhythmically dissected by pilasters and window openings.

The temple also attracts attention not only for its appearance, but also for its rich history, which is revealed during excursions. During a visit to the temple, you can meet friendly and knowledgeable guides who conduct very informative and detailed excursions. Visitors receive a wonderful story about the history of the temple, its icons, abbots and parishioners, which allows them to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this spiritual and educational place. The pleasant atmosphere and deep knowledge of the guides make the visit to the temple especially memorable, for which they deserve great gratitude.