Zorichi. Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The village of Zorichi is home to one of the region's most significant historical and cultural attractions, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The village has been known since the end of the 18th century (former name Smorki) and in 1800 there were 65 courtyards with 644 inhabitants. The church, built of wood, became the center of the spiritual life of the local population.

This temple is an example of folk architecture, in which elements of the neo–Russian style can be traced. Its structure consists of three log cabins sequentially located along the longitudinal axis, including a vestibule and a prayer hall.

The main volume, square in plan, is topped by an octagonal light drum, culminating in a hipped roof and a crown. The roofs of the log cabins are united by a simple cornice. The main and side facades are decorated with pediments with three-bladed keel-shaped shields in the center. The horizontally sheathed walls are divided by shoulder blades and pierced by tall rectangular windows with profiled architraves and sandricks. Three entrances to the temple are equipped with wide stone porches.

The interior of the hall is visually expanded thanks to a light drum supported by four pillars through the sails. The apse is accented by a wooden single-tiered iconostasis containing five icons.

However, the history of the church has not been cloudless. During the Patriotic War of 1812, the village of Smorki was looted by French troops, and the church was burned down. It took years to restore the temple, and in 1842, according to other sources, in 1852, a new wooden church was built with government funds. This event was an important step in restoring the spiritual life of the village.

In 1865, a school was opened at the church, which became a one-class public school, which indicates the desire of local residents for education and enlightenment. In the same year, the Cyril and Methodius house Church was built, which further strengthened the spiritual traditions of the region. The parish of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary included the villages of Smorki, Zabrodye, Zapolye, Korma, Priyamino, Kolpynitsa, Ostrov and Begi, and the most remote of them was located 14 versts away.

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the only church in the Borisovsky district that was preserved during godless persecution and wars. It continued to operate and was supported by the strength and resources of the parishioners, despite difficult times when many other churches were closed or destroyed.

However, time does not spare this historical monument either. And now the church requires serious attention.

The preservation of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not only a matter of preserving the historical heritage, but also the continuation of the spiritual tradition that unites generations of local residents. It is very important that this unique monument of history and culture continues to serve future generations.