One of the most beautiful temples of Minsk - Catholic church of Saints Simon and Helena.It is this monument of religious architecture in the city center, decorating it with its architecture.The condition of philanthropist Edward Adam Voynilovich, whose money built the temple, it was a requirement that the church was built in strict accordance with the project approved by him and his wife.On this church will be discussed below.
initiator and sponsor of the construction
Church of St. Simon and St. Helena owes its existence to a man noble and respected in the society of his time - Edward Voynilovich.During his lifetime he was a magistrate and chairman of the Society of Agriculture in Minsk.By the way, the Church of St. Simon and St. Helena was not the only place of worship, built at his own expense.He also sponsored the construction of the faithful Jews dumpling synagogue and Orthodox Christians - the Church.This man died in 1928 at the age of 81.
The construction
The idea of building a church at the dawning of the townspeople in 1897.But realize it was not so easy, and the construction was postponed.Only in 1905 the city authorities have allocated land plot of the Catholic church.Sponsorship couple Voynilovich allowed to implement the project.The motive for the spouses served not just a desire to help the Catholic community find their building for prayer and worship.The fact that in 1897 Edward and his wife died as a result of serious illness son of Simeon twelve.And in 1903 for the same reason dead daughter, who left this world on the eve of his devyatnadtsatiletiya.In memory of his deceased wife and children decided to give the city the Church of St. Simon and St. Helena.
construction of the temple
authors of the project was the architect of Warsaw Tomasz Poyazdersky.Known interesting story about how to create the church.According to her, the daughter of Edward Elena shortly before his death had a dream in which appeared a beautiful temple.Upon awakening, she made a sketch of the building.Following a pattern and a reference point and guide the development of the project, in which was built the Church of St. Simon and St. Helena.Minsk is still proud of this building as a real gem of urban architecture.
two towers of the church symbolize the two dead children Voynilovich family.From the north-east side is a large tower at fifty meters.It symbolized the sorrow for the lost parent chadah.Windows-Rose admitted sunlight into the building by passing it through a stained-glass windows by František Bruzdovichem based on traditional Belarusian ornaments.Musical accompaniment of worship in the church exercised great authority and three bells.Along with the iconic structure was built so-called plebaniya - house and business premises for living priest.The entire complex was fenced with wrought iron fence gates.
complete the construction of the temple in five years.In November 1910 the Church of St. Simon and St. Helena was consecrated in a solemn ceremony.Public service as it began shortly before Christmas of the same year.
Revolution
After the 1917 revolution, the church, of course, closed.But in its building located in Polish theater, which was succeeded by the House of Cinema in a complex with a cafe.Place it in Soviet times was considered prestigious and getting there was not easy.
Return believers
Return of the building in the hands of the believers had in 1990.Six years later, the complex has a statue of the archangel Michael, spearing the dragon, which symbolizes evil.In 2000, next to the sculpture of a monument "Bell of Nagasaki", which enriched the Church of St. Simon and St. Helena.Belarus received it as a gift from the Catholics of Nagasaki.It is the bell in strict accordance with the model from Japan called "Angel", a miracle survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
Church today
Red Church - so today for its color, obliged red brick, the townspeople called the Church of St. Simon and St. Helena.Residents of the capital Minsk and consider it not only one of its religious centers, and cultural attractions.Under the main basilica church in a special hall periodically hosts various exhibitions, concerts and performances.Also famous organ concerts taking place in the church.
Unfortunately, nothing is known about what is now the remains of children Voynilovich family - passing the church building to the needs of the theater, the Soviet authorities ordered to demolish the family tomb and reburied.After the return of the faithful church temple was buried beside his builder - Edward Voynilovich, the remains of which have transported from Poland, fulfilling his will.
Church of St. Simon and St. Helena: Address
this temple - it is one of the business cards Minsk.For those who wish to visit it, it will be useful to know the address: Minsk, Sovetskaya, 15.
