The construction of the Savior Transfiguration Church in Smorgon began in 1989 and was completed 20 years later, funded by both state budget and private donations. It was built during a period of Orthodox revival in Belarus, on the site of a church destroyed during the Soviet era. The church was consecrated by Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, on the 16th Day of Belarusian Written Language, hosted by Smorgon. Today, the Savior Transfiguration Church, which stands on a hill near the Oksna River, is one of the town’s most prominent landmarks. Its five-domed cathedral can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers during major religious celebrations.
Another architectural gem of Smorgon is the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, which dates back to the early 17th century. It is recognized as a national cultural heritage site. Built in 1606-1612, the church reflects the Belarusian Renaissance style with defensive architectural elements. Originally constructed as a Calvinist church, it was later transferred to the Catholic Church. In the mid-19th-early 20th century, the building served as an Orthodox church. It was partially destroyed during World War I, but today it stands as the main church of the Smorgon Deanery of the Grodno Diocese of the Catholic Church. Underneath the sanctuary lies the Zenovich family sepulcher, one of whose members helped with the construction of the church.
Photos by Tatiana Matusevich
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