The St. Anthony Church, also known as the Church of St. Anthony, is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the Baranovichi district, with an age approaching two centuries. It was originally built as a chapel in the 18th century in the village.
After the partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the annexation of Belarusian lands to the Russian Empire, the chapel was transformed into an Orthodox church. The building has been reconstructed multiple times, with the last renovation occurring in 1817. This period was a significant stage in the history of Belarus. Joining Russia greatly influenced cultural life, including architecture. Many churches began to be built in a strict classical style, characterized by clear geometric shapes, logical layouts, and restrained decor. The local church is also considered a monument of classicism.
The church building has a rectangular shape, and the wall thickness reaches one meter. The walls are plastered and divided by rectangular window openings. Entrance is through a low narthex. The church is built from rubble stone, which gives it a unique character. In the 19th century, builders were attracted to the color palette and expressiveness of this material.
Moreover, buildings made of such stone blended well with the surrounding environment and symbolized durability and reliability. On the southern side, a bell tower was built separately from the church, which originally stood on four columns. The openings between the columns were bricked up in the post-war period. The interior of the church is adorned with a wooden iconostasis. Special attention is drawn to the images of the "Last Supper" and "Savior in the Dungeon" from the 19th century, as well as the "Madonna with Child" from the 18th century.
The old Catholic cemetery and the ruins of a chapel on the western outskirts of the village indirectly testify that the church in Podgornaya was originally a chapel. Nearby the church are the graves of priests who served here. The Anthony Church was founded by the owners of the local estate (the estate of the noble family Vidukhovsky, where a nursing home is now located), which was situated nearby.
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