36 kilometers from Leads is neo-gothic church of st. Peter and Paul in the village of Old Vasilishki. The construction of the temple began in 1897 according to the project of the architect Konstantin Voitsekhovsky. The church was consecrated in 1905.
The church is really impressive, the scale is already visible from a distance.
Despite the fact that Starye Vasilishki is a small village, in the 30s of the 20th century the parish numbered up to 5000 people.
There is an interesting history with the construction of the church. It is believed that the temple was built with the money of parishioners and patrons. In memory of these people, their names were engraved on one of the walls of the Peter and Paul Church. However, in Soviet times, the local authorities considered this unnecessary and decided to cover the inscriptions with cement mortar. There is another version of why the names were covered up. It is believed that Emperor Nicholas 2 also donated to the construction of the church, but his name was not the first to be indicated. Governor Grodno, in order to avoid unnecessary proceedings, ordered to hide all names.
The church in Starye Vasilishki is three-aisled with two four-tiered towers. The facade is distinguished by many neo-Gothic elements: niches, windows, pointed turrets. The central entrance is framed by a triangular pediment (vimperg), above which is a round window opening.
Another interesting element of decor is a ceramic panel above the door of the church.
The interior decoration of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul is not nearly inferior to the external appearance. Numerous statues, a massive altar and, of course, artificial "caves" built in the left nave of the temple.
Since 1953, the church in the village of Starye Vasilishki has been closed. It was returned to believers in 1988, gradually reconstructed and reopened to parishioners.
Another detail is the gate of the early 20th century with authentic tiles.
Overview video about the church:
The church is easy to find. Road H6255 passes through the village, leading from the village of Vasilishki.
In the Shchuchinsky district it will be interesting to visit defensive temple Murovanka и Bolshoi Mozheikovo estate.
