Part 5.2
Photo: GORK
Geo: Grodno, BY
Wars that affected Belarusian land (see the history of fortresses) have vividly influenced clerical architecture. I haven’t encountered such a close proximity of Orthodox and Catholic churches in a long time. Architecturally, this phenomenon looks picturesque and organic.
A few years ago, due to strict French security, I couldn’t enter Notre-Dame (even before the fire), but I secretly pushed my sister in — she was responsible for the photos). Since then, I developed a phobia: if you see an unusual temple, peek inside, just in case. Therefore, it was simply impossible to walk past the central church in Grodno, especially one that elegantly neighbors a prison.
Historically, this church belonged to the Jesuit Catholic order. Interestingly, the Polish king and the Grand Duke of Lithuania were present at its consecration… as well as Emperor Peter I. There is another curious point in the historical chronicle: the Pope granted the church the status of a minor basilica in 1990. There are about 1,800 such basilicas worldwide. The title is personally bestowed by the Pope and, in some cases, allows for granting full indulgence (release from sins) and introduces several changes to rituals and clergy attire.
The decor is theatrically pompous, with a heavy touch of baroque gilded stucco and diverse symbolism. But describing it in words would only spoil it; it’s better to look at the photos.
P. S. If you plan to take photos in a church, cathedral, or mosque, first ask someone on the premises if it’s allowed. With rare exceptions, if you ask in advance, you’ll usually be permitted to do so, even if there’s a "no photography" sign. Just, for God’s sake, don’t use a flash, and in the case of larger cameras, avoid the red focus light. Amen.
Cycle Contents
@gorkjournal
Photo: GORK
Geo: Grodno, BY
Wars that affected Belarusian land (see the history of fortresses) have vividly influenced clerical architecture. I haven’t encountered such a close proximity of Orthodox and Catholic churches in a long time. Architecturally, this phenomenon looks picturesque and organic.
A few years ago, due to strict French security, I couldn’t enter Notre-Dame (even before the fire), but I secretly pushed my sister in — she was responsible for the photos). Since then, I developed a phobia: if you see an unusual temple, peek inside, just in case. Therefore, it was simply impossible to walk past the central church in Grodno, especially one that elegantly neighbors a prison.
Historically, this church belonged to the Jesuit Catholic order. Interestingly, the Polish king and the Grand Duke of Lithuania were present at its consecration… as well as Emperor Peter I. There is another curious point in the historical chronicle: the Pope granted the church the status of a minor basilica in 1990. There are about 1,800 such basilicas worldwide. The title is personally bestowed by the Pope and, in some cases, allows for granting full indulgence (release from sins) and introduces several changes to rituals and clergy attire.
The decor is theatrically pompous, with a heavy touch of baroque gilded stucco and diverse symbolism. But describing it in words would only spoil it; it’s better to look at the photos.
P. S. If you plan to take photos in a church, cathedral, or mosque, first ask someone on the premises if it’s allowed. With rare exceptions, if you ask in advance, you’ll usually be permitted to do so, even if there’s a "no photography" sign. Just, for God’s sake, don’t use a flash, and in the case of larger cameras, avoid the red focus light. Amen.
Cycle Contents
@gorkjournal