Grodno is one of the oldest cities in the Republic of Belarus. In 2014 it was called the "Cultural Capital of Belarus".
Over its long existence, the city has acquired many attractions that bring not only aesthetics, but also have historical significance. One of the interesting architectural structures is the Lutheran Church. It will be discussed further.
Historical information
The Church of St. John is an architectural heritage of the Belarusian city of Grodno. Initially, it was a former tavern building, but first things first.
In 1779, an evangelical Lutheran society was born in Grodno, the founders of which were German Lutherans. They were hired factory workers, who were invited from Germany by the incumbent city head Tiesenhaus.
Respect for the community was shown both by ordinary citizens and by the government. King Stanislav Augustus Poniatowski himself, in 1793, allocated for the Lutheran representatives a three-story building that was once a tavern. In it, the community prayed and spent hours of meals.
At the end of the XVIII century, the chief city architect Meser proposed that the street on which the Lutheran church was located should be renamed Kirkhov. The name lasted until 1931, and after the street acquired a new name - Academic. This was the emergence of new educational institutions.
Opposite the Lutheran building, a Lutheran cemetery formed. Burials on it were carried out until 1878.
In the XIX century, the Lutheran church undergoes a series of building transformations. In 1843, the building of the pastor was added to the building, which housed classrooms. In 1873, a bell tower with a clock was built, the entire building was repaired. Since 1912, the exterior decoration of the church was carried out, the appearance of which has survived to this day. A Lutheran school was built.
All construction costs were borne by the community, which at that time totaled 200 families.
In the period from 1944 to 1994, all the documentation of the regional archive was stored in the building of the Lutheran church of Grodno. In 1995, the building was transferred to the Evangelical Lutheran community.
Description of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
On the facade and inside the church there are no decorations or murals, icons. Lutheran faith does not approve of extra decoration. Strictness, restraint, minimalism - that is what lies at the basis of religion. The same is reflected in the appearance of the architectural structure. The only decoration of the Church of St. John are the stained glass windows.
The echo of the past has been preserved in the building: a forged font and a bell, which are still used today.
The general architectural style is neo-Gothic.
The church building has 1 tower on which a five-sided aspect is located. The tower has a reminder (in the form of mechanisms) of a once-operating clock.
Outside, a room (nave) is built, limited by columns. The main entrance to the church is decorated according to the style: a lancet portal is built above the door, and a round rose window flaunts above it. The top of the tower is crowned with a newly installed spire, having a length of 16 meters.
On the second floor of the tower there are small rooms where small choirs are located.
Renovation of the Lutheran Church of Grodno
In 1995, the church building regained its original meaning. It was given to believers. Since this year, the total restoration of the church began, which was carried out at the expense of funds allocated by philanthropists from the Lutheran society Gustav Adolf. This German society helps Lutheran communities build and repair churches.
After overhaul, the Lutheran Church in Grodno again began to conduct services. For the first time in the last 20 years, a wedding sacrament was held in it.
However, until recently, the appearance of the church looked depressing: cracks in the walls, peeling paint and falling pieces of plaster. In 2015, the building underwent a major overhaul and almost lost its original appearance. The overwhelming majority of residents of Grodno expressed their indignation over this matter, since the church has lost its uniqueness.
The Singing Church
The Lutheran Church of Grodno is the only one currently operating in the Republic of Belarus. It is called the "singing" church. The thing is that during worship the community performs Lutheran songs to the accompaniment of an electronic organ.
Current Church Superior
Since 2009, Pastor Vladimir Tatarnikov has been serving in the Grodno Lutheran community. He was born on April 3, 1986 in the city of Vileyka, Minsk Region.
In 2004, Vladimir became a seminarian in the Theological Department of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which is located in St. Petersburg. After 5 years of study, in 2009 Tatarnikov graduated from the seminary with a bachelor of theology.
Tourists note
Travelers who decided to visit Grodno have the opportunity to visit the Lutheran Church as part of an excursion group. They will be told the history of the building, the interior will be presented, and those who wish can listen to a concert of organ music, which will leave a lasting impression. The entire excursion walk, including the musical part, takes no more than 40 minutes. Of course, a visit is possible only at a time when there is no worship.
Church music lovers will be interested to know that organ music concerts are regularly held in the Church of St. John, which attract artists from different countries.
"Voice" of the church
Organ walls are often heard in church walls. The instrument is considered local pride. It was created in the 60s of the twentieth century. His predecessor was destroyed during the revolution. But the community members and the new pastor, Vladimir Tatarnikov, wanted the sound of this magnificent instrument to be heard again within the walls of the church.
A new organ was purchased in Frankfurt. He was transported to Belarus in disassembled condition, and local specialists collected him.
Community focus
The Lutheran community operating in Grodno unites 80 people. The main areas are:
- assistance to pensioners, people with disabilities;
- assistance to poor and large families;
- collaboration with the children's hospice;
- interaction with the society of the blind;
- work with the young population, carrying out preventive measures.
On the church’s “music venue”, charity concerts of organ music are often held, as well as performances by hospice children, which they prepare independently.