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May 26, 2017

3067 BELARUS (Grodno) - Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral in Grodno

3067 Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral in Grodno

Probably the most spectacular landmark of Grodno, the Roman-Catholic Cathedral of Saint Francis Xavier, originally a Jesuit church, was consecrated in 1705, in the presence of Tsar Peter I and King August II. Its construction was started in 1678, but due to wars that rocked Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth at that time lasted 27 years. Its late Baroque frescoes were executed in 1752. The monastery was dissolved in 1773 and the church became a parish one.

In 1960 it was officially closed for a public religious services (for 27 years). The communist authorities tried to convert the building into a museum or a concert hall. Despite this the people attended the church every Sunday for a common player, songs and rosary. The religious services were restored in 1987. In 1990 the church was granted the title of minor basilica, and a year later it became a cathedral for a diocese of Grodno.

About the stamp


The stamp, designed by Yelena Medved, was issued on March 14, 2014 under the name Slutsk Sashes.

References
Sanctuary of the Congregational Mother of God in Hrodna - Roman Catholic Church in Belarus
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Grodno - Wikipedia

Sender: Tanya / Tanya19 (postcrossing) BY-2107676
Sent from Grodno (Grodno / Belarus), on 23.04.2017

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