Restoration of Minsk's Red Church: Preserving a Historic Landmark

The Church of Saints Simon and Helena, better known as Red Church, in Minsk is preparing for long-awaited renovations. This was announced by the director of the enterprise "Minsk Heritage," Alexander Kokhan, in an interview with the Minsk-News agency. The work will begin soon, but before that, a series of preparatory measures must be completed. Here’s what is known about the upcoming restoration of this iconic architectural monument.

Why is the renovation necessary?

On the night of September 26, 2022, a fire broke out in the Red Church due to electrical wiring issues. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the fire caused damage to the property and revealed serious structural problems. Since then, access to the church has been closed to worshipers and clergy, and the district administration has prohibited its use. According to Alexander Kokhan, the complex of repair and restoration work is necessary to preserve the Red Church as an architectural monument and to ensure its continued safe operation. The fire served as a wake-up call, highlighting the outdated infrastructure of the building, including both internal and external engineering networks.

What does the restoration include?

The renovation project consists of several key stages:

• Replacement and repair of engineering networks. This includes both internal and external communications to eliminate risks similar to those that led to the fire.
• Restorative finishing work. These efforts aim to restore the building's historic appearance while adhering to modern safety standards.

To implement the project, design and estimate documentation was developed and has already passed state examination. This confirms that the restoration will be carried out at a high professional level with full compliance with regulations.

Preparation for renovation: What needs to be done?

Before construction workers begin their tasks, the interior of the Red Church must be cleared of movable property. Alexander Kokhan stated: "This is necessary to ensure the safety of movable property and to avoid delays in construction work." The process of removing the property will start next week. An agreement on this has been reached with the parish priest and has also been discussed at the level of the Minsk-Mogilev Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus. According to Kokhan, all parties have reached an understanding, demonstrating effective coordination between church authorities and the renovation organizers.

The history of the Red Church: Why is its preservation important?

Built in 1910 by Polish architect Tomasz Pajzderski, the Red Church is one of the most recognizable symbols of Minsk. Its red brick facade, designed in the Neo-Romanesque style, makes it stand out against the cityscape. Over more than a century, the church has become not only a religious center but also an important part of Belarusian cultural heritage. The closure of the church after the 2022 fire was a significant loss for worshipers and city residents. Therefore, the upcoming renovation is seen as a step toward restoring not just a building but an essential historical and spiritual landmark.

What lies ahead for the Red Church?

The exact completion date of the renovation has not yet been announced. However, given the scale of the work and the historical significance of the building, the process promises to be thorough and meticulous. The construction team will not only eliminate the fire damage but also update the infrastructure while preserving the authenticity of the architectural design. The renovation of the Red Church is not just a construction project but a crucial mission to preserve Minsk’s cultural heritage. Bringing the church back to life will be great news for everyone who values its beauty and significance.

Conclusion

In the near future, the Red Church in Minsk will be revitalized through repair and restoration efforts. The coordinated efforts of "Minsk Heritage" and church authorities, along with a well-thought-out approach to preparation, ensure that this landmark will be preserved for future generations. Stay tuned for updates on the restoration process of one of Belarus’s most treasured architectural landmarks.