Bielsk Podlaski Deanery

The Bielsk Podlaski Deanery is one of the administrative units of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Drohiczyn, encompassing eight parishes in the region. It includes the parishes of the Divine Providence, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Divine Mercy, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas, St. Andrew the Apostle in Wyszki, St. Joseph the Bridegroom in Boćki, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Łubin Kościelny, and the Ascension of the Lord in Strabla. The deanery has a total of approximately 17,649 Catholics. Architecturally, the parish churches stand out, particularly the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas, which is a significant landmark on the religious and historical map of the region. Culturally, the deanery hosts various religious ceremonies that promote local traditions and customs, reflecting the area's rich history. The deanery authorities, with Fr. Ryszard Zalewski as dean and Fr. Zbigniew Karolak as vice-dean, are actively involved in community life, preserving local traditions and developing cultural and religious initiatives. The deanery borders other important deaneries, such as Białystok – Dojlidy and Hajnówka, fostering cultural exchange and cooperation within the diocese. It is worth noting that the region is rich in historical and cultural heritage, with numerous monuments attesting to the long-standing presence of the Catholic Church in this area.