Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Boćki

The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Boćki is an Orthodox parish church that serves as a significant cultural and historical landmark in the Podlasie region. Located in the center of the village, it has a long history dating back to the early 16th century, when the first Orthodox church was founded by the Podlasie voivode Jan Sapieha. Following the Union of Brest in 1596, the church transitioned to the Uniate rite, and the brick building was most likely constructed in the 18th century. In 1839, as a result of the decisions of the Synod of Polotsk, the parish was incorporated into the Russian Orthodox Church. After the January Uprising, the church underwent reconstruction, adopting features of Byzantine architecture to align it with churches in native Russian territories. The church suffered damage multiple times during wars, including World War I and World War II, when it was severely affected, leading to numerous makeshift repairs. In 2002, after a thorough renovation, the temple regained its original appearance and was awarded the title of "Well-Maintained Monument" by the General Conservator of Monuments. The church is the only two-towered brick Orthodox church in Podlasie and plays a vital role in the spiritual life of the local community, which currently numbers around 800 faithful. Architecturally, the church is characterized by its onion-shaped domes and details reminiscent of Moscow's architectural style, reflecting its dynamic history and the cultural transformations of the region. For these reasons, the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Boćki is not only a place of religious worship but also an important site on the map of Poland's cultural heritage.