Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Narew

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Narew is an Orthodox church built in the Latin cross plan. It is a wooden structure, clad with siding and resting on a stone and cement foundation, featuring a characteristic dome at the intersection of the main and side naves. The building has varied roof designs, and its entrances are adorned with porticos supported by columns, giving it an elegant appearance. The history of the church dates back to the 16th century, when the first sources mention the existence of an Orthodox temple. After the Union of Brest in 1596, the parish adopted the Uniate rite, and its furnishings underwent Latinization, which was particularly evident in the 18th century. In 1839, the church came under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church, and the iconostasis was installed only in 1868. The church was modernized and rebuilt multiple times, with particularly intensive work taking place after a fire in 1990, which destroyed many valuable interior elements. After renovations, the church was reconsecrated in 1994. In the 20th century, the number of faithful grew rapidly, exceeding 3,000 at the beginning of the century. However, after World War I, the parish declined due to the bieżeństwo (mass migration). In the pre-war and interwar periods, the church was active, attracting numerous believers and enriching its furnishings with new icons. It is worth noting that the veneration of the icons of the Sorrowful Mother of God and Anthony of the Caves remains a lasting element of local tradition. The architecture of the church is typical for the region, and a somewhat similar structure can be found in Domachevo, Belarus. Currently, the church operates within the Narew Deanery of the Warsaw-Bielsk Diocese of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a significant element of the cultural heritage of the region, listed in the register of historical monuments, and reflects the rich history and Orthodox tradition in Poland.