Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Siemiatycze

The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Siemiatycze is an Orthodox temple with a rich history, belonging to the Siemiatycze deanery of the Warsaw-Bielsk diocese of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church. The first church on this site was established in the 15th century and went through various phases, including affiliation with the Uniate Church following the Union of Brest in 1596. The church was a significant pilgrimage center, especially on the Day of the Holy Trinity, but over time its importance diminished, leading to the poverty of the local parish. In 1839, under the resolutions of the Synod of Polotsk, the parish returned to the Orthodox faith. The brick church was built in 1866, partially funded by the Russian state treasury. The temple’s facade is decorated with pilasters and frames, and the interior features a valuable iconostasis from 1908, as well as Baroque icons of Saints Peter and Paul and Saint Paraskeva. The church underwent numerous renovations and restorations, particularly in the 20th century when it was damaged by fire. In the 1990s, a major renovation of the structure was carried out, and the local church brotherhood invested in new furnishings. The temple has also become a cultural venue, hosting the Review of Religious and Paraliturgical Song. In 2021, the church received relics of its patron saints, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Built in the Russian-Byzantine style, the church is masonry-based and consists of a single nave with a square altar area. The interior is notable for icons with a rich history, including works from the 17th century. The temple holds not only religious but also historical significance, bearing witness to social and political changes in the region, and its architecture reflects Orthodox style and traditions.