Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Mielnik is an Orthodox temple with a rich history dating back to the 13th century, when its existence was first recorded. Originally built as a wooden church, it survived numerous destructions, including fires, before being rebuilt in the Neoclassical style between 1821 and 1823. In the 19th century, as part of the movement to de-Latinize Uniate rites, numerous changes were made to the church, removing Latinized decorative elements. In 1839, it came under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church, which led to further transformations, including a thorough reconstruction in the Byzantine-Russian style at the beginning of the 20th century. The building is distinguished by its three-bay structure and bell tower, while its façade is adorned with pilasters and triangular pediments. The interior features frescoes and a modern iconostasis with Neorenaissance elements. The church is also known for its veneration of the Icon of the Mother of God Orans, which was retrieved from the Bug River in 1777, highlighting Mielnik's significance as a place of unique spiritual heritage. Interestingly, despite numerous transformations, the church managed to preserve some Uniate furnishings, which led to disputes between local clergy and authorities. The church was added to the register of historical monuments in 1985 and now serves as an important center of Orthodox culture in the region.