On Tuesday morning, the roof of the Budslau-based Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary caught on fire. The sanctuary is not only one of the most important and influential centres of spiritual life in the country, but also a heritage-listed building.
Special brigades from Maladzechna, Dokshytsy, Vileyka, Minsk arrived at the village of Budslau (Myadzel district, Minsk region) to contribute to the fire-fighting operation.
The crews were fighting the blaze for more than four hours. Unfortunately, the roof of the church burnt out. Volunteers managed to take a number of liturgical tools, icons, books out of the church.
At about 11.30 am (local time), the fire was brought under control.
“I have just talked to a firefighter, he told me that the fire was cut off, the towers were secured, the concrete structures are in normal condition, only the roof has sustained great damage,” an eyewitness told Belsat.
The Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Budslau, one of the most famous Belarusian icons, have been rescued and delivered to a safe place. The icon dates back to the 16th century; its main celebration which takes place on July, 2 was added to the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Blaze in Budslau church. Photo: Belsat viewers
