Roman Catholic church damaged by fire, closed

September 26, BPN. Minsk officials have closed the Red Church until the communications damaged by a fire are restored and “the results of instrumental studies on the building’s structures are received,” the city executive committee has said.

The church’s fire alarm went off at 3.35 am on September 26. The Ministry of Emergency Situations said an area of about 20 square meters was damaged but no-one was injured.

On May 11, 2021 a major fire broke out in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Budsłaŭ (Miadziel district, Minsk region), causing the shrine’s roof to collapse. The consequences were eliminated throughout the year, and the first Mass after the incident was celebrated on December 31. The Roman Catholic Church said it would take years to fully restore the basilica.