The majestic Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God in the Veretyevo churchyard, located on the outskirts of Dyukov Bor, has long been surrounded by mystical legends.
A wooden Orthodox church was first built here in the 16th century, allegedly on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the pagan goddess Mokosh. This hypothesis is confirmed by the name of the river Vozikh-Ma ("Ma" is an abbreviated name of the goddess Mokosh). Orgies were held at these temples - for the continuation of the family line, for its increase. And they also brought sacrifices.
At the end of the 18th century, it was torn down and a stone one was built, which now bears the name of the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God - 1802. There is also a legend that a nun was once killed here by robbers who tortured her to find out where the church valuables were hidden. The nun never said where, and cursed both her murderers and the place itself..." This is not the only frightening legend. Some visitors are sure that they have met ghosts at the cemetery, and there is a rumor that a whole group of young scientists disappeared at the site of the former temple several years ago. Nowadays, the church has been completely restored and there is no trace left of the mysticism...