The church in Krynica has finally got its dome – photoreport

On Wednesday, 1 June 2016, on the 35th anniversary of the construction of the Krynica Orthodox parish, the two biggest elements that complete the whole architectural structure were raised to the top of the church, finishing at the same time the building process of the St. Vladimir Church.

Before, on 21 May, dedication of the steeple’s elements took place (the dome and cross), celebrated by Archbishop Paisjusz and the priests of Gorlice-Przemyśl Eparchy, attended by the parishioners, Mayor of Krynica, co-architect of the church and representatives of the Prison Service.

During the act of the dome’s raising, present were the following persons: Archbishop Paisjusz, priest of Krynica Piotr Pupczyk and the Orthodox society. The raised elements constitute a three-part church, so far there were six domes above it. From 1 June, the seventh dome is added. Together with the cross, the church is 46 metres high – the highest structure in Krynica.

St. Vladimir Church is one of the few churches built in Lemkovyna since the time of the Second World War.  The first newly-built church was St. Nicolas Church in Zyndranowa, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. In Komańcza/Komancha, after a fire of the previous Orthodox church, it was accurately reconstructed in 2006-2010. In Regetów/Regetiv, western Lemkovyna, a new church was dedicated in 2012. All of the churches somehow reflect the traditional Western Lemko (Zyndranowa, Regetów/Regetiv, Krynica) and Eastern Lemko (Komańcza/Komancha) sacred buildings.

There is also foreign influence visible – at the turn of 1980s-1990s, a new Orthodox church was built in Gorlice, and not a long time ago, a new church in Bielanka was consecrated (it reflects Serbian style). In Western Lemkovyna, Kulaszne village, St. Nicolas Greek Catholic Church was reconstructed. It reflects the previous one which was built in the Boyko style. A new Orthodox church in Gładyszów is going to be built – it will accurately reflect the non-existent Saints Cosmas and Damian church in Nieznajowa/Neznajova.

Below is an extensive photo report from the event. Phot. © Petro Basałyga – many thanks to the photographer.