Wooden Historic Churches of Ukrainian Descent in Poland – Current Condition and Challenges in Preserving It

Abstract

This article begins with a brief overview of the types and architectural solutions found in historic wooden vernacular buildings in Poland. It then examines the pressing challenges of protecting and conserving historic Greek Catholic churches located on the Polish side of the border with Ukraine. Many of these churches, once a significant for the Ukrainian national minority in Poland before World War II, are now abandoned and in poor condition. By examining the techniques used to assess the condition of these buildings, the article presents an adequate conservation strategy tailored to these specific sites.

This discussion highlights the importance of authenticity in relation to historic wooden structures, especially in light of the current conservation problems observed in eastern Poland. This analysis focuses on the study of an abandoned wooden Greek Catholic church in Miękisz Stary. This 17th-century church is an example of Ukrainian architectural heritage that has survived in the border areas of Poland and Ukraine, despite its alarming state of disrepair. The presented conservation model aims to ensure both the structural integrity of the buildings and the protection of the polychrome decorating the interiors of these sacred sites. Additionally, the paper includes an analysis of the reinstatement of iconostases to wooden Greek Catholic churches in Poland. This issue highlights the broader implications of cultural heritage conservation and the need for a holistic approach that appreciates the historical value of these religious buildings. The article underlines balancing conservation efforts, taking into account authenticity and cultural context, to promote the long-term protection of these valuable objects of architectural heritage.