Old Believers' Cathedral in Chernivtsi Oblast falling into disrepair

A unique church, the Cathedral of Assumption of Old Believers, in the Chernivtsi Oblast is falling into disrepair. This pearl of world architecture resembles the Cathedral of St. Basil in Moscow. Unlike the Russian analogue, the white stone masterpiece from Bukovyna is in terrible condition that deteriorates with every year.

The parishioners have no funds to maintain the monument of national significance and the local authorities and the state provide no necessary help.   

According to the superior of the cathedral, Father Serhii Bobkov, the vaults of the church are at most risk to ruination. Their limestone material dissolves when water leaks into the building during thaws.

For several years, the community gathered funds for the repair. But in view of the fact that there are only a hundred of Old Believers in Bila Krynytsia today, there were only enough funds to repair the cupolas.  The walls still contain cracks.

"Tens of millions of UAH are needed to restore the monument of national significance. Neither the village nor district budgets has the money. The region promises to help," noted the head of the village council of Staryi Vovchynets in a commentary for podrobnosti.ua.  

The governor of the Chernivtsi Oblast, Mykhailo Papiev, noted that the authorities are obligated to take care of the cathedral. "And we will find funds to ensure that future generations will be grateful to us for preserving this beautiful structure," added the official.

Allocation of one and a half million UAH is promised this year. However, the residents of Bila Krynytsia do not expect state help and continue to gather donations for the restoration of the church.

According to Podrobnosti, in the beginning of the last century, in Bila Krynytsia there were about 20 religious buildings. As of today, only the small Church of Kosma and Damian and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God remind one of the former magnificence.

One hundred years ago, the cathedral was built by Duke Ovsiannikov in honor of his deceased son. He spent an amount of money incredible for that time, namely, half a million roubles in gold. For half a century, the cathedral was the main place of worship for Old Believers. Under the Bolsheviks, the cathedral was turned into a warehouse. Later, a museum of Old Believers was located here. After its closure, the cathedral began to deteriorate quickly.