City Bila Krynytsia cathedral

OLD BELIEF IN BUKOVYNA

The history of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna
offers you tourist routes connected
with various religious confession

Among the picturesque attractions of Bukovyna the village of Bila Krynytsia stands out. The village is located on the Ukrainian-Romanian border, and is known for its remarkable history. Once the village was known all over the world, and the metropolis located there played an important international role in the affairs of the Ancient Orthodox Church. These days, it has been gradually restoring its glory, influence and power.

During an excursion there you will learn about the origin and the development of the Old Belief, about when and how the Bykovynian village of Bila Krynytsia became the center of the Old Believer’s Movement of Russia and the world, and about what is being done to restore the temple.

Tourists can visit the huge cathedral of archbishops – the Assumption Cathedral – built in the early 20th century, which is accurately called “a stone dreamland of Bukovyna”. In its appearance, the cathedral resembles the famous temple of Basil the Blessed in Moscow. And in its architecture and trim it can be compared to the former Residence of Archbishops in Chernivtsi, although, it has more complicated carving and more beautiful trimming materials, such as multicolored ceramic patchwork and light blue facing bricks that cover all the walls. Standing among the fields, gardens and village scenery, it provokes astonishment.

In 1996 there was a World Council of Old Believers with hierarchs from all over the world. Among the numerous points for discussion was restoration of the Assumption Cathedral. Bila Krynytsia has always been and will remain a holy place for every Old Believer, wherever his native land is. Bila Krynytsia, a symbol and relic of Old Belief, is also the pride of residents of Bukovyna.

During an excursion tourists also will visit the village of Dymka, the history of which is strongly connected with the life and creative work of Olga Kobylyanska – a writer who lived in Bykovyna.