Political meanders of the Lemko churches Cover Image

Polityczne meandry łemkowskich cerkwi
Political meanders of the Lemko churches

Author(s): Marek Barwiński
Subject(s): History, Cultural history, Theology and Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: Lemko; Lemko region; religious structure; Orthodoxy; Greek Catholic Church; cultural heritage

Summary/Abstract: The Lemko churches preserved to present times are one of the most characteristic elements of the cultural landscape of the northern Carpathians. They are also clear, visual evidence of the multinational and multi-confessional history of the Beskidy mountains. Both – dramatic and complicated history and contemporary situation of the Lemko minority, perfectly presents direct impact of political events on the history of the Lemkos and their spiritual and material culture. The main purpose of the article is to show, on the example of the Lemko region, the overriding influence of political conditions on the denominational structure. Transformations and political decisions made without the participation of the most interested, in this case the Lemkos, effectively determined the private sphere of life like a religious faith. It took place both in the twentieth century and also few hundred years earlier. It also takes place today.

  • Issue Year: 2018
  • Issue No: 07
  • Page Range: 163-187
  • Page Count: 25
  • Language: Polish
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