Ancient wooden church in Rokytne village ...

Hi friends. Recently, I visited with my parents an ancient wooden church in the village of Rokytne, located 25 km from Lviv, Ukraine.
My grandfathers and great-grandparents were married here, my relatives baptized children ...
This place is special for my family.
My father goes here every Sunday, although he has been around for 80 years. He believes that worship in the church blesses his life.
The Church of the Blessed Virgin was built in 1864 on the site of the previous old wooden church, which, according to old-timers, was built in 1648.

The church is visible from afar, it stands in the center of the village, by the road. Tall old trees stand around. We come to church on foot, but most people now go here by car.
After all, people want to dress well and show themselves, and you need to go off-road a few miles.

Next to the church is a wooden bell tower. The bells ring very majestically when the ministry begins.

The church has its own culture and customs. You can see baskets filled with fruit standing at the entrance to the church. There, the priest conducts the service of God according to the Greek Catholic rite. Many people stand outside. After the service, all the people go to church to the throne to worship God and receive the rite of anointing with holy oil, and eat the consecrated bread.

The throne in the church is made in gilded style. The peasants bring a lot of fresh flowers here. The dome is made of wood in the shape of an octagon. There are many ancient icons.

There are three graves near the church. are buried here clergy who have served in the church here.

People wear national or festive clothing.

After the dedication of the fruits, we take photos with my parents.

Sometimes it is good to be with your parents on the old traditional holidays to have good relationships with them and common topics for communication. We had a really lovely Sunday at my ancestors' old church.

They meet in the church, the old-timers of the village of Rokytne. They come on a stick ... I look at them with respect and love. They went their way with dignity. They will leave the old wooden church to their descendants when they go into eternity ...