New church offers solace in Ukrainian village amidst war
This Orthodox Easter, a remarkable new church is offering spiritual solace to war-weary residents of the Ukrainian village of Lypivka. Two years ago, it also served as a sanctuary from the surrounding horrors. (AP photo)
Lypivka's church of the intercession during the Russian occupation
During the Russian occupation of the village in March 2022, nearly 100 residents sought refuge in the basement chapel of the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as Russian troops advanced towards Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, located 40 miles (60 kilometers) to the easter. (AP photo)
Lypivka's church among 129 war-damaged Ukrainian sites
The two-week Russian occupation left the village in ruins, with the newly constructed church—designed as a modern replacement for an older structure—suffering damage while still being built. This incident adds to the 129 war-damaged Ukrainian religious sites documented by Unesco, the United Nations' cultural organization. (AP photo)
Ukraine's identity struggle
Despite the damage inflicted during the occupation, workers swiftly began repairing and completing the striking church, a symbol of Ukraine's cultural resilience amidst adversity. (AP photo)
Anatoliy Kryvolap's masterpiece in Lypivka's church
Concealed behind its austere facade lies a burst of color within the building. Vibrant red, blue, orange, and gold panels adorning the walls and ceiling are the creation of Anatoliy Kryvolap, an artist renowned for his bold, modernist depictions of saints and angels, rendering this church distinctive in Ukraine. (AP photo)
From ruins to resilience
For over 300 years, a church has stood on this site. The previous structure was demolished by shelling during World War II. In the era of Soviet suppression of religion, the small wooden church that succeeded it was repurposed for more mundane functions. (AP photo)
Ukraine's orthodox identity crisis
While most Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians, the church is divided. Many belong to the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, while others were aligned with the Moscow patriarchate until the 2022 invasion prompted a split from Russia, viewed skeptically by many. (AP photo)