Greek-Catholic Wooden Churches, Slovakia |
Twenty-eight historic
wooden churches in Slovakia represent a significant, irreplaceable, --
and endangered -- cultural heritage of millions of Slovak-Americans.
The
churches are in Northeastern Slovakia in the Carpathian Mountains in small,
destitute villages. Constructed of logs, the structures have iconostases
inside with valuable icons that date from the 17thcentury. Being made
of wood, the churches and iconostases are threatened by weather and microorganisms.
Of the 28, seven are in dire need of conservation and preservation.
Many Slovak-Americans are descended from individuals who emigrated from Slovakia in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The churches date from the late 1600s to the early 1700s. Designated as National Cultural Remembrances of Slovakia since about 1968, the churches are owned by Slovakia’s Greek Catholic Church. The Church needs assistance to preserve the buildings. Unemployment in Eastern Slovakia is approximately 30% and 16% in the country as a whole. Additionally, most villages have relatively elderly populations with very limited incomes. The Slovak government also cannot afford the full cost of conservation and restoration.
Together with the Diocese of Presov, Slovakia, the Commission submitted a request in April 2002 to the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and Samuel H. Kress Foundation in New York asking for support to restore two churches. One is in the town of Lukov-Venecia and the other is in Mirola. The WMF/Kress Foundation granted $10,000 in 2002 for a preliminary survey of all the wooden churches in Slovakia. This survey will document the status and condition of all 28 churches and form a basis for future restoration efforts. In 2003, the WMF/Kress Foundation granted an additional $20,000 for an international conference to develop a master plan for the repair and maintenance of the 28 churches in Slovakia and four wooden churches in Poland.
Commission Member Vincent Obsitnik is seeking contributions for the restoration of the seven churches that have the most immediate restoration needs. The cost of restoring each church will range from approximately $50,000 to $100,000. Generally, half of the funds are required for the exterior structure and half for the iconostas. Donations to the restoration by U.S. residents qualify for the charitable contribution deduction for federal tax purposes.
