The history of these churches is inseparably linked to the development of the Cossacks, as it was during this period that unique churches were built, preserving the spirit of the Cossack era. Many of them are national architectural monuments and attract attention not only for their architectural beauty but also for their profound historical significance. In this article, we will explore the Cossack churches of the Kyiv region, their origins, architectural features, and their role in the cultural landscape of our time.
St. Onuphrius Church: the oldest wooden church in Kyiv Region in the heart of Lypovy Skytok
The village of Lypovy Skytok is named after the centuries-old linden trees that once grew here and the 18th-century skete. According to folk legends, in the territory of modern-day Danilivka, there was once the ancient city of Danilovo, near which stood the skete of the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv.
In the 18th century, Zacharias Kornilovich, the then abbot of the St. Michael’s Monastery and later the Bishop of Pereyaslav, founded the Onuphrius Monastery here, within which two churches were built. One of them – the Onuphrius Church, which was the cathedral – has survived to this day.
The Church of St. Onuphrius in Lypovy Skytok is considered the oldest wooden church in Kyiv region, if we do not include buildings relocated to museums of folk architecture. Built in 1705, this elegant three-domed structure conveys the uniqueness of ancient architecture and harmoniously blends with the natural surroundings.
Cathedral of Antony and Theodosius, Vasylkiv: a spiritual center with a rich history on the path of cossack Traditions
The cathedral was built by the distinguished architect of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Stepan Kovnir. The construction lasted three years, from 1755 to 1758. The church is dedicated to Antony and Theodosius, the founders of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
The cathedral is located next to the settlement and remains of the ramparts of the ancient city of Vasyliv, founded by Prince Volodymyr the Great.
By the way, the settlement is first mentioned in the "Primary Chronicle" under the years 988 and 996. The name of the city comes from the name of Prince Volodymyr, which he received during his Baptism. Vasyliv was an important fortress that protected Kyiv from the south against the raids of steppe nomads. Later, the city became known as the birthplace of the venerable Theodosius of the Caves.
The dimensions of the church are 20 by 20 meters, with the height of the central dome reaching 28 meters inside. Four side domes are located above the square rooms between the arms of the apses. The windows are decorated with delicate carved moldings.
Over time, most of the frescoes were lost, including the works of the 18th-century master Vasyl Bibikov. However, part of the decoration has survived, and after a long restoration, the church resumed its activities.
Cathedral of Anthony and Theodosius
46 Soborna Street, Vasylkiv
Pokrovska Church, Krenichi: a wooden church that preserves the warmth of past centuries
The village of Krenichi was founded in the 16th century and gained fame thanks to the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God, built in 1761 by the abbess Xanthia Protsanska. This wooden church consists of three logs, covered with a gable roof and a small dome. The architectural features of the church refer to ancient examples of Ukrainian wooden architecture typical of Cossack churches.
Impressive is also the bell tower, built 90 years after the church, which harmoniously complements the ensemble. It preserves the ancient bell and inscriptions that testify to the repairs carried out. Although the church's shape has signs of cell-like architecture, due to its sloping walls and log forms, it is still closer to the Cossack style. In the mid-19th century watercolor by Pierre de la Flize, the church is depicted with two domes, reminiscent of Cossack Baroque.
St. Michael's Church, Pidgirtsi: a gem of baroque architecture in Kyiv Region
The village of Pidgirtsi, located 15 km north of Obukhiv, has a population of about 1,000 people. Here stands St. Michael's Church, built in 1742, which is a national architectural landmark.
The church is known for its architectural feature – it belongs to the cell-type, which was typical for wooden churches from the princely era. The building consists of three log structures covered by a common roof, with three domes. In the 19th century, a two-tiered bell tower was added to the church. Despite the Soviet attitude towards the shrine, when the church was used as a grain storage, it has preserved 19th-century carvings and thematic murals.
Pokrovska Church, Sulyimivka: the legacy of cossack colonel Ivan Sulima
The village of Sulyimivka, located 15 km northwest of Baryshivka, was the ancestral estate of the well-known Cossack Sulima family, numbering no more than 400 people. The most famous members of the family include Zaporizhian Hetman Ivan Sulima, Major General Yakym Sulima, and Governor General of Eastern and Western Siberia Mykola Sulima.
Between 1622 and 1629, the stone Pokrovska Church was built in Sulyimivka, the ancestral estate of Ivan Sulima. Its construction is likely associated with the liberation of the hetman from Turkish captivity. The church, one of the oldest in Kyiv region, is an example of early Ukrainian architecture. Its simple but sturdy construction resembles fortifications with features of Cossack and Old Rus churches. Despite changes in 1838 and 1900, the church has retained its original appearance.
Nearby are the Sulima estate and the abandoned 19th-century park. The church served as the family tomb for the Sulima family, but in the 1930s, the crypts were looted, and the ancient icons were destroyed. Some valuable items, including the 18th-century icon of the "Protection" and portraits of the family, are now preserved in the National Art Museum of Ukraine.
Trinity Church, Hostroluchchya: the harmony of wooden architecture and spirituality
Trinity Church in Hostroluchchya is one of the semi-ruined examples of Ukrainian Baroque. Unlike the more famous church in Dihtyarivka, built under the initiative of Hetman Ivan Mazepa, this temple remains almost forgotten. It was constructed between 1784 and 1787 by former Pereiaslav Cossack Colonel and head of the Kyiv Public Court, Hryhoriy Ivanovych Ivanenko, replacing an older wooden church.
The architecture of the church combines elements of Ukrainian Baroque and early Classicism, with a bell tower built beside it. The exact appearance of Trinity Church before the Soviet alterations is unknown, as no images have survived. However, detailed descriptions from 1827 by Priest Antoniy Sokilovsky have been preserved.
St. Nicholas Church, Voytove: an ancient temple guarding the secrets of village life
The village of Voytove, founded around 1640, is known for its history as a Cossack settlement and the residence of Pereiaslav nobility and landowners. The main landmark of the village is St. Nicholas Church, likely built in 1790 when the village was owned by Illia Bezborodko, brother of the famous chancellor of the empire. In 1832, the church was reconstructed, and its architecture merged elements of Classicism and Empire style.
The church has a cross-shaped layout with equal sides, complemented by protruding corners. Its restrained appearance hides the harmony and symmetry that captivates when viewed from different angles. This architectural gem has been preserved as a symbol of the village's historical past.
Kyiv region, rich in history and natural beauty, hides many sacred places with powerful energy. From ancient hills associated with pagan gods to modern locations for meditation and rituals – each one has its unique force. Here, the energies of the sky and earth merge, helping to find harmony. Learn more about these places in the article "Sacred places in Kyiv region: where nature provides energy and inner balance".
St. Michael's Monastery, Pereiaslav: a sacred abode on the land of ancient traditions
St. Michael's Church is the oldest building in Pereiaslav, constructed in 1646 with the support of Colonel Fedor Loboda. The church has been renovated several times, and after a fire in 1734, it was rebuilt with a wooden roof that replaced the stone vault. The facade was adorned with pilasters, colorful rosettes, and reliefs. During World War II, the church was damaged, but it was restored in the 1950s based on sketches by Taras Shevchenko.
The church was built on the foundation of the 11th-century St. Michael's Cathedral, of which excavated remains have been preserved. Nearby is the over-gate bell tower and the 18th-century monastery refectory. Unfortunately, modern reconstructions have added a decorative top to the church, which has been criticized for losing its historical appearance.
Ascension Men's Monastery, Pereiaslav: a place of power and prayerful peace
The Ascension Monastery on Skovorody Street in Pereiaslav began to take shape at the end of the 17th century when the Ascension Cathedral was built, described by Taras Shevchenko as a combination of Baroque and Byzantine styles. The cathedral is currently under restoration, and a diorama museum, "The Battle for the Dnieper," is housed inside it.
Nearby is the building of the Collegium (1753–1757), where Hryhorii Skovoroda taught. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the philosopher. The main adornment of the monastery is the Baroque bell tower (1770–1776), which dominates the central part of the city. Other buildings in the ensemble, including the dormitory of the spiritual school (1877), have a rich history but have lost some of their original appearance due to numerous reconstructions.
In 2023, the upper part of the monastery chapel was restored according to Shevchenko's drawing, although the use of bright metal significantly changes its authentic appearance.
Pokrova Church, Fastiv: the elegance of architecture in the heart of cossack heritage
Pokrova Church is a beautiful example of a wooden three-bayed church from the Cossack era, built in 1740. Although its roof is now covered with sheet metal, the style imitates shingles, and the gallery adds authenticity.
There is a legend that the church was built by Fastiv colonel Semen Paliy, but this is impossible, as he passed away 30 years before the church was constructed. The bell tower also appeared later, in 1781.
Lavrentii Pokhylevych noted that the church was consecrated as the Resurrection Church, while the Pokrova Church, much more modest, was built in 1716 and rebuilt in 1781. When the Resurrection Church became the Pokrova Church is unknown.
Wooden Protection Church Fastiv
1 Alexander Pushkin street, Fastiv
Pokrova Church, Kozhanka: a historical landmark in the comfort of Kyiv's nature
The village of Kozhanka, located 18 km from Fastiv, lies on the banks of the Kamyanka River and has a population of about 2,500 people.
In the center of the village stands the wooden Cossack Pokrova Church, built in 1758. According to legend, the funds for its construction were provided by the Haidamaks, including Fastiv colonel Mykyta Shvachka, who led one of the units during the Koliyivshchyna. The church is a unique example of folk architecture: its squat forms, slanted walls, small windows, and domes with crosses create an authentic appearance, as if several wooden huts were joined together. The church is a national heritage landmark.
Interestingly, Lavrentii Pokhylevych refers to this church as the Holy Nicholas Church.
Saint Nicholas Church, Bila Tserkva: a sanctuary that unites the past and present
In 1706, with funds from Hetman Ivan Mazepa, the construction of a grand three-altar church, St. Nicholas Church, began in Bila Tserkva. The planned height of the building was to reach 50 meters, and the area was to be 27 x 19 meters. Only the southern part, named Mykilska, was completed.
The church housed relics, including a fragment of the Holy Cross, old prints in precious bindings, and artistic masterpieces: a three-tiered carved iconostasis in Byzantine style and paintings from the Cossack era. According to legend, there was an ornament presented by Tymish Khmelnytsky to Rozanda Lupu. Some icons were transferred from the previous wooden church.
However, the construction was halted by the Battle of Poltava and the historical events of the early 18th century. By order of Peter I, the relics and icons were removed, and their fate remains unknown.
Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, Shkarivka: a unique temple that Inspires with Its simplicity and grandeur
In the village of Shkarivka, located 3 km from Bila Tserkva, stands a unique wooden architectural landmark — the Holy Spirit Church. Built in 1750, it was initially a three-domed church but was transformed into a single-domed structure after reconstruction in 1840 and placed on a stone foundation. The church is situated on a picturesque hill, offering a view of the village.
Although simple in form, the church is an example of Right-Bank Ukrainian architecture and holds the status of a national heritage landmark. Its historical value emphasizes the uniqueness of this area.
Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit
Shkarivka, Kyiv region
Transfiguration Church in Sukholisy: a wooden church with ancient paintings
The village of Sukholisy, located 25 km east of Bila Tserkva, is known for its historical heritage. The wooden Transfiguration of the Lord Church, built in 1726, has been preserved here. This single-domed church stands out for its harmonious proportions and interesting composition, making it a national architectural landmark.
The interior of the church is adorned with 19th-century frescoes. Originally a small building covered with straw, the church often required repairs. In 1849, it was significantly reconstructed. Although some sources suggest it was completely dismantled, architectural analysis confirms that it was a reconstruction. South of the village, there is also a settlement from the 11th–12th centuries, adding historical significance to the area.
St. Joseph the Betrothed Church in Zhitni Hory: a gem of cossack architecture
The village of Zhitni Hory, located 2 km north of Rokytne, has a village council and a population of about 2,200 people.
The main landmark of the village is the wooden Church of St. Joseph the Betrothed, built in 1766 (it was previously believed to be 1756). Initially, it was a typical Cossack three-part temple with three Baroque domes. In 1854, a narthex and two chapels were added to the church. By the early 21st century, the church had preserved its authentic interiors and iconostasis, but in the 2010s, the interiors were covered with wooden paneling, significantly altering their appearance.
Church of Joseph the Betrothed
Zhytny Hory, Kyiv region
Chapel in Shcherybaky: a wooden landmark among centuries-old crosses
The village of Shcherybaky, founded in 1690, has about 300 residents. In the local cemetery, there is an 18th-century wooden chapel, which is a valuable and rare landmark. Near the chapel, there are old graves with 19th-century crosses.
Shcherybaky is located on the banks of the Ros' River and marks the beginning of a large complex of ancient watermills from the village of Horodyshche-Pustovarivske. Near the village, there is also a flooded, non-operational granite quarry in the forest, which has become a popular tourist attraction.
St. Michael's Church in Ostriv: a spiritual oasis among water elements
The village of Ostriv, located 25 km southeast of Bila Tserkva, has a population of over 2,000 people. The first mention of the village dates back to 1630. The name comes from its location on an island formed by the river and its tributary.
The main architectural landmark of Ostriv is the St. Archangel Michael Church, built in 1740. It is a typical wooden three-part Cossack church, representing a vivid example of folk architecture. In 1804, a bell tower was built next to the church, and in 1864, three side chapels were added to the temple, which expanded its size.
St. Nicholas Church in Synyava: the only five-domed wooden sanctuary in the Dnieper Region
The village of Synyava, located on the Ros' River 1 km south of Rokytne, has over 3,600 residents. The first mention of the village dates back to 1550, but the settlement existed earlier.
The main architectural landmark is the wooden five-part St. Nicholas Church, built in 1730. This church features five domes and a bell tower, and its parts, set on large oak beams, form a cross. The building’s impressive plasticity is emphasized by walls leaning toward the center. In 1878, a porch and bell tower were added to the church.
The St. Nicholas Church was built on the site of an older temple, destroyed by the Tatars, and is one of the most prominent wooden churches in Ukraine. It represents the culture of the Right Bank Dnieper region and is the only five-domed Cossack church in the Dnieper area. This church holds significant importance for Ukrainian architecture, and its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the heir to the traditions initiated by Cossack masters.
Trinity Church in Busheve: a three-domed temple preserving the history of Millennia
The village of Busheve, located 8 km east of Rokytne, has about 800 residents. Until 1946, the village was known as Pruzy.
Here, there is a magnificent example of wooden architecture – the Trinity Church, built in 1760. This three-domed church is a vivid example of wooden construction from the Right Bank. Previously, a bell tower stood next to it, but in 1970, it was relocated to the Pereiaslav Museum.
By the way, on the outskirts of the village, there are remnants of two settlements from the first millennium BC, a fortified settlement from the 11th–13th centuries, and several burial mounds dating back to the 3rd–1st millennium BC.
The Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church in Tulintsy: a wooden monument of timeless architecture
The Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church in Tulintsy, built in 1752 from oak logs, is a national architectural monument. Despite later additions, the church impresses with its monumentality, especially its powerful wooden logs and three domes. Inside, there are frescoes from the late 19th century, and the remnants of the old choir add an archaic charm. This unique structure transports visitors to past centuries, showcasing the true spirit of Ukrainian wooden architecture.
Nativity of the Mother of God Church
Tulyntsi, Kyiv region
The Protection of the Virgin Church in Borodani: asceticism and beauty of an unfinished history
The village of Borodani, located 7 km west of Bohuslav, has about 100 residents.
A highlight of the village is the Resurrection Church, built in 1800 – the last example of Cossack church architecture. Its walls are adorned with vertical boarding, and the absence of domes and baroque elements indicates an unfinished project. Architects believe that high baroque domes were planned, but imperial prohibition prevented the completion of construction.
The church was built on the site of a 1745 temple. Lavrentiy Pokhylevych mentioned that the church housed an icon of the Virgin Mary, likely from the previous temple. During Soviet times, most of the frescoes were covered with paint, but one in the women’s gallery has survived and impresses with its beauty. The church has a unique atmosphere, even in its asceticism.
St. John the Theologian Church in Rozkopantsi: architectural heritage of the Cossack Era
The village of Rozkopantsi, located 1 km west of Bohuslav, has about 900 residents. In the village stands a unique wooden church of St. John the Theologian, a three-part and three-log structure, which is an example of Cossack architecture. Initially, it was believed to have been built in 1884, but architect Ivan Bykov proved that the church is much older – it was built in 1726 in Bohuslav on the right bank of the Ros’ River.
After the great flood of 1881, the church was damaged, and the village community of Rozkopantsi bought it. The church was moved to the village and consecrated in honor of St. John the Theologian. It was here that Ivan Soshenko, an artist and educator, was baptized. During Soviet times, the church was used as a club and grain storage.
St. John the Evangelist Church in the village of Rozkopantsi
Rozkopanets Starostynsky District, Rozkopantsi village
St. George's Church in Sofipol: a temple that traveled through centuries
Sofipol, located east of Tetiiv, was once part of the village of Halayky and is now part of the Halaykivska rural council, with a population of about 150 people.
The St. George's Church in Sofipol has an interesting history. According to legend, it was built at the end of the 18th century in the village of Yurkivka and was moved to Sofipol in 1881. The church in Yurkivka was dedicated to St. Michael, and after being relocated, it became St. George's Church. It belongs to the rare Right-Bank Dnieper type of Cossack wooden churches – simple and ascetic buildings that could easily be moved during raids. This type laid the foundation for several other types of Ukrainian wooden architecture, including Eastern Podillian and Slobozhansky styles.
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Antonivka: spiritual heritage of the Cossack Era
The village of Antonivka, founded in 1656, became known thanks to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, built in 1777 by Antonius Stefansky in the Cossack style from oak logs. Originally a three-part church, it was expanded in 1802 when two side chapels were added, and in 1826 a bell tower was constructed. The church is a typical example of the three-domed Cossack architecture, although some later additions, such as the metal drums beneath the domes, reduce its authenticity. The church requires restoration to become an important tourist attraction.
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
97Q7+HM, Antonivka, Kyiv region
Cossack churches of the Kyiv region are not only architectural monuments but also important symbols of our national heritage. They not only tell the story of the past but also preserve the spirit of the era in which the modern Ukrainian identity was born. Each church built by the Cossacks features unique characteristics that reflect a deep understanding of faith, spirituality, and folk traditions. Preserving and studying these churches is a crucial step in maintaining cultural memory for future generations. They continue to inspire today, offering everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in the grand history of Ukrainian Cossackdom and its influence on the development of the nation.
This material is based on research and photographs provided by the Ukraine-Incognita resource, which has gathered information about Cossack churches in Kyiv region and preserves their visual heritage for future generations.
