Greek Catholic Tserkva of Sts. Cosmas and Damian

Krempna is one of the most beautifully situated villages within the Low Beskids. Its most notable attraction is the former Greek Catholic Tserkva of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, today functioning Roman Catholic church of St. Maximilian Kolbe.

It was erected in 1778. Elements of the earlier tserkva, which were still in good condition, were used in the building. The date of construction is carved on a wooden foundation plate which has been preserved. On the other hand, year 1783 can be seen on the lock in the narthex doors. Although nearly the whole village was destroyed due to warfare conducted in the area in 1914–1915, the tserkva remained intact.

The tserkva, oriented eastward, is a tripartite log structure, with a sacristy adjoining the chancel. The tower over the narthex is a post-and-frame structure with tapered walls and the bell chamber at the top. The tower posts embrace the narthex, which on both sides is adjoined by annex structures. The nave and the chancel are covered with two-tiered pyramid roofs. These are topped with neo-Baroque turrets with the arcaded level painted in blue and white.

Inside the church we can see a complete iconostasis dating from 1835–1836. The carved Royal Doors comprise a scene of Annunciation and figures of the four Evangelists. The wall in the nave features the Deisis row from an older iconostasis which was in this tserkva, dated to 1664. There were also icons depicting Nicholas the Wonderworker, and Protection of the Holy Mother, these however were taken down during the most recent renovation works. Over the entrance doors there is a wooden foundation plate. In the vestibule we can see a procession float with a benevolent figure of the Holy Mother.

The figure of St. Nicholas, in front of the church, is an excellent example of the local stone crafts.

On a picturesque hill towering over the village there is a cemetery from the times of World War I with a very impressive monument designed by the Slovak artist Dušan Jurkovič.

The Headquarters and Educational Centre of Magura National Park are located in Krempna.

Photo: Krystian Kłysewicz

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