Slovakia's Wooden Churches Restored as Greek Catholic Uspenský Fast Begins

Volunteers from the nonprofit Karpatské drevené cerkvi have been restoring historic wooden churches, iconostases, liturgical books and other monuments in northeastern Slovakia. Projects include work on churches in Hrabová Roztoka and Šmigovce, the repair of an 1888 roadside cross in the Uličska valley, and the installation of signage for a cycling route that links nine wooden churches across the Snina and Sobrance districts. Director Daniela Galandová said, “Traditional architecture contributes significantly to the beauty of villages,” and added that without volunteers the Iconic Cycling Trail would not have been marked.

At the same time, the Greek Catholic Church in Slovakia has begun the two‑week Uspenský fast (also called Spasivka), which runs from 1 August to 14 August in preparation for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 15 August. The fast follows traditional dietary rules and is one of four annual fasting periods observed by the church.