It is hard to find a native Kyivan today who is unfamiliar with the small Holy Ascension Church, popularly known as the Demiivka Church. This church was built in 1882 in the Kyiv suburb of Demiivka.
History
A small Demiivka, located southwest of Kyiv, on the road to Vasylkiv, was in those years a settlement of workers from the surrounding newly established factories. People felt an urgent need for their own church, because the nearest churches could not accommodate everyone. It was for the people of Demiivka that a wooden church was built in honor of the Ascension of the Lord. Its solemn consecration took place on February 18, 1883.
It soon became clear that the church could not accommodate all the parishioners. Therefore, in 1900, it was expanded, so that the premises almost doubled in size. At the same time, the wooden walls of the church were covered with bricks.
In 1907, an event took place that made the Demiiv church famous. On July 25, the world-famous Ukrainian poetess Lesia Ukrainka got married to Klyment Kvitka here. By the way, later this historical fact repeatedly saved the church from destruction in the atheistic era.
Architecture
The church is cruciform in plan, single-domed, with a faceted apse and small extensions in the cross arms. The apse, vestry, and sacristy have decorative domes above them. The original iconostasis and interior of the church have not been preserved. Today, the walls of the Ascension Church are decorated with rich paintings based on the paintings of Viktor Vasnetsov in Kyiv's St. Volodymyr's Cathedral.
Interesting facts
- Despite all the difficulties that have plagued the church throughout its existence, it has never been closed: since its consecration until now, the church has been constantly holding services.
- Before leaving Kyiv in 1913, the future world-famous artist, singer, poet, and composer Oleksandr Vertynskyi sang in the parish choir.
- The future legendary football coach Valeriy Lobanovsky was baptized in the church. Later, he presented the church with the throne gospel.
Denomination: Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Address: 54 Holosiivskyi Avenue.
Follow us on Facebook X Instagram
