Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in Wawrzka

The Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God in Wawrzka is a small structure built between 1935 and 1950, originally as an Orthodox church. It features a log construction and consists of two distinct parts: a smaller, square-shaped presbytery and a larger, rectangular nave. The building stands on a stone foundation, with a tower of post-and-frame construction and slanted walls, topped by a tented roof with an onion dome. The entire structure is covered by a multi-pitched gable roof with small turrets, and the walls are clad in wooden boards. Inside, the nave is covered by a false barrel vault, while the presbytery has a flat ceiling. The interior is paneled with wood, and its contemporary furnishings, including the main altar and two side altars, date back to 1950. The main altar features an image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which is an object of local veneration. Next to the church stands a bell tower on metal posts with a bell, constructed in 1982. The entire complex is surrounded by a picket fence with a shingle-roofed cover. The history of the church is tied to its construction by Orthodox villagers before World War II. After 1947, it was taken over by Roman Catholic believers and now serves as a filial church under the name of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, belonging to the parish in Florynka. The church is a significant element of the region's cultural heritage, serving as a testament to the religious history and transformations that affected local communities in the 20th century. Interestingly, although it was originally Orthodox, it now serves a Catholic congregation, illustrating the changing cultural and religious landscape of the area. The church is also an example of architectural craftsmanship, combining traditional forms of sacral construction with local materials and style.