Church of the Protection of the Mother of God in Bihaly

The Church of the Protection of the Mother of God in Bihale is a Greek Catholic wooden church located in Bihale, in the municipality of Wielkie Oczy, Lubaczów County, in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship. It was built in 1821 to replace a previous temple that had burned down. Over the years, the church was expanded at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and it underwent renovation in 1928. After 1948, it ceased to serve its original functions and began to be used as a branch chapel of the Roman Catholic parish in nearby Łukawiec. In 1964, it was entered into the register of monuments as a 4th-class object. The church underwent a thorough renovation between 1978 and 1979, which was related to the establishment of the independent Parish of the Protection of the Mother of God, Healer of the Sick. From an architectural point of view, the church is an example of a traditional wooden religious building, characterized by elements typical of the region, which fit into the canon of wooden church architecture of Galicia. Its structure and architectural details reflect the rich cultural heritage of this area. The church not only served religious functions but was also an important element of local cultural and historical heritage, being a gathering place for the Greek Catholic community. An interesting fact is that despite many changes in parish organization and the challenges associated with various periods in Polish history, the church has survived to this day, bearing witness to both religious and social transformations in the region. In 1994, the church was entered into the register of monuments, confirming its importance in the context of cultural heritage protection. Today, it is not only an important historical site but also a place that attracts tourists and enthusiasts of wooden architecture. Its appeal is further enhanced by its charming surroundings and rich history, making it an interesting point on the regional map.