Holy Trinity Cathedral in Sanok

The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Sanok is an Orthodox parish church that plays a significant role in the history and cultural heritage of the region. Built between 1784 and 1789 in the Classicist style, with Baroque side altars, it masterfully combines features of sacral architecture, and its interior iconostasis is adorned with a 17th-century icon of the Mother of God with Child. The church originally served the Greek Catholic parish of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, and in 1957 it came under the administration of the Orthodox Church. The structure of the side altars symbolizes the historic churches that once existed in Sanok, further emphasizing the regional importance of this site. The history of the cathedral dates back to the first mention in 1564 of the construction of an Orthodox church in this location, and the roots of religious activities in the Sanok region trace back to the disciples of the Holy Thessaloniki Brothers. As a result of various socio-political changes, including the aftermath of World War II, many churches were closed, and Greek Catholic communities transitioned to Orthodoxy or the Roman Catholic Church. Interestingly, in the 1990s, the Greek Catholic administration attempted to reclaim the church, but these efforts were unsuccessful. In 1995, a fire broke out in the church, destroying some of the icons and valuable collections. Today, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, listed in the register of monuments, not only holds regular services but is also the venue for the annual Ecumenical Review of Paraliturgical Songs, underscoring its vitality in the spiritual and cultural life of the contemporary community.