Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church (UGCC): Tourism and Environmental Activity in the Carpathians (30-ies of the XX century)

Abstract

In this article we have analyzed some aspects of economic management of UGCC during 30-ies of XX century in the Carpathians, in particular, in the estate of Perehinsko: tourism and protection of nature. It has been proved that UGCC used to connect closely tourism activity with environmental protection as such combination of two areas of economic activity of the Church in complex social and political conditions of Halychyna of that time promoted formation of ecological and spiritual culture of the nation, consolidated the public opinion of the possibility of preservation of national identity of Halychyna people in future.

The picturesque landscapes of Gorgany, spring medicinal water and pure mountain air conduced fast development of tourism in this corner of the Carpathian Mountains. The church was very fruitful in combining tourism and nature protection. First of all, in 30-ies of XX century the Central Administration of Church Property has created a number of nature reserves in the surroundings of urban settlement of Osmoloda. The first nature reserve was cedar reserve organized in 1934 with aim of Pinuscembra L. protection. During the following years (from 1935 to 1938) here were created a number of other reserves (fir, pine, beech, pool "Nyvka", "Pidliute" and others), that were joined into one reserve complex - Ukrainian National Nature Park.

Near the urban settlement of Osmoloda, in Pidliute area, was constructed in the beginning of the century a unique Cedar Chamber by local craftsmen without any single nail. It has served a summer residence of the Church in Gorgany where used to come the priests and numerous guests of the archdiocese for rest and treatment.

At the same place used to function a number of natural Carpathian springs. Local spring waters has a wide range of treatment and health power, therefore, tourists and vacationers in Pidliute used it for drinking and bathing. It was a well-known Carpathian resort where used to come for treatment not only wealthy Halician people, but also ordinary people. In the documents of that time it has been named "people's hospital" and medical doctor, professor Panchyshyn was chief medical officer there for many years.

Many archive documents prove that in the process of creation of these and other forest reserves, the environment experts of Perehinsko estate have done a lot for comfort of tourists, vacationers and visitors, including advertisement leaflets, warnings, rules, instructions, orders and so on, concerning behavior of people on the territory of the reserve.

The church has always maintained a close relation with different tourism and cultural-educational public organizations (Plast, Sokil, Plai, Shevchenko Scientific Society, Ridna Shkola, Vacation House, and others). Here they had their camps, frequent trainings, conferences, work meetings, and so on.