Dzieje „Księżówki” polskiej w Worochcie 1901-1939

Abstract

The issue of the struggle for Polishness during the time of partitions excites many historians and cultural experts even now. This “catalog” of the steadfastness of the Polish nation also includes the fascinating history of the Księżówka in Worochta, built at the beginning of the 20th century, in the system of common donation by Galician clergy of the Latin rite. The role of the direct “investor” was played by the Lviv Society for Mutual Aid for Priests, which at the end of the 19th century included 32% of Polish clergy working in the Austrian partition. From the very beginning it was assumed that the fortress of Polishness would be built in Worochta, the more so as there was no parish or church there. First, a wooden Księżówka building was built in 1901, then a brick church was erected in 1906, and just before the outbreak of World War I, the second part of the Księżówka was opened in a brick building. A kind of “oasis of Polishness” was created, with priests in the lead role. It is thanks to them that the chapel located in the first building began to function as a parish church for the local faithful. Later, this role was taken over by a newly erected temple, where services were held, and religious and state ceremonies were organized by priests staying in Worochta for rest. The priests from Lviv also continued their mission in the borderlands during the interwar period, when Worochta was again within the Polish territory. The pastoral service was intended to cover 10,000 Poles who came here every year to relax. After the end of World War II, Worochta found itself within the “Ukrainian” part of the USSR. At that time, the fate of “Księżówka” seemed doomed...