Community-Based Maintenance of Historical Wooden Churches in Lviv Region, Ukraine

Abstract

In this study we conducted a quantitative survey of the conservational state of 383 historical wooden churches in the Lviv Region of Ukraine. We focused on the treatments applied by religious communities for the protection and exploitation of the historical churches in their possession. The effect of each treatment was analyzed according to the architectural characteristics of Ukrainian wooden churches. During the investigation of accompanying conditions we were able to uncover some factors that influence the behavior of religious communities towards the cultural property they exploit. Obtained results can aid in prioritizing governmental policies on the protection of living religious heritage in Ukraine.