Berdychiv is a historic town in the Zhytomyr Oblast in the North of Ukraine. It is located 44 km south of the oblast capital, Zhytomyr. The current estimated population is around 88,000. The town has a charming old center, but the greatest sight to see is the fantastic Carmelite monastery that is currently being restored.
In 1430, Grand Duke of Lithuania granted the rights over the area to Kalinik, the procurator of Zvenigorod. And there is a version that his servant named Berdich founded a settlement there. However, the etymology of the name Berdychiv is not known.
State Museum of Toys or toy museum in Kiev is the right place for children and their parents.
While Christianity suffered much at the hands of the Soviet, including the destruction of many churches and the martyrdom of countless Christians, belief was not eradicated nor were all historical reminders of a thousand-years of Orthodox christianity destroyed. A sampling of the remaining churches is offered here as a visible testimony to the Faith that has for so long been a part of the people of this land. More than two-dozen churches were selected for presentation in varying degrees of detail. Continue reading