Damaged in war, a vibrant church in Ukraine rises as a symbol of the country’s faith and culture

By JILL LAWLESS
Associated Press

LYPIVKA, Ukraine (AP) — An extraordinary new church is bringing spiritual comfort to war-weary residents of the Ukrainian village of Lypivka this Orthodox Easter season. Two years ago it also provided physical refuge from the horrors outside. Residents sheltered in a basement chapel at the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin while Russian troops occupied the village. The church was damaged but is being repaired and rebuilt with the help of a famous Ukrainian artist. Anatoliy Kryvolap’s vibrant images of saints and angels turn the interior into a blaze of color. That reflects his view that going to church should be a celebration. But he says damage caused by Russian shells will be left unrepaired as a reminder for future generations.