The church was originally built in 1757 as a Greek Catholic parish church serving the Boyko ethnic minority.
The original miraculous icon of the Mother of God from Łopienka was moved to the church in Polańczyk after the village was evacuated.
The structure was abandoned for decades, suffering significant damage to its roof and interior until volunteer-led conservation began in 1992.
Despite the village being completely depopulated, the church is currently used for occasional ecumenical services and outdoor masses.
The building is constructed primarily of sandstone, a common material for regional ecclesiastical architecture in the 18th century.
A commemorative cross stands nearby, marking the site of the former village layout and the cemetery.
The Greek Catholic church in Łopienka is a historic 18th-century stone structure situated in the abandoned village of Łopienka in the Bieszczady Mountains. It served as a major pilgrimage site in the region, housing a celebrated icon of the Mother of God, currently kept in Polańczyk. Following the forced relocation of the local Boyko population during Operation Vistula in 1947, the church fell into severe disrepair and was largely ruined. Restoration efforts began in the 1990s, led by the 'Łopienka' Society, which stabilized the walls and reconstructed the roof. The interior is characterized by its austerity, stripped of original liturgical furnishings but maintained as a commemorative site. It remains one of the few standing physical remnants of the region's pre-war multi-ethnic heritage. The church sits in a secluded valley, surrounded by the remnants of a former cemetery and ancient linden trees.
The elevated vantage point from the former cemetery entrance looking back at the church facade.
Bring sturdy footwear, as the path to the church involves a hike through uneven, often muddy forest terrain.
Carry your own water and supplies, as there are no facilities or vendors in the immediate vicinity of the abandoned village.
Respect the site by staying on marked paths and avoiding the overgrown, non-cleared sections of the former village.
Do not attempt to access the site by vehicle, as forest roads are restricted and require walking.
The site is accessible year-round, though snow in winter may make the hiking trail difficult to navigate.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as the site serves as a memorial to a displaced community.
