Shmankivtsi Ukraine
Greek Catholic (Byzantine)
A chapel was built in 1869—in 1926 a resident restored the chapel and donated the figure of St. Nicholas. During the Bolshevik regime the shrine was destroyed. A couple built a cover for the figure and put it in the courtyard of the Church of Ss Cosmas and Damian. The abandoned chapel was further damaged. Two women suggested restoring the chapel in 1989. A number of local residents contributed their time, skills and funds to restore it. A festive prayer service was held in May 2019, the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the St. Nicholas Chapel. Every year on December 18th and 19th, the eve and day of St. Nicholas feast, villagers come to light a candle for a good harvest and a good year. St. Nicholas protects the village from natural and other disasters.