Recently I had a chance to take part in an interesting volunteer project called “Shadows of unforgotten ancestors”. The project consisted in the rehabilitation and restoration of one of the oldest cemeteries, which are many in the vast western Ukraine. The project was organized by the museum “Territory of terror” that is engaged in historical research of the tragic events of Ukrainian history as the Holodomor, Stalin’s repressions, forced mass migration, etc.

At this time the volunteer work took place in the village Korelichi, which is located on the border of Lviv and Frankivsk region. In this village there is a very ancient cemetery (founded in the mid-18th century), which is a historic and sacred value. However, unfortunately nowadays it is deserted and abandoned by all. Ancient tombs and crosses overgrown with moss, and around all overgrown with grass and shrubs. Local residents have long abandoned its ancient cemetery and it’s a little sad, because the cemetery is part of our Ukrainian history, monuments of sacral architecture, and forgetting their own history, we forget ourselves …

Among the stone graves of so many graves dating from the late 19th century and early 20th. Ancient tombs, which parse the inscription was dated 1860 year, although not exclusively the presence of graves even earlier (late 18th century, early 19th), but in those early days of the crosses on the graves made of wood, and to the present time they have not been preserved. Many of stone crosses have performed elaborate sculptures of Jesus Christ. There are many so-called Maltese crosses. Some managed to find the graves of ancient sacred esoteric symbols, for example, on one of the graves were minted pentagram inscribed in a circle. This is a very ancient sacred symbol that dates back to pagan times and symbolizes the spiritual transformation of man.

Also got to see the cross on the crescent moon, which in reality has nothing to do with Islam, the crescent moon on the cross is a very ancient Christian symbol period of the Byzantine Empire.

Some of the crosses could be seen solar signs (the symbolic image of the sun, is also very ancient symbol still pagan times).

Volunteers was held considerable work on reconstruction and restoration of the ancient cemetery, cleared of grass and bushes were cleared from dirt, moss, lichen and layers of soil more than 300 crosses. Finally I want to thank the very organization of “Museum of the History of Terror” that organized the volunteer camp, primarily for the fact that care about our history. I propose to view the photos from the cemetery.

Also thanks to “Museum of the History of Terror” for providing the photos.