Experience beauty of Ukraine's Starunia: Pilgrimage center with underground basilica

What is known about the Pilgrimage Center in Starunia

Starunia has become one of the main pilgrimage centers of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGKTs). The center unites five UGCC churches, including:

• Church of St. Paraskeva-Piatnytsia (1908)

• Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (2006)

• Church of the Ascension of the Lord (2013)

• Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (2023)

• Cathedral of Blessed Simeon Lukach (2025)

History of the Pilgrimage Center

The idea of creating the Pilgrimage Center arose from deep respect for Blessed Simeon Lukach, an underground bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who was born on July 7, 1893, in Starunia. His life was devoted to serving God and his people, even during the most difficult times of persecution. He passed away on August 22, 1964, in his native village.

Simeon Lukach was not only a religious leader but also an educator, devotedly serving his Church and his people. His underground episcopate during the Soviet persecutions became a symbol of resilience and faith. In 2001, he was beatified as a holy martyr by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

The complex in Starunia with five churches (photo: facebook.com/svmlukach)

In 2018, during the celebration of the 125th anniversary of Simeon Lukach’s birth, the local community initiated the creation of a pilgrimage center in his honor.

The opening of the museum dedicated to the Blessed Holy Martyr and the underground UGCC was the first step toward realizing this idea.

The Pilgrimage Center was officially proclaimed on June 19, 2022, by Volodymyr Viityshyn, Metropolitan of Ivano-Frankivsk, and the Apostolic See granted it the right to offer a full indulgence.

Architectural uniqueness

The most remarkable architectural feature is the underground basilica, consecrated on August 22, 2025. This church complex is located within the Pilgrimage Center, which covers an area of 21 hectares. The building was consecrated by Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the UGCC, who named it the underground basilica.

The cross in Starunia, which glows in the dark (photo: facebook.com/svmlukach)

Symbols of faith and hope

On top of a hill in Starunia stands a 25-meter-tall metal cross with a width of 14 meters. Thanks to its illumination, it can be seen from tens of kilometers away, especially at night. Beneath the cross is the Chapel of the Holy Family, where visitors can spend time in silence and pray.

The installation of this cross began in September 2020. It was manufactured in Dnipro, then transported to the Lviv region, and finally installed at the Simeon Lukach Pilgrimage Center.

A place for prayer and renewal

The largest building in the complex is the Cathedral of Blessed Simeon Lukach. This church is considered a true masterpiece of architectural art. The nave is set below ground level, symbolizing secret prayer, while the altar section "grows" upward, representing the resurrection of the Church after persecution.

Cathedral of Blessed Simeon Lukach (photo: facebook.com/svmlukach)

Cathedral of Blessed Simeon Lukach (photo: facebook.com/svmlukach)

Cathedral of Blessed Simeon Lukach (photo: facebook.com/svmlukach)

Cathedral of Blessed Simeon Lukach (photo: facebook.com/svmlukach)

The facade of this building resembles the figure of Simeon Lukach with outstretched arms, inviting visitors into the "embrace of prayer." Inside, the church can accommodate up to 2,000 people, and a special feature is its sloped floor, designed so that all pilgrims have a clear view of the service.

In a separate chapel, the relics of Blessed Simeon are preserved, and next to the church, a Rosary Hill will be arranged for prayerful meditation.

Garden of the New Martyrs with QR codes

Within the Pilgrimage Center, a unique garden has been created, where each tree is dedicated to a Ukrainian new martyr for the faith. Plaques with names and QR codes linking to descriptions of their lives are placed next to each tree.

The garden, named the Garden of Victory, was established on June 27, 2022, with 35 fruit trees planted.

How to get there and tips for tourists

The Pilgrimage Center is located in the village of Starunia, Bohorodchany district, Ivano-Frankivsk region. The easiest way to reach it is by car from Ivano-Frankivsk or Bohorodchany.

Tips for visitors:

• Photography: The underground basilica and the metal cross are perfect spots for photos.

• Tours: It’s worth hiring a guide to learn more about the life of Blessed Simeon Lukach and the development of the center.

• Pilgrimage experience: Visitors can join night vigils or spiritual events, offering a full immersion into the atmosphere of the site.

You may also be interested in:

• Where our ancestors prayed before Christianity and why these sacred sites can still be seen today.

• The most beautiful churches, train stations, and historic villas in Ukraine featuring unique stained glass.

• What makes the unique emerald baptismal pool in Bukovyna and the Ispas Lake so impressive.

Sources: the website of the Pilgrimage Center of Blessed Holy Martyr Simeon Lukach, the center’s Facebook page, the UGCC website, and a report by Suspilne.