Church of the Reformers, Berehove

Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions of the Transcarpathian city of Berehove is the Church of the Reformers, which is characterized by a significant capacity: more than a thousand parishioners can be in the church at the same time. Erected in 1775, the church was often remodeled and completed, and a year after the arrival of Soviet power (in 1918) it almost completely burned down. In 1924, it was decided to restore it in its original form.

The Church of the Reformers is the largest church in Berehove, accommodating 1100 parishioners at a time. It is a decoration of one of the main squares, Lajosz Koshuta, adjacent to the equally famous city court building. These two buildings attract the most attention of tourists.

The main tower above the entrance to the church houses a clock and bells. By the way, the reformers would not have been reformers if they had not been original in their views on the interpretation of religion. That is why the spires of the church are decorated not with traditional crosses but with cockerels, which attracted attention and surprised everyone. The tower of the church was seen by anyone who saw the church - the Reformers were known for their peculiar approach to the interpretation of religion, which resulted in such an original architectural detail for a religious building.

The exterior of the church is quite restrained. The only deviation from the monotonous white walls is the orange edging, which gives the building a certain solemnity. The facade of the church is decorated with two memorial plaques: in memory of Bishop Istvan Gelei Cato (author of the first Hungarian grammar) and the founding priest of the Beregovo Reformation Balazs Rodan.

The church was built in the Neo-Gothic style, and it was rebuilt several times during its history. In 1918, it almost completely burned down, but in 1922-1924 it was restored and restored in full accordance with its original appearance. As before, the main entrance is dominated by a massive four-tiered and tetrahedral tower with a bell tower and a clock; the exterior of the church is characterized by modesty and restraint, which is typical of Reformed churches. Only the scalloped ornamentation and strict, straight contours of the church are painted orange, which gives it a certain solemnity against the white walls.

Today, this landmark of Transcarpathia, as well as 200 years ago, holds services during which the enchanting music of the Rieger brothers' organ sounds. The Reformers' Church still adorns Koshut Square, attracts all visitors to the city and enjoys the love and respect of its residents. It is one of the most famous buildings in the amazing landmarks of Ukraine, the town of Berehove, and is a perfect illustration of such a bright period in the history of religion as the Reformed movement.

During the services, the organ of the Rieger brothers always sounds. In general, the Reformers' Church is a subject of love and admiration for both locals and tourists, recalling such a prominent era as the Reformed movement. As elsewhere, you cannot enter the church in shorts and with bare hands, and women cannot enter with their heads uncovered.