In the summer of 1756, a solemn ceremony took place in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Berdychiv, where Pope Benedict XIV's formal decree of coronation was read aloud before an assembly of bishops, clergy, and tens of thousands of faithful. The moment marked the official recognition of a painting that had already drawn pilgrims for centuries—an image of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, painted on oak panel in the late sixteenth century, now forever known as Our Lady of Berdychiv. The coronation ceremony, performed by the papal legate Bishop Francesco Acquaviva d’Aragona, placed a golden crown upon Mary's head, forever sealing the icon's status as the spiritual heart of Ukrainian Catholicism and establishing Berdychiv as a destination of enduring pilgrimage.
Berdychiv, in the rolling hills of Zhytomyr Oblast approximately 130 kilometers west of Kyiv, evolved from a modest market town into one of the most significant Catholic shrines in Eastern Europe. Its cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, stands as both a architectural testament to Baroque influences and a sanctuary that has weathered centuries of political upheaval, religious persecution, and spiritual renewal. The miraculous icon, officially crowned in 1756, became a symbol of hope for Ukrainian Catholics during times when their faith was suppressed, and it continues to draw pilgrims seeking Mary's intercession and the peace of prayer.
The city's significance extends beyond its religious heritage. Once home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, Berdychiv preserves layers of history that speak to its complex multicultural past. Today, the Catholic community, centered on the Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr, has restored its places of worship and reestablished Berdychiv as a living pilgrimage destination where history, faith, and contemporary Catholic life converge in powerful harmony.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The story of Berdychiv's Catholic pilgrimage tradition begins with the arrival of the Jesuit order in the early seventeenth century. Following the Union of Brest in 1596, which created the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Jesuits established a college and church in Berdychiv to serve both Greek Catholic and Latin Rite Catholics. By 1617, they had constructed a wooden church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The stone cathedral that stands today was built between 1750 and 1755 in the Baroque style, designed by the prominent architect Johann Christian Schramm. The construction coincided with the growing devotion to the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Berdychiv, which had been in the possession of the Jesuit college since at least 1621. The icon, measuring approximately 68 by 51 centimeters, depicts the Virgin Mary in gentle profile, wearing a crown of stars and holding the Christ Child, who blesses with his right hand.
The devotion to Our Lady of Berdychiv spread rapidly throughout the region, drawing pilgrims from across the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and beyond. In 1756, Pope Benedict XIV granted the formal decree of coronation, authorizing the ceremonial crowning of the icon with golden crowns. The coronation ceremony, held on August 25, 1756, was a grand event witnessed by Bishop Teodor Andrzej Potocki of Volodymyr, numerous bishops, and an estimated 300,000 pilgrims who had traveled to Berdychiv for the occasion.
The cathedral's history was not without interruption. Following the partitions of Poland and the annexation of the region by the Russian Empire, Catholic institutions faced increasing restrictions. In 1839, after the Council of Polotsk dissolved the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Russian territory, the cathedral was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church and renamed the Church of the Assumption. The Jesuits were expelled, and the seminary was closed.
The Soviet period brought even greater hardship. In 1939, the cathedral was confiscated by Soviet authorities and converted into a warehouse. The(icon) was reportedly saved from destruction by being hidden by local parishioners, though its exact fate during this period remains uncertain. The building suffered significant damage during World War II and was partially dismantled in the postwar period.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union and Ukraine's independence in 1991, the Catholic community began the work of restoration. In 1993, the cathedral was returned to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and restored to its original dedication. Major restoration work on the building's exterior and interior took place throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Today, the cathedral stands as a symbol of religious resilience and renewed hope for the Catholic faithful of Ukraine.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Berdychiv
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Catedra Immaculatoyi Pysm'ianosti Presviatoï Bohorodytsi
The main pilgrimage destination in Berdychiv is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the spiritual heart of the city and the seat of the Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr. This Baroque masterpiece houses the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Berdychiv, crowned by papal decree in 1756 and restored to public veneration after decades of secular use.
The cathedral's facade features characteristic Baroque elements including ornate stucco work, Pilates columns, and decorative pediments. The interior, restored in recent decades, preserves the original architectural layout while incorporating new liturgical furnishings appropriate for contemporary worship. The main altar, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, stands as the focal point for Eucharistic celebration and pilgrimage devotion.
The sanctuary containing the icon of Our Lady of Berdychiv is located to the right of the main altar. Pilgrims are invited to venerate the image through prayer and to light candles in supplication. The sanctuary has been constructed with proper security while maintaining an atmosphere of prayerful intimacy appropriate for the sacred image.
St. Nicholas Church
The Church of St. Nicholas, located near the cathedral complex, is another important historical church in Berdychiv. Originally built in the eighteenth century, this church has served various religious communities over the centuries and is currently used by the Catholic parish for additional liturgical celebrations, particularly during major feast days when the cathedral reaches capacity.
The church's architecture reflects the regional Baroque tradition with modest ornamentation and a single tower. While smaller than the cathedral, St. Nicholas provides additional space for pilgrim groups and serves as a place of quieter prayer and reflection.
Holy Cross Chapel
A smaller devotional chapel located within the cathedral complex, the Holy Cross Chapel serves as a place for private prayer and the celebration of weekday Mass. The chapel contains a relic of the True Cross and is dedicated to the devotion of the Holy Cross, which holds special significance for Ukrainian Catholics.
🕯️ Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of Berdychiv — August 25
The principal feast day of Berdychiv is celebrated on August 25, commemorating the 1756 coronation of the miraculous icon by Pope Benedict XIV. This is the most important pilgrimage event of the year, drawing thousands of faithful from across Ukraine and neighboring countries.
The celebration begins with a solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated by the bishop of the diocese, often with bishops from other dioceses concelebrating. The Mass is followed by a solemn procession through the streets of Berdychiv, with the icon carried on a decorated platform. Pilgrims walk barefoot in some traditions, singing traditional hymns and prayers.
Throughout the day, confession is available throughout the day, and pilgrims have extended opportunities to venerate the icon. The feast day celebration traditionally includes cultural elements specific to Ukrainian Catholic tradition, including folk music, traditional dress for some participants, and communal meals in the cathedral grounds.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception — December 8
The cathedral's patronal feast is celebrated with special solemnity, including a High Mass and additional devotions to the Immaculate Conception. This feast holds particular significance as it refers to Mary's own conception without original sin, the doctrine to which the cathedral is dedicated.
Marian Devotions on First Fridays
The Catholic parish in Berdychiv maintains a tradition of First Friday devotions, particularly the Nine First Fridays in preparation for the Feast of the Sacred Heart. These devotions include special Masses, Eucharistic adoration, and the recitation of the Rosary with particular emphasis on Marian mysteries.
🛏️ Where to Stay
While Berdychiv is a relatively small city with limited hotel capacity, several accommodation options serve pilgrims visiting the cathedral and Our Lady of Berdychiv shrine.
Hotel Berdychiv ⭐⭐⭐ — A centrally located hotel offering comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, just a short walk from the cathedral. The hotel provides breakfast and has a small restaurant serving Ukrainian and European cuisine. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Guest House Podol ⭐⭐ — A family-run guesthouse located in the historic Podol district, approximately a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. The hosts provide traditional Ukrainian breakfast and can arrange transportation from the train station upon request. Reserve this guesthouse
Pilgrim Hostel at the Seminary (pilgrim accommodation) — Simple accommodation available for organized pilgrim groups, subject to availability and advance arrangement with the diocesan office. The hostel is located within the grounds of the theological seminary and offers basic but clean facilities. Contact diocese@kyiv-zhytomyr.ua for availability and reservations.
Hotels in Zhytomyr ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — For larger pilgrim groups or those preferring more accommodation options, the regional center of Zhytomyr (approximately 45 km away) offers numerous hotels including Hotel Dnipro and Avia Hotel. Reserve in Zhytomyr
🚗 Getting There
By Air: The nearest international airports are Boryspil International Airport (KBP) near Kyiv, approximately 140 kilometers east of Berdychiv, and Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport (LWO), approximately 190 kilometers west. Both airports have connections to major European cities. From either airport, pilgrims can take a bus or train to Berdychiv, or arrange private transportation.
By Train: Berdychiv has its own railway station, served by Ukrzaliznytsya (Ukrainian Railways) from Kyiv's West Station (Kyiv-Vykhidna). Direct regional trains take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, while faster services may require a transfer in Zhytomyr. The station is located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the cathedral, accessible by local bus or taxi.
By Bus: FlixBus and other operators provide bus services from Kyiv's Western Bus Station to Berdychiv, with journey times of approximately 2.5 hours. Buses also connect Berdychiv with Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and other regional centers.
By Car: Berdychiv is accessible via the M06 highway, which connects Kyiv with Lviv. From Kyiv, take the M06 southwest toward Zhytomyr, then follow the H11 highway west to Berdychiv. The total driving distance from Kyiv is approximately 130 kilometers with a travel time of 2 to 2.5 hours. Parking is available near the cathedral, though spaces are limited during major feast days.
Local Transport: Taxis are readily available in Berdychiv and provide the most convenient means of getting around the city. The cathedral is centrally located and accessible on foot from most central accommodations.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Zhytomyr (45 km) — The seat of the diocese, home to the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Betrothed and the Diocesan Museum preserving Ukrainian Catholic heritage.
Kyiv (130 km) — Ukraine's capital contains numerous significant Catholic and Orthodox sites, including St. Sophia Cathedral, the Lavra caves, and the Cathedral of the Resurrection.
Lviv (190 km) — A UNESCO World Heritage city with the Armenian Cathedral, Latin Cathedral, and numerous Baroque churches that make it a major pilgrimage center in Western Ukraine.
Kamianets-Podilskyi (120 km) — The historic fortress city on the Smotrych River with the Dominican monastery and Church of the Assumption, offering both historical and spiritual significance.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Fr. Bohdan Bilocerkivsky, Our Lady of Berdychiv: A History of the Icon and Devotion — A comprehensive history of the miraculous icon from its arrival in Berdychiv to the 1756 coronation and beyond. (Ukrainian Catholic University Press, 2018)
Mykola Tkach, The Catholic Church in Zhytomyr Oblast: Historical Essays — Includes significant sections on Berdychiv's religious history, the suppression of Catholicism under Soviet rule, and the post-1991 restoration. (Zhytomyr Publishing House, 2015)
Pope Benedict XIV, Decree of Coronation: Our Lady of Berdychiv — The original papal decree from 1756 authorizing the coronation of the icon. Available in Latin with Ukrainian translation in the Diocesan Archives.
Online Resources:
Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr Official Website — The official website of the diocese with information about Berdychiv parish, Mass schedules, and pilgrimage information.
Ukrainian Catholic Church Abroad — Resources and historical information about the Ukrainian Catholic Church, including its presence in Berdychiv.
🎥 Recommended Videos
Note: No verified videos currently available for Berdychiv pilgrimage. The Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr and local parishes occasionally produce liturgical recordings that may be available upon request.
For general information about Ukrainian Catholic pilgrimage traditions, consider:
EWTN: The Catholic Church in Ukraine — Documenting the Catholic presence in Ukraine. EWTN, 2022.
Kyiv-Zhytomyr Diocese: Faith Under Fire — A look at the diocese's history and contemporary ministry. Ukrainian Catholic Media, 2021.
🔗 Useful Links
Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr — Official diocesan website with parish directory and news.
Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church — Main website of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Visit Ukraine — Official tourism website with information about traveling to Berdychiv and other destinations in Ukraine.
Ukrzaliznytsya — Ukrainian Railways for train schedules and bookings.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." — Luke 1:45 (NABRE)
