The Sanctuary of Mother of God of Rudecka Queen of the Bieszczady in Jasien

The Sanctuary of Mother of God of Rudecka Queen of the Bieszczady is located in Jasien, just next to the Large Bieszczady Ring Road (Duża Obowodnica Bieszczadzka). The present church was built in 1740. It is a building representing Baroque style,made of brick, single-nave with single-span presbytery, semicircularly closed. Inside is a Baroque pulpit from the late 17^th century and a baptismal font in the form of a boat with a sculpture of the Child Jesus and a cross from the 18^th century. In the main altar there is a copy of the image of Our Lady of Bieszczady from Rudek, stolen in 1992. The painting was painted by an unknown artist probably in the 15^th century and has the characteristics of Byzantine art. Mary is dressed in a red-purple coat, which is a symbol of royal majesty. In her left hand she is holding the Child Jesus presented as a ruler who is giving blessings with his right hand and holding a scroll in his left hand at the same time. On his forehead one can see so-called wisdom bump typical for eastern painting, which is a sign of great discretion. Around the figure of Mother of God, in the upper corners are two half-figures angels, in the inner side are 16 prophets, and Saints: Joachim and Anna. The icon survived the invasion of Turks and the church fire. The Partitions, the World War I and II, as well as during the Period of People's Poland did not weaken its cult. On 7^th of July 1968 the painting was transferred to the Sanctuary of Mother of God of Rudecka (Mother of God of Bieszczady) in Jasień, established by the decision of the Bishop of Przemyśl Ignacy Tokarczuk. Cardinal Karol Wojtyła was the main celebrator of the ceremony. In 1992 the icon was stolen and a copy of it was made by Ukrainian artist Ivan Suchij. The painting was blessed in 1994, and on 1^st of July 2006 crowned by Metropolitan of Przemyśl Archbishop Józef Michalik.