The Greek Catholic Church –Horjani

The former settlement called Horjani is now part of the eastern end of Uzhhorod. In medieval times, it became the residence of the Druget family in 1366. Its church is one of the most famous medieval monuments in Kárpátalja (Subcarpathia).

The church is presently divided into three distinct spatial units: the nave with a rectangular base, the eastern part built initially according to a circular plan and – on the northern side – the sacristy connected to both previously mentioned parts. The circular part was converted into the church’s sanctuary and during this operation its western part was demolished.
The external layout of the original round church (rotonda) is completely circular, while on the inside of its wall five semi-circular alcoves covered by semi-domes can be found. (Obviously, six alcoves were constructed initially.)

Three windows were cut on the southern side of the nave, while the gates can be found on the southern and western sides.
There is a contention whether the rotunda was built in the 11th or the 12th century. The church in Gerény is being studied as a hexafoil rotunda as part of the Kiszombor-Karcsa-Kolozsmonostor group. Most probably, the rotunda was built in the period when members of the Aba clan were very active politically (between 1279 and 1317). Nevertheless, one cannot exclude the possibility that in this period only a massive rebuild was carried out, while the rotunda was already standing in the 11th century.

This is a church of high worth not only because of the chosen architectural solution, but also due to the extremely valuable mural paintings in the rotunda and on the eastern wall of the nave. The oldest paintings stem from the beginning of the 14th century, and are related to similar works of art in the Lónya-Palad’ Komarivtsi-Laskod group of churches. However, the frescoes in the rotunda were painted chiefly during the mid-14th century. The paintings showing episodes of Jesus’s life, the Maiestas Domini, The Holy Mary on the Throne and the individual representations of saints were created in this period.
The murals on the two sides of the chancel arch – that is, The Angelic Salutation, the representation of the Holy Virgin with her cloak and the Crucifixion – were painted in the 15th century. Nevertheless, the murals on the chancel arch have been repainted and modified extensively, especially the representation of the Holy Virgin with her cloak.

Further exploration of the church might give a definitive answer to questions regarding dating and the professionally sound restoration of murals is another major task to be completed in the future.