Courtesy of F. William Lucak, Jr.
Courtesy of F. William Lucak, Jr.
Courtesy of F. William Lucak, Jr. & The Greek Catholic Archbishop of Presov
The village of Bajerovce resides in northeastern Slovakia in the valley of the Lubotin River among the Levoca Mountains at an elevation of 665 meters (2,182 feet). Bajerovce can be found between the villages of Sambron and Krasna Luka in the Presov region (old county of Saris).
The earliest mention of Beyeruagasa dates back to 1366, although it is believed to have existed prior to this date. Part of the estate belonging to Torysa was bequeathed to the Soltys family which was settled around 1350. Then between the 14th and the 16th century two families, the Brezovice and the Plavec, ruled the village. From what I have gathered one of the dividing boundries was based upon the stream that flows through the middle of the village.
In 1570 a report by Batko Ivan shows the existance of an established parish of Rusyn speaking citizens. It was mostly comprised of farming families and serfs. The village of Bajerrowcze comprised of 463 inhabitants living in 68 homes by 1787.
In 1935 Bajerovce saw a visit from Theodore Andrica of the Cleveland Press. In his published article, he portrays the friendly nature of its citizens. Included in this article was a photo of a typical street scene where one can catch a glimse of Bajerovce in its earlier days. Around 1954 the village faced an event that would reshape this picturesque scene when a fire destroyed 80 of its homes.
Over Bajerovce's long history the village has seen many variations of its name. The Hungarian name Bayorwagasa/Beyeruagasa was used from the 14th through the 16th century. The German name Beyerhaw was used in the 15th century. Other translations show up in writings for the 16th century that includes Bayrocz, Baiorocz, and Bayor and in 1786 Bajerrowcze is used. In 1920 with the creation of Czechoslovakia the village name was standardized on Bajerovce.
Cziganko, Fedor, Gladis, Halyzsak, Jarina, Kaplyavka, Kascsak, Kordijak, Kormos, Kundrat, Kundraczik, Luczak, Lyas (Las), Maczko, Medzenyak, Najmik, Palguth, Pjecha, Pulicza, Szekerak, Tomko, Vasiga
Roadside Chapel of St. Jozafat Built in 1905
Photo Provided by, The Greek Catholic Archbishop of Presov
St. Michael the Archangel Greek Catholic Church, built in 1880
Photo Provided by, The Greek Catholic Archbishop of Presov
Iconostasis
Photo Provided by, The Greek Catholic Archbishop of Presov
Choir Loft
Photo Provided by, The Greek Catholic Archbishop of Presov
Statue of the Virgin Mary
Photo Provided by, The Greek Catholic Archbishop of Presov
Bajerovce, 1946
Courtesy of F. William Lucak, Jr.
A House Under Construction After The Circa 1954 Fire
Courtesy of F. William Lucak, Jr.
The Home Upon Completion
Courtesy of F. William Lucak, Jr.
Road To Town, 1998
Courtesy of F. William Lucak, Jr.
