Pochaiv

Pochaiv [Почаїв; Počajiv]. Map: III-6. A city (2011 pop 17,757) in Kremenets raion, Ternopil oblast. It is first mentioned in historical documents in 1450 and was known as Yerofeivka until the 16th century. In that century an Orthodox monastery (see Pochaiv Monastery) was founded there, and at the beginning of the 17th century the monastery acquired a printing press (see Pochaiv Monastery Press). In 1795 Pochaiv was annexed by Russia. Its monastery was raised to the status of lavra in 1833. In the interwar period the town belonged to Poland, and since 1939 it has been part of Ukraine. In 1978 it was granted city status. Its main industry is food processing. Pochaiv's architectural monuments include the Pochaiv Monastery complex (with the Dormition Cathedral, a large bell tower, and the Trinity Church) and the wooden Church of the Holy Protectress, from 1643.

[This article originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, vol. 4 (1993).]