The village of Zarichchia, formerly known as Balamutivka, lies on the southern outskirts of the urban-type settlement of Ruzhyn in Zhytomyr Oblast. It is separated from Ruzhyn by the Rostavytsia River. This is a fairly large village: according to the 2001 census, 2,178 people lived here, and in 1897 — 1,990. That is, over a century, the population has hardly changed.
The Soviet authorities renamed the village: since it is located across the river from Ruzhyn, it was named Zarichchia (meaning "beyond the river").
History and Location
Zarichchia is part of the Ruzhyn settlement hromada in Berdychiv Raion and stands on the road from Ruzhyn to Pohrebysche. There is little information about the early history of the village, but it is known that a settlement already existed here in the 18th century: around 1740, an old wooden church stood in it.
The village has preserved its traditional rural character: homesteads along the roads, hamlets, and the picturesque Rostavytsia valley.
Architectural Landmarks
Church of Saint Paraskevi
The main landmark of Zarichchia is the Church of Saint Paraskevi, built in 1843–1847 on the site of an older temple.
Features of the church:
- cross-shaped ground plan;
- straight walls and restrained decor characteristic of rural temples of the mid-19th century;
- location near the main road from Ruzhyn to Pohrebysche;
- a well-preserved building that conveys the authenticity of the temple.
The church has the status of a local landmark and is an important spiritual center not only for Zarichchia, but also for Ruzhyn, where no ancient Orthodox churches have survived.
Water Mill
Another interesting site is the water mill on the Rostavytsia, on the border of Zarichchia and Ruzhyn. It recalls the times when rivers provided energy for grain milling.
How to Get There
Zarichchia is effectively part of Ruzhyn: from the center of the settlement, you can walk here across the bridge over the Rostavytsia. Buses run to Ruzhyn from Zhytomyr and Berdychiv; it is about 50 km from Berdychiv and about 100 km from Zhytomyr by road. The church stands on Pohrebyschanska Street.
Zarichchia is a good stop for those interested in the history and architecture of Zhytomyr region: the ancient Church of Saint Paraskevi, the water mill, and the Rostavytsia valley combine well with a trip to Ruzhyn and neighboring villages.
Photos: Roman Malenkov, Serhii Shcherbii.
