History
The village of Bohdan has been known since the first half of the 18th century. At that time, residents from neighboring villages settled here. These lands previously belonged to Hungarian and German nobles, which is why some of the surnames of Bohdan residents sound unusual to Ukrainians.
According to preserved records, the settlement became a village in the 18th century as a result of the unification of nearby farms. The main formation of the village took place between 1770 and 1777. During this period, inhabitants from the city of Rakhiv and other villages relocated here. The name was first mentioned in works dated 1803. At that time, German and Hungarian diasporas settled in the area, focusing on forestry and wood processing.
In the 19th century, the village belonged to the Tisza-Dolina District of the Maramureș County. At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, it was considered a "large village" (a status close to a township) and had its own seal with a coat of arms: three spruce trees were depicted on it. Until 1992, the village had the status of an urban-type settlement.
According to historical records, in 1799, Hryhoriy Kozurak built a small wooden church in Bohdan, similar to one constructed in Luhy four years earlier. However, the Bohdan church became the parish church. In documents from 1801, this church is noted as being built in 1800 with the efforts of the community and state funding. A stone church was later constructed through the efforts of Father Ivan Barna. Funds for decorating the church were provided by Father Ivan Barna and a villager named Yakiv Moldavchuk. The date of construction—1867 (sometimes 1864)—is indicated above the entrance, along with the last renovation date—1975. The church was updated in 1915 and subsequently consecrated by Bishop Y. Firtsak. The tower was covered with sheet metal in 1953. Paintings in the church were executed by I. Andryshko in 1979.
In 1864, construction began on a Greek Catholic church under the guidance of Father Yohan Brany. That same year, on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, its foundation was consecrated. The sanctuary was completed in 1867 and was likely consecrated in 1869. After World War II, the church was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church. After 1968, Orthodox believers allowed local Hungarians to conduct liturgy in the Latin rite near the side altar of Our Lady of Lourdes. Since 1989, Holy Masses have become regular.
In 1927, a plot of land was allocated in the village for a Roman Catholic cemetery, and in 1929, a chapel-bell tower was built there. During Hungarian rule (1939–1944), plans were made to construct a Roman Catholic church in Bohdan, but these plans were not realized due to the war.
On September 23, 1939, the most valuable equipment from the observatory on Mount Pip Ivan was handed over to the chief notary of Tisza-Bohdan, Kálmán Szányi, including five large lenses weighing 50-60 kg, two smaller lenses, two micrometers, and two clocks.
The main occupation of the residents was livestock farming, along with manual agriculture.
On March 8, 1949, a collective farm called "March 8" was established in Bohdan. Maria Yuriyivna Bohunyak was appointed as its head. Livestock farming played a significant role in the farm's economy. The primary productive animals were cattle (1,112 heads) and sheep (4,500 heads). Additionally, crops such as potatoes, corn, and fodder beets were cultivated.
According to Soviet historians, most of the population was illiterate before the establishment of Soviet power. After the "liberation," significant efforts were made to eliminate illiteracy among adults under the guidance of the party organization. A library was opened in the village, with Nina Kuzmivna Kolachuk serving as its first librarian for 27 years. By the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution, the library was awarded the title "Library of Excellent Work."
In the village, there were clubs and libraries where residents could read literature on various topics. The number of book lovers increased every year.
Chokay-Kinora was a former village in Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine, merged with Bohdan by decision of the Zakarpattia Regional Executive Committee No. 155 on April 15, 1967.
Landmarks
Near the village are the yew tree botanical nature monument and a geological nature monument.
There is an old Jewish cemetery in the village.
On the Rognyska alpine meadow, locals built a chapel and a large shepherd's hut. According to locals, it was built by Hutsuls who spent the summer in the meadows to avoid descending to the valley for church services on major holidays. This is also mentioned in Mykhailo Syrokhman's book: "...above the
village of Bohdan, on the Rognyska meadow, Bohdan residents built a small wooden church for those spending the summer in the highlands with their
livestock."
The village also features a ski complex. The ski slope is located on Mount Borshchevytsia, 15 km from the district center, Rakhiv. The slopes are 1,500 meters long and of medium difficulty. Elevation difference: 230 m. Infrastructure includes a button lift (1,230 m) and slope grooming equipment.
