[spanalot]

"Lemkos were too far to the west and too stubborn to submit to this political manipulation."

Then why did they wind up in Muscovy churches? And why is Lemko most similar to Ukrainian?

And what is so recent about Ukraine - a culture that goes back to the very significant 10 century BC Tryptillian cities.

Ukraine in this sense certainly predates Poland.

[A. Pole]

Then why did they wind up in Muscovy churches?

Because before XIX century are Ruthenians/Ruses/Russians had common although diverse identity. Separatist Ukrainian identity is a XIX c invention rooted in Austria ruled Lvov area. BTW, most of Ukrainian Christians are in the "Muscovy church" as well.

And why is Lemko most similar to Ukrainian?

Because they are closely related.