Poland Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Orthodox Autocephaly

OCP News Service – 15/11/2024

Warsaw-Poland: The Polish capital of Warsaw witnessed a grand celebration on November 13,2024, marking the 100th anniversary of the autocephaly, or self-governance, of the Polish Orthodox Church.

A Day of Reflection and Thanksgiving

The day began with a solemn Holy Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene, led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland. In his address, Metropolitan Sawa expressed gratitude to God for the gift of autocephaly and recounted the long journey of Polish Orthodoxy towards independence. He highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of the Church throughout history, emphasizing its role in shaping Polish national identity.

The Metropolitan also stressed the importance of autocephaly in strengthening the internal life of the Church and its relationship with the Polish state. He declared the anniversary a day of thanksgiving for a century of autocephaly and over a millennium of Eastern Christianity in Polish lands.

Festivities and Commemoration

During the Liturgy, a message from the Holy Synod of Bishops commemorating the centennial was read. Prayers were offered for the Church, the state, and the Polish people. The service was enriched with beautiful choral music from the Metropolitan Cathedral Choir and the Warsaw Theological Schools.

Following the Liturgy, a special prayer service was held for the deceased leaders who championed and secured autocephaly for the Polish Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan Sawa concluded the celebrations by urging the younger generation to learn from the past and seek strength in faith. He thanked all those who participated in the anniversary events, including clergy, pilgrims, choirs, and officials.

Ecumenical Spirit and Cultural Events

The day was not just about internal reflection. Representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, the Polish Ecumenical Council, and the Polish government delivered greetings and congratulations at the Cathedral.

An open-air exhibition dedicated to the centenary, organized by the Museum of the Warsaw Orthodox Metropolis, showcased the rich history of the Church. Pilgrims were also treated to a warm meal prepared by the parish of St. Mary Magdalene.

A Night of Music and Inspiration

In the evening, a grand concert was held at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The event began with the Polish national anthem and an address by Metropolitan Sawa, who emphasized the importance of sacred music in expressing faith.

The concert featured a diverse program, with performances by Orthodox choirs and soloists. The repertoire included both traditional Orthodox hymns and Polish classics, creating a bridge between religious and national themes.

The performances were interspersed with historical reflections on the Church’s journey. The concert was broadcasted live on the cerkiew.pl website.

A Call to Action and a Shared Legacy

The 100th anniversary of autocephaly is a significant milestone for the Polish Orthodox Church. It serves as a reminder of the Church’s rich heritage, its sacrifices, and its ongoing contribution to Polish culture and identity.

As the celebrations conclude, the message from Metropolitan Sawa resonates: Let this jubilee be a call for all Orthodox faithful to be proud heirs of their Church and continue its legacy for future generations. May the beauty and depth of Orthodoxy continue to enrich the lives of all Polish citizens.

Source:
OCP News Service