Polish President Hosts Orthodox Leaders to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Autocephaly

OCP News Service – 15/11/2024

Warsaw-Poland: On November 14,2024, President Andrzej Duda of Poland received representatives of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the church’s autocephaly, or self-governance.

The meeting, led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Sawa, the head of the Polish Orthodox Church, included bishops, clergy, monastics, and lay leaders from all dioceses of the church. President Duda was joined by his wife, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, and Minister Wojciech Kolarski from the Chancellery of the President.

Shared History and Renewed Efforts

President Duda acknowledged the historic significance of the occasion, highlighting the shared history and coexistence of all Polish citizens. He noted that the 1924 Tomos, the decree granting autocephaly, coincided with Poland’s regaining independence after a long period of partition.

The President emphasized that efforts to achieve autocephaly stretched back centuries, with renewed attempts following Polish independence in 1918. These efforts culminated in the 1924 recognition by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Contribution to the Nation

Duda praised the contributions of the Polish Orthodox Church to Polish history and society. He mentioned the church’s role in education, the defense of the country, and the rich cultural and spiritual heritage it has fostered.

President Duda expressed his gratitude for the church’s ongoing cooperation in building a strong Republic of Poland and wished for continued collaboration.

Gifts and Recognition

To mark the occasion, President Duda presented Metropolitan Sawa with a commemorative Gospel book and state flags. He also delivered personalized messages to each diocesan leader.

Celebrating a Rich Heritage

In his address, Metropolitan Sawa expressed gratitude for the President’s support throughout the year-long anniversary celebrations held across the country. He emphasized the deep interconnection between the fates of Poland and the Orthodox Church, stating that they represent “a common inseparable unity and existence.”

The Metropolitan highlighted the 100th anniversary as a testament to the vibrancy of Orthodoxy in Polish lands and its contributions to national culture and tradition. He thanked President Duda for his patronage of the celebrations and his visits to significant Orthodox sites in Poland.

Exchange of Gifts and Cooperation

Echoing a historical exchange, Metropolitan Sawa presented the President with an icon of the Mother of God from Mount Athos. He also bestowed upon him the Order of St. Mary Magdalene, the church’s highest honor.

In return, the President received a commemorative icon and an award, symbolizing the unity of all citizens in Poland. Metropolitan Sawa concluded by expressing his appreciation for President Duda’s fruitful cooperation and wished him well in his continued service to the nation.

Source:
OCP News Service