The 100th anniversary of the declaration of autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Poland, granted by the Patriarch of Constantinople on November 13, 1924, is a significant milestone.
This anniversary symbolizes the maturity and ecclesiological awareness of the local Orthodox community, shaped by its rich spiritual, cultural, and liturgical tradition, as well as the bravery of its ancestors who fought for the defense of their Church and homeland. The granting of autocephaly led to the revival of Orthodox identity among the people of Poland and affirmed Orthodoxy as a vital part of the national heritage and culture.
A century later, on November 13, 2024, official celebrations were held at the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene in Warsaw. Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland presided over the Divine Liturgy, with members of the Holy Synod of the Polish Orthodox Church and a large number of clergy in attendance to commemorate the anniversary.
Metropolitan Sawa welcomed representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, the Churches involved in the Polish Council of Churches, the President of the Republic of Poland, as well as central and local authorities, and all the faithful present. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to God for the gift of autocephaly and the blessings that the Church in Poland has received over the years. He reflected on the roots of Orthodoxy in Poland, tracing them back to the missionary work of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. Despite the historical challenges faced by the Church on the road to autocephaly, he highlighted the Church’s ongoing journey towards achieving canonical independence, despite the obstacles.
According to Metropolitan Sawa, autocephaly brought internal stability to the Church and improved its relationship with the state. This strengthened national Orthodox identity, fostering a sense of patriotic duty and commitment to the independence of the homeland among the faithful. The Metropolitan spoke passionately about the significant contribution of Orthodoxy to the history of Poland, portraying autocephaly as a confirmation of the strong bond between Orthodoxy and the nation.
During the Divine Liturgy, a special message from the Holy Synod was delivered, and prayers were offered for both ecclesiastical and state authorities. The Cathedral Choir, led by Protodeacon Dr. Sergius Bowtruczuk, and the Choir of the Warsaw Theological School, under the direction of Professor Vladimir Volosiuk, sang hymns. Following the Divine Liturgy, a prayer was said for the Orthodox Church in Poland, its clergy, and the faithful.
As the celebrations in Warsaw came to a close, Metropolitan Sawa addressed the younger generation with paternal affection, encouraging them to draw wisdom from their ancestors’ lives and seek solace in Christ. He concluded by thanking the bishops, clergy, and pilgrims for their attendance.
As part of the festivities, an open-air exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Poland was organized by the Museum of the Metropolis of Warsaw. In the evening, a commemorative concert was held at the Royal Castle in Warsaw at 17:00, where Metropolitan Sawa emphasized the significance of sacred music as a form of spiritual expression. The concert featured works by Orthodox and Polish composers, as well as traditional Byzantine and Old Bulgarian music.
