The Hajnówka International Orthodox Church Music Days Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that offers music enthusiasts the chance to immerse themselves in Orthodox church singing. Alongside the main performances, the festival also features a range of accompanying events. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Orthodox Church’s independence in Poland, a special scientific session took place on May 15, 2024, at the Deanery Center in Hajnówka.
The session included a lecture by Bishop Varsonofiusz titled “Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Poland in 1924 against the background of the religious policy of the Second Polish Republic.” Prior to the lecture, the Children’s and Youth Choir of the Holy Trinity Parish in Hajnówka, under the direction of Justyna Marczuk, performed for the audience.
Bishop Varsonofiusz’s lecture, split into two parts, delved into the relationship between the Orthodox Church in Poland and the authorities of that time, shedding light on both the positive and negative aspects. He discussed the “Temporary government regulations regarding the Orthodox Church in Poland,” which were implemented for several years to formalize the coexistence of the Church and the Polish state. These regulations addressed various administrative matters such as the establishment of parishes and monasteries, organization of church brotherhoods, and the creation of theological schools for the training of future clergy, psalmists, and administrative staff. However, these temporary measures did not resolve all the challenges faced by the Church in Poland.
Attendees also had the opportunity to explore archival photographs showcasing events related to the Church’s autocephaly and its activities during the interwar period. This exhibition, curated by the Museum of the Warsaw Orthodox Metropolis, debuted on Tuesday, May 13, 2024, as part of the festival.
Source: orthodox.pl