“Another brick?” That’s what the communist authorities essentially asked when repeatedly denying permission to build Kościół pw. Podwyższenia Krzyża Świętego. But faith and determination prevailed. We are standing before Kościół pw. Podwyższenia Krzyża Świętego a testament to perseverance.
This church on Jelonki land in Warsaw has a history rooted in faith and community. It began with a generous donation. In 1943 Zygmunt Szneider gave land for a Roman Catholic church. Jan Zarębski the district administrator then transferred the land to the Bishop’s Curia in Warsaw.
From 1949 Father Jan Zieja of Saint Lawrence Parish worked to fulfill the donor’s wishes. But the communist government kept refusing permission to build. Finally on April 19 1959 the state authorities relented and granted permission.
On September 14 1959 Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński the Primate of Poland consecrated the foundations. He also blessed the cornerstone of Kościół pw. Podwyższenia Krzyża Świętego. Architect Zbigniew Rzepecki from Katowice designed the church. Engineers Tadeusz Dębiński and Józef Karbowski managed the construction. Professor Jerzy Nowosielski of the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow designed the polychrome interior. Jan Felczyński’s company from Przemyśl created the bells. Professor Feliks Rączkowski of the Warsaw Conservatory designed the small choir organ.
In April 1967 the main altar made of dolomite was installed. The baptistery according to Rzepecki’s design was also installed. Janiak’s metal workshop in Włochy crafted the copper cover for the baptistery.
The consecration of Kościół pw. Podwyższenia Krzyża Świętego took place on June 15 1968. In 1973 Jerzy Grochowski designed the artistic front wall. Sculptor Jerzy Nachaj created the sculpture of Christ the King of Peace.
Father Tadeusz Nowotko retired in 1979. Father Henryk Załuska became the new parish priest. From 1984 to 1987 the church received gilded decorations. These included a tabernacle chandeliers artistic grates and stained glass windows. Julian Hanisz designed them.
Father Tadeusz Nowotko the first parish priest died on August 8 1985. Cardinal Józef Glemp allowed his burial in the crypt of the funeral chapel. In 1989 Father Henryk Załuska retired. Father Stefan Zembrzuski then took over. In 2007 Father Kanonik Wiktor Ojrzyński became the parish priest of Kościół pw. Podwyższenia Krzyża Świętego.
Today Kościół pw. Podwyższenia Krzyża Świętego stands as a testament to faith overcoming obstacles. It is a place of worship and community. It continues to serve the Jelonki district of Warsaw. It is a beautiful landmark. Remember its story of perseverance as you explore its sacred space.