Did you know Parafia Świętego Szczepana in Raszynie holds centuries of stories within its walls? Step closer. Let me share its captivating past.
Parafia Świętego Szczepana Męczennika in Raszynie came into existence in the 14th century. Initially it was a wooden church. Bishop Albert of Bydgoszcz consecrated it in 1497. He was a suffragan of Poznań. For over 250 years the wooden church served the faithful.
In 1598 thieves looted it but details are scarce. In 1654 Zygmunt Opacki funded a brick church in Raszyn. He was the King Zygmunt III’s trusted chamberlain of Warsaw. Bishop Stanisław Święcicki consecrated it in July 1655. He was the suffragan of Żmudź. The new church had a modest rectangular design. It featured a narrower chancel and an adjacent sacristy.
Between 1654 and 1675 the church received four wooden altars. These honored The Crucifixion The Most Holy Virgin Mary Saint Joseph and Saint Teresa. Wojciech Opacki donated the first three. He also repaired the church after Swedish war damage.
From 1914 to 1915 war damaged the roof walls and interior. Building and preservation work spanned nearly 20 years. Workers uncovered ceiling polychrome during renovations. They also built a new choir.
This rebuilt church faced destruction again during World War II. Windows shattered and 80% of the roof was lost. Parishioners’ dedication allowed for renewed restoration. Raszyn’s growing population made the parish church too small. In 1979 a new wing was added. It connected to the old church’s chancel. Józef Cardinal Glemp consecrated the expanded church. He was the Primate of Poland. The date was September 29 1981.
The parish includes historical religious and national landmarks. Many relate to the 1809 Battle of Raszyn. These include a stone marking the battle on Falenty Causeway. There is also a stone sculpture of God the Father. Find a sculpture of the Mother of God on the ramparts and graves. It stands near Aleja Krakowska. A small sculpture marks Cyprian Godebski’s death place. He was a colonel and poet. See the palace in Falenty. Note Poniatowski’s hunting lodge called the “austeria” by the church. Cannonballs from the battle decorate the presbytery’s front. These date back to 1790.
Parafia Świętego Szczepana in Raszynie stands as a testament to faith. Its story includes destruction dedication and community spirit. Each stone whispers tales of resilience and devotion. Remember this legacy as you continue your journey.