Unusual Pomorskie – St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Zelichowo

Driving from Nowy Dwor Gdanski towards Stegna, it is impossible to pass by the Gothic church in Zelichowo without paying attention. Today, it is the only place in the Delta of the Vistula River where you can still experience the multiculturalism of the Low Lands.

Church

Built in the second half of the XIVth century, the Gothic church of St. Nicholas is one of the most interesting monuments in the Nowy Dwor district. The history of the Vistula Delta is reflected in it like a lens. Architecturally, it combines elements of the Gothic style – with its characteristic buttresses and windows with pointed arches on the eastern wall, as well as the extremely popular in the Low Lands half-timbered construction which appeared after the church was rebuilt following damp and waterlogging in the mid-XVIIth century.

In fact, water has had a strong impact not only on the church itself, but also on the villagers from the very beginning. It is no coincidence that the patron saint of the parish is St. Nicholas, who looks after sailors, raftsmen and fishermen, i.e. people who make a living from river-related activities.

Orthodox church Saint Nicholas, photo: Archive of the Nowodworski Club

Orthodox church Saint Nicholas, photo: Archive of the Nowodworski Club

Entering the church interior, we are immediately struck by its XVIIIth-century interior design. The ceiling polychrome with the image of Jesus Christ as a lamb and St. Nicholas towering over the organ prospectus make a huge impression. The pulpit also comes from the mid-XVIIIth century. This interior design of the church is the merit of Jan Chryzostom Mocki, who held the position of parish priest at that time. It is also worth taking a closer look at the small pews. On the left side, in the first row, you can see the inscription engraved on them: “1742 r. Anna i Maria Wolson”. This is the date of their foundation and the name of the founder.

Orthodox church Saint Nicholas, photo: the Nowodworski Club

Orthodox church Saint Nicholas, photo: the Nowodworski Club

The church becomes an Orthodox church

Since the church was built, it has served – with a short Lutheran episode – local Catholics. However, the situation changed after 1945. When the former residents of the village of Tiegenhagen left their homes, and the number of people attending the church decreased radically. This situation was exploited by the Ukrainian community, which came to the Low Lands as part of the “Vistula” campaign. Since 1952, Greek Catholic services began to be held in the church. Cyganek – as the village was called at that time – became an important identity point and integrated the Ukrainian minority.

The new users adapted the church to their needs. A historic iconostasis and icons appeared inside. For several years, thanks to the efforts of the parish priest, Paweł Potoczny, you can also see the relics of St. Nicholas.

Epilogue

Many pre-war postcards showing the church show that it had a tower. In 1945, the former residents, upon hearing of the approaching Red Army, decided to dismantle it. For almost 80 years, due to the lack of this element, the church stood out strongly among other religious buildings in the Low Lands. The situation changed in 2023 and today we can already see the tower reconstructed.

Read also:

 Nowy Dwór Gdański and its environs

Nowy Dwor Gdanski – the capital of the Low Lands

Near

Favourite

Unfortunately, you don't have any favorite items yet.

Add the item to your favorites by clicking on the heart icon.

Unfortunately, you don't have any favorite items yet

Near

Gastronomy

Accommodation