Sobór Zmartwychwstania Chrystusa w Białymstoku

Abstract

The argument about the Church of the Radiant Resurrection of Christ in Białystok shows the complex situation of the Orthodox Church in the II Commonwealth. As a former state institution of the Russian Empire, when the Empire was dissolved, the Orthodox Church faced the challenge of legal adaptation in a new state organism. The church in question was built before World War I, in the square especially allotted for that purpose, which was conveyed to St. Nicholas parish under the Russian legislation. Practically throughout all the interwar period the Orthodox Church’s financial situation was not legally guaranteed, which allowed the authorities of the city of Białystok to dent parish’s ownership rights to the square. Generally prevailing unsympathetic religious and nationality policy towards the Orthodox Church weakened the position of the Białystok Orthodox society in arguments with the municipal council. Unable to reach a compromise, the Orthodox Church filed a complaint about the right to ownership of the square before the court. Yet still before the verdict is given by the court, the City Council adopts the resolution concerning demolition of the Church of the Radiant Resurrection of Christ.