Greek Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God in Biały Bór

The Greek Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God in Biały Bór is a postmodern church from the 1990s, designed by Jerzy Nowosielski in cooperation with the architect Bogdan Kotarba. In 2019 it was entered in the heritage register.

Nowosielski's design

The church was built in 1992-1997 to a design by Prof. Jerzy Nowosielski in cooperation with Bogdan Kotarba. The heritage register gives the years 1992-1993, and the heading of the Wikipedia entry gives 1993-1997, so the two give different construction dates. The church refers to the austere architecture of early Christian basilicas: it has small windows and a plain block of façade with small towers and a double semicircular pediment.

Interior

The interior repeats the scheme of a three-aisled basilica. The central, slightly lowered part is crowned by a small dome with a representation of Christ Pantocrator, and black columns separate the side galleries from the nave. The mood is created by the contrast of dark green walls and ceilings, white partitions and red portals.

The iconostasis has been reduced to three icons: the Crucifixion, seen in the opening of the royal doors, and images of Christ and Mary. Under the dome, in the centre of the nave, stands a red cubic tetrapod, at which the sacraments are received and candles are lit. On major feast days the role of the iconostasis is played by the flat façade of the church, with icons of the Archangels and a veraicon above the triple entrance.

The parish and the status of the monument

The Greek Catholic parish in Biały Bór was founded in 1957 and belongs to the Wrocław-Koszalin Eparchy. In 2005 the church was included in the list Poland. Icons of Architecture. According to the Wikipedia entry, at the time of its entry in the heritage register in 2019 it was the youngest monument in the country.

Nearby

Close to the church, 700 m away, stands the synagogue in Biały Bór.

A walk towards the water leads to Lake Białoborskie, about 900 m from the church.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Księdza Bazylego Hrynyka 4, Biały Bór.
• The church is a working place of worship, so the parish's rules apply inside. Opening hours and the possibility of entering are given by the parish; check them before your visit.