Church of the Finding and Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Korycin

The Church of the Finding and Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Korycin, located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, is an example of neo-Gothic sacral architecture. Designed by engineer Jan Hinz, its construction began in 1899 under the supervision of parish priest Fr. Bolesław Moczulski. After he lost his parish in 1902, the construction was continued by Fr. Zygmunt Czarkowski. Although the building was not completed, it was consecrated in 1905 by the Bishop of Vilnius, Edward von Ropp. The history of the church is marked by numerous destructions; during World War I and World War II, it suffered significant damage, including artillery shelling and destruction caused by explosives planted by retreating German troops in 1944. After the war, reconstruction work was carried out by successive parish priests, with key renovations taking place in 1921–1923 and 1972–1973, when the tower was finally rebuilt. The church not only serves religious functions but also constitutes an important element of local culture and history, being a venue for meetings and community events in Korycin. Its history illustrates not only the development of sacral architecture in the region but also the tragic fate associated with the political and military turmoil of the 20th century. Interestingly, the church not only survived numerous catastrophes but also gained recognition as an important symbol of local identity, witnessing the changes in the rural community over the years.