Evangelical-Augsburg Parish in Żyrardów

The Evangelical-Augsburg Parish in Żyrardów, which is part of the Warsaw diocese, is located at Żeromskiego Street. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when Protestant settlement began in Mazovia, particularly as a result of the dissolution of church estates in 1796, which allowed for intensive colonization by Evangelicals from various regions of Germany. In the town of Wiskitki, where the first parish was established, services were held despite difficult financial conditions. Over time, a new factory settlement began to develop in Żyrardów, which by 1890 was already home to 1,852 Evangelicals. Due to the difficulties of reaching the church in Wiskitki, it was decided to build a new church in Żyrardów, which was consecrated in 1898. It was a Neo-Gothic structure funded by donations from local entrepreneurs. After the parish seat was moved to Żyrardów in 1898, the parish began to develop dynamically, with regular services attracting large crowds of the faithful. The period of World War I and World War II brought numerous difficulties—deportations, conflicts, and destruction forced the parish to suspend its activities, especially during the intense German occupation when many Evangelicals were deported. After the war, the parish began to rebuild, although it had to contend with prejudice and financial difficulties. In 1976, due to the further deterioration of the church's technical condition, the building was sold to the Roman Catholic Church, and parish activities were moved to an adjacent confirmation hall. In 2023, the parish began to be led by Rev. Halina Radacz, marking a new chapter in its history. The modern parish engages in local cultural life by organizing concerts, lectures, and charitable activities, and continues traditions such as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Evangelical-Augsburg Parish in Żyrardów is not only a place of worship but also an important community center that integrates local Evangelicals and preserves their heritage.