Parish of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr in Hajnówka

The Parish of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr in Hajnówka, established on May 3, 1923, by the Bishop of Vilnius, Jerzy Matulewicz, is a Roman Catholic spiritual community with a rich history and significance for the local community. Its first parish priest was Fr. Antoni Mioduszewski, who initially set up a chapel in a cinema building. The construction of the brick church began in 1948 and was completed in 1965, thanks to the efforts of Fr. Ignacy Wierobiej. The church, serving as the main place of worship, underwent significant modernizations, including the purchase of a 28-stop organ from Jedlina Zdrój in 1975 and the painting of polychrome decorations after 1997 under the direction of Fr. Marian Świerszczyński. The cultural activity of the parish increased with the establishment of the Hajnówka Chamber and Organ Music Foundation, which organizes organ concerts in the summer. The parish church serves not only as a place of prayer but also as an important center of musical culture. Since September 3, 1995, part of the parish was separated, resulting in the creation of a new parish under the patronage of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Among the religious orders active in the parish are the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family and the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, highlighting the spiritual richness and diversity of parish life. Approximately 5,000 Catholics reside within the parish area. In terms of parish priests, the parish has had many significant pastors, including Fr. Ignacy Wierobiej, known for his construction and historical activities, as well as Fr. Zbigniew Niemyjski, the current parish priest since 2019. Interestingly, one of the streets in Hajnówka is named after Fr. Wierobiej, reflecting the lasting impact he had on the development of the local community. The church in Hajnówka, besides its religious function, also serves as a landmark in the region, and the hospital chapel of Our Lady of Healing the Sick, consecrated in 1997, is an example of the commitment to meeting the spiritual needs of the sick and their families. The Parish of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross fits into the rich cultural and historical context of the region, supporting local traditions and creating a space for communal dialogue among the faithful.