St. Michael the Archangel Church in Kulno

The Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Kulno is a unique religious site that has been shared by the Orthodox parish of the Holy Trinity and the Roman Catholic parish of St. Andrew Bobola since 1972. Dating back to the 19th century, the church was built in the Byzantine-Russian style and is the only such shared Orthodox church in eastern Poland. The first Uniate churches in Kulno were wooden, and the existing structure, consecrated in 1829, is the first brick one. Although there are discrepancies regarding its construction date, it is believed to have been built no later than the 1870s. The church became an important place for Orthodox believers, but after World War II, due to the displacement of the Ukrainian population, its activity declined sharply. After several years of abandonment, it was restored and now serves as a meeting place for both congregations. The interior of the church retains some of its original furnishings, such as 18th-century royal doors and icons, and has also been enriched with Catholic liturgical items. Interestingly, the clergy responsible for the church have carried out numerous renovation works, and Orthodox services are held regularly. The church has been listed in the register of monuments since 2004, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. An attractive feature of its architecture is its plastered facade, tripartite structure with small domes, and a bell tower that stands out as an element reminiscent of Russian sacred style.