St. Michael the Archangel Church in Sokołowsko

The Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Sokołowsko is an Orthodox parish church belonging to the Wrocław-Szczecin Diocese of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church. It was built between 1900 and 1901 on the initiative of the Brotherhood of St. Vladimir for patients staying at the Sokołowsko health resort, with the blessing of Metropolitan Palladius of St. Petersburg. The church was consecrated by the chaplain of the Russian embassy, Archpriest Alexy von Maltzov, on September 3, 1901. After World War II, the building fell into ruin, was used as a morgue, and was privately owned for over a dozen years before being repurchased by the Orthodox parish in Wrocław in 1996. After a major renovation, the church was restored to its original functions and reconsecrated by Archbishop Jeremiasz in 1997. The church is known not only as a place of prayer for the faithful in the region but also as a meeting place for tourists and participants of youth camps. In 2018, relics of St. Luke of Crimea were placed in the church, highlighting its significance as a place of worship. It is also worth noting that the building was entered into the register of historical monuments on November 30, 1984. Interestingly, despite damage caused by a hurricane in 2008, the church continues to function, and its unique architecture and historical significance attract many visitors. The site also houses an icon-writing workshop and a small gallery of iconographer Michał Bogucki, emphasizing its cultural role in the region. The facility is open to visitors daily, and access can be arranged by contacting the nearby St. Elizabeth's House. The church is not only a witness to history but also a living place of worship and culture.