Churches & monasteries

Church of the Lord's Resurrection in Białystok

This Roman Catholic church in Białystok is a two-level church at 5 Archbishop Romuald Jałbrzykowski Street, in the Wysoki Stoczek district. It stands out for its references to Vilnius Baroque and its memorial purpose.

History and architecture

The church was built in 1991–1996 to a design by architect Michał Bałasz. Its form refers to the 18th-century Uniate Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Berezwecz, now in Belarus. The original church was destroyed by the Soviet authorities in 1970, so the Białystok building is an interpretation rather than an exact copy. It has two levels and Vilnius Baroque forms.

Interior and memorial meaning

The interior blends antique, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The sculptural decoration was created by Professor Jerzy Grygorczuk, while the polychrome paintings are by Jerzy Pasternak of Kraków. The church also has a memorial purpose: it commemorates Poles killed by invading forces during the wars. Beneath the terrace is the Gloria Victis Sanctuary and the Sanctuary of the Defenders of Białystok, dedicated to the city’s defenders in September 1939. Look for the relationship between the façade, lower level and historicising interior.

Practical information

This is an active parish church, so Mass times should not be treated as fixed sightseeing hours. Before visiting, check the parish website and the rules inside the church. The parish also offers a virtual tour. Address: 5 Archbishop Romuald Jałbrzykowski Street, Białystok. Do not confuse it with the Orthodox Church of the Resurrection at 9 Władysław Sikorski Street.