The Polish city of Gorlice has hosted central celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Lemkos’ return to the Orthodox Church. The commemorations coincided with the feast day of St. Maxim Gorlicki, an Orthodox priest who was executed in 1914, according to the Polish Orthodox Church.

Several Orthodox bishops from the Polish Church, dozens of clergy and pilgrims from across Poland and abroad took part in the celebrations. The main event was a Divine Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Gorlice, followed by a procession carrying the relics of St. Maxim.

The Lemkos are an East Slavic people historically associated with the Carpathian region, particularly present-day southeastern Poland and neighboring areas. Their religious history is closely connected with the Orthodox tradition. Following the Union of Brest in 1596, however, a significant part of the local population became part of the Uniate and later Greek Catholic Church structures.

By the beginning of the 20th century, a movement to return to the Orthodox faith had gained strength among some Lemko communities. One of the movement’s prominent figures was Maxim Gorlicki, a priest who defended the Orthodox tradition. In 1914, he was executed by Austro-Hungarian authorities in Gorlice. He was later canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.

St. Maxim’s memory has since become an important part of Gorlice’s Orthodox tradition, attracting pilgrims each year. This year, his feast served as the centerpiece of the centenary commemorations.

Another major event was a summer pilgrimage to Holy Mount Jawor. In July, more than 60 pilgrims followed a route connected with the history of the Lemkos’ return to Orthodoxy. The pilgrimage began in Tylawa, where the movement effectively took shape in 1926.

During the anniversary celebrations in Gorlice, a commemorative plaque dedicated to the centenary of the Lemkos’ return to the faith of their ancestors was also unveiled and blessed.

The Polish Orthodox Church has additionally issued a special centenary medal. The first medals were presented to the bishops who participated in the celebrations, while medal No. 1 is intended for Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland.

The centenary has also highlighted efforts to preserve Lemko cultural heritage. Traditional hymns and chants have featured prominently at pilgrimages and services, while young people have taken part in church activities. Orthodox communities in the region are also continuing efforts to restore existing churches and build new places of worship.

For the Polish Orthodox Church and Lemko communities, the anniversary has provided an opportunity not only to commemorate a pivotal chapter in their religious history, but also to strengthen efforts to preserve the traditions, language and cultural heritage associated with the Carpathian Orthodox community.