Prawosawni

Prawosławni, written without diacritics as prawosławni or prawosawni in Polish, is the term used for Orthodox Christians, members of the Eastern Orthodox Church. They belong to a communion of self-governing national churches that share a common theology, apostolic succession, and liturgical tradition. In Poland, prawosławni are primarily associated with the Polish Orthodox Church (Kościół prawosławny w Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej), the autocephalous church serving Orthodox Christians in Poland.

Organization and life: The Polish Orthodox Church maintains its own synod and metropolitan, overseeing several dioceses across the country. As part of the wider Orthodox family, prawosławni maintain relations with other national churches, sharing in the liturgical and doctrinal heritage of Eastern Orthodoxy.

Beliefs and practices: Core Orthodox beliefs include the veneration of the Nicene Creed, apostolic succession, and the seven sacraments. Prominent practices include baptism and chrismation, the Divine Liturgy (the central act of worship), confession, true marriage, ordination, and anointing of the sick. Worship emphasizes icons, incense, and liturgical singing. The liturgical year features major feasts such as Easter, Christmas, and the commemoration of saints. Services are conducted in church languages such as Church Slavonic, Polish, or local languages, depending on the community.

History and demographics: Christianity arrived in Poland in the medieval period, and Orthodox communities have existed in eastern regions and among migrants. The Polish Orthodox Church was established as an autocephalous body in the early 20th century and remains a minority faith in predominantly Catholic Poland. Globally, prawosławni form large diaspora communities in many countries.