ABSTRACT
As a branch of Christianity historically tied closely to the particular governing system within whose jurisdiction it functions, the Eastern Orthodox Church is accustomed to accommodating itself to whatever changes may occur in the format and functioning of that state. One of the best illustrations of this tendency has been provided by the Polish Orthodox Church in the twentieth century, particularly following the establishment of a communist government following the Second World War. Not only did the Church have to confront a new political environment, but also had to adjust to a drastically altered geographic and demographic landscape. This paper will examine how the Polish Orthodox Church reoriented itself on the backdrop of these major changes and dealt with the various challenges facing it.
