built in Latham in 1999.
The origin of the Blessed Virgin Mary Czestochowa of painting is lost to history. Believed to be Byzantine in origin, there are stories of the painting being damaged by non believers. The image was brought to the Jasna Gora Monastery, located in South Central Polish city of Czestochowa, in the 14th century.
The Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa has been linked to miracles. During the fourth century AD, the image is said to have sent invading Saracens fleeing from Constantinople. In 1655, a small group of Poles defended the icon from a large army of invading Swedes. An invading Russian army was dispersed by an apparition caused by the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa.
Reverence for the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa knows no bounds in Poland. The sacred image was declared to be "The Queen of Poland" in 1656 by King Casimir.
The cornerstone of the original
church, built in 1920 at 359
was included in the construction
of the new church.
The words carved into the cornerstone are in Polish.
A map of Poland & one
of the church's many
stained glass windows.
There is a dispenser for
Holy Water at the back
of the church.
Can congregants take Holy Water home with them? Yes, they can and do.
The Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa Church is a member of the Polish National Catholic Church, established in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1897. There are many similarities to the Roman Catholic Church, that I was raised in, and some very important differences. Since 1921, priests have been allowed to marry. Birth control is a private issue, determined by each married couple. There are other differences, but these two stood out to me.
The wooden sculpture of
Jesus Chris with his arms
spread is flanked by stained
glass windows.
A relief carving depicts
the Last Supper.
The stained glass windows were
removed from the original
church on Clinton Avenue.
Their presence provides
continuity for the
parishioners.
The Stations of the Cross are
displayed between the
stained glass windows.
The Blessed Virgin Mary of
Czestochowa devotional
altar
The devotional altar
for Jesus Christ, the
Son of God
The figures atop the Baptismal Font
The pipe organ in the choir
loft at the rear of the church,
is from the original church
on Clinton Avenue.
Traditions of The Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa Church continue, from its beginnings in 1920, at its current home in the Albany suburb of Latham.
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