Polish in Croatia

Introduction / History

If it is possible to feel sorry for a nation's geographic position. One has to feel that way for Poland, located on a plain between the often aggressive nations of Germany and Russia. More than once, Germany and Russia have sliced off parts of Poland. The most recent example was in the fall of 1939 when the Nazis and the Soviet Army invaded Poland from opposite directions and conquered the entire country. As late as the early 18th century Poland was a power as part of the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth. Since that time Poland has frequently been a victim of its powerful neighbors.
With the fall of communism in 1990-91, Poland became an independent nation. Today Poland has a rapidly developing economy and is member of NATO and the EU.
There has been a Polish diaspora for centuries. The first significant wave of emigration occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily due to economic and political factors. The largest groups of Poles abroad are in Germany, the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Canada, though they can also be found in Croatia.
Today, many Poles continue to emigrate for economic opportunities, and there is also a significant number of Poles who have settled in other countries as students or as a result of family reunification. The Polish diaspora plays an important role in maintaining cultural and economic ties between Poland and the countries where they live. The few Poles who live in Croatia are in most likely to be found in Zabreb.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are very few Polish people who live in Croatia, though many visit this small country. Poles have two ethnically-based organizations in Croatia.
Like people throughout Europe, Poles are moving towards individualism. The group, be it the family or the needs of society as a whole, can take a back seat to the desires of an individual. This is especially true in an urban environment.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Polish people are recognized as some of the world's most devout Roman Catholics. The Roman Catholic Church helped the Poles maintain their national identity when they were ruled by foreign powers. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, many Poles have become more interested in their families' material possessions rather than being involved in Roman Catholic Church. Still, a large majority of Poles consider themselves Roman Catholics. They are baptized, married and buried in the Roman church. Polish priests serve the Roman church all over the world.
Evangelicals and Roman Catholics have much in common. Both believe in the deity of Christ, the Trinity and the inspiration of the Scriptures. Evangelicals disagree with Catholics on the primacy of the Bishop of Roman and the practice of praying to Mary and the saints. There is also disagreement regarding the role works play in salvation.

What Are Their Needs?

The Poles need to understand that biblical Christianity is a love relationship with their Creator made known through Jesus Christ. It is more than a religious tradition and a system of morals.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to revive the Polish church based on Jesus Christ and his word.
Pray the Lord leads Poles in Croatia to listen with open hearts to radio programs and watch TV programs that teach the biblical gospel.
Ask the Lord to save priests and bishops in the Roman Catholic Church so they can lead thousands to Christ-centered living.
Pray for Polish Christ followers to actively take the Lord to those who need his salvation and grace.

Text Source:   Joshua Project