Jan Szarek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jan Szarek |
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| Senior Bishop | |
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Szarek
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| Church | Evangelical-Augsburg Church in Poland |
| Elected | 6 January 1991 |
| In Office | 1991–2001 |
| Predecessor | Janusz Narzyński |
| Successor | Janusz Jagucki |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 25 September 1960 |
| Consecration | 3 May 1991 by Janusz Narzyński |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 February 1936 Bielsko, Poland |
| Died | 8 October 2020 (aged 84) Cieszyn, Poland |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Alma mater | Christian Theological Academy in Warsaw |
Jan Szarek (born 13 February 1936 – died 8 October 2020) was an important Polish bishop. He led the Evangelical-Augsburg Church in Poland. He was also the head of the Polish Ecumenical Council for many years. This council works to bring different Christian churches together. He received a special honorary degree from the Christian Theological Academy in Warsaw.
Contents
About Bishop Jan Szarek
Early Life and Education
Jan Szarek was born in Bielsko, Poland. He grew up following the Lutheran faith. From 1956 to 1960, he studied theology at the Christian Theological Academy in Warsaw. He wrote a paper about Tomasz Muenzer and Martin Luther's Reformation.
On 25 September 1960, he became a priest. Bishop Andrzej Wantuła ordained him in the Church of the Savior in Bielsko-Biała.
A Leader in the Church
After becoming a priest, Jan Szarek worked in different places. From 1960 to 1962, he was a vicar in Nawiady. Then, from 1962 to 1970, he led the Lutheran church in Giżycko.
Later, he moved to Bielsko-Biała. He served there as a diocesan vicar from 1970 to 1975. In 1975, he was chosen as the second parish priest. In 1979, he became a leader in the Lutheran Diocese of Cieszyn. In December 1980, he was elected as the bishop of that Diocese.
As bishop in Cieszyn, he did many great things. He opened the first Evangelical bookstore called "Logos." He also helped build the Augustana Publishing Center. This center opened in 1992.
On 6 January 1991, the Church's Synod (a big meeting of church leaders) chose him. They elected him to be the Bishop of the entire Church. On 3 May 1991, he was officially made bishop. This happened at the Holy Trinity Church, Warsaw in Warsaw. His predecessor, Bishop Janusz Narzyński, performed the ceremony.
Working for Christian Unity
In 1993, Bishop Szarek was elected president of the Polish Ecumenical Council. This council helps different Christian churches work together. He was re-elected to this important role in 1996.
He met with Pope John Paul II three times. These meetings happened in Warsaw in 1991, in Wrocław in 1997, and in Drohiczyn in 1999. These meetings showed his commitment to Christian unity.
Bishop Szarek also represented the Church in Poland on a global scale. He attended big meetings of the World Lutheran Federation. He also went to meetings of the World Council of Churches. He believed in helping others, just like Karol Kulisz.
Helping Others and Family Life
In March 2000, Bishop Szarek was chosen for another important role. He became the first president of the Polish Diakonia. This organization helps people in need. He held this position until 2005. Bishop Ryszard Bogusz then took over.
In 2001, he received an honorary doctorate. This special degree was from the Christian Academy of Theology in Warsaw.
Bishop Szarek was married to Aniela. She was an economist and worked for the National Bank of Poland. Aniela also wrote articles for church publications. They had two children, a son named Piotr and a daughter named Ewa. Piotr followed in his father's footsteps and also became a Lutheran priest. Aniela passed away on 5 January 2019.
His Legacy
Bishop Jan Szarek died on 8 October 2020. He passed away from COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. He is remembered as a dedicated leader who worked for his church and for unity among Christians.
