Collage: Mirek Krajewski / Family News Service

State ceremonies, religious events, and historical reenactments marked the 107th anniversary of the outbreak of the Greater Poland Uprising, the only major Polish independence uprising to end in complete military success. The central commemorations were held on December 27 in Poznań, on the National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising.

Mass on the anniversary day

The main event was a Mass for the participants of the uprising, celebrated at Poznań’s parish church and led by Archbishop Zbigniew Zieliński, the metropolitan of Poznań. The liturgy began at 3 p.m., on the same day in 1918 when fighting against the Prussian authorities broke out. President Karol Nawrocki attended the Mass.

Archbishop’s message

In his homily, Archbishop Zieliński stressed the exceptional importance of the Greater Poland Uprising in Poland’s struggle for independence. “The Greater Poland Uprising led to the liberation of the region from German rule and was the only large-scale successful insurrection in Polish history,” the archbishop said, noting that although Poland regained independence on November 11, 1918, it was not a reality everywhere at the time.

4:40 p.m. moment

The central state ceremony took place at 4:40 p.m. at the monument to the 15th Poznań Uhlan Regiment. At that hour, air-raid sirens sounded across the city. At the same time, bells rang in Poznań Cathedral and churches throughout the archdiocese. The time symbolizes the moment the uprising began, a tradition established as early as 1919 by Cardinal Edmund Dalbor.

March of the Uprising

President Karol Nawrocki

President Nawrocki also took part in the March of the Greater Poland Uprising, which set off in the evening from the historic Bazar Hotel, associated with the stay of Ignacy Jan Paderewski and regarded as a symbolic starting point of the revolt.

On the eve of the anniversary

The commemorations were preceded on Friday by a reenactment of Ignacy Jan Paderewski’s arrival at the Summer Station railway terminal. The reconstruction of events from December 26, 1918, drew large crowds. Historians say the visit of the world-famous pianist and politician became a direct catalyst for the outbreak of the uprising the following day.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski arrival at the Summer Station railway terminal

Historical background

The Greater Poland Uprising broke out on December 27, 1918, and quickly led to the region’s liberation from German rule. Greater Poland was later incorporated into the reborn Polish state under international agreements.

The commemorations in Poznań, organised with the participation of local authorities and veterans’ organisations, remain among the most critical events marking Poland’s road to independence.

Family News Service

Photos:

Celebrations:. Archidiecezja Poznańska

Public domain

Mirek Krajewski / Family News Service