Kramarzewo is located 21 kilometers from Grajewo, northwest of Białystok. In this inconspicuous place, we can find one of the most precious gems of old sacral architecture in Podlasie. This filial church is a part of a group of wooden Baroque churches built along the frontier between Mazovia and Podlasie. Its high and compact structure, devoid of a tower, is visible from far away. The narrow presbytery and the strong body of the nave are covered with one roof. This roof also covers the projection i.e. the element that juts out from the façade of the building but is a part of it. This part of the structure holds a porch and a gallery above it. There is a turret on the roof ridge.

The church was built in 1739 and, before it became the gem of Kramarzewo, for over three centuries it had been hosting the faithful from Radziłów located 7 kilometers south of Kramarzewo. The structure of the building is made of stone and brick and the remaining parts are made of wood.

It is worth recalling that the church in Radziłów was the second to be built in this place and the history of the parish goes back to the 15^th century. According to historical records, it was erected already in 1482 by Piotr from Chodkowo, Bishop of Płock. Other sources indicate that in 1671 the church fell into disrepair and most likely this was the reason why it was decided to build a new one. And the latter was transferred to Kramarzewo in 1983.

When you enter the church, you go through a double, paneled door i.e. made of solid wood. Once inside, pay attention to the three altars dating from the 19th century. The main altar is decorated with the sculptures of SS. Peter and Paul and the painting of St. Barbara.  One of the most memorable pieces of the interior decoration is the Baroque pulpit in the shape of a boat with a sail-shaped baldachin. It was executed in 1781 in Pułtusk. The beautifully decorated vault is supported by wooden columns.

The paintings include different inscriptions, also in Polish, and among others the following maxim: “learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart”[1]. It comes from the Gospel of St. Matthew and the words were to have been spoken by Jesus Christ. Another sentence written on the polychromies is: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”[2]. These words were to have been spoken by St. John the Baptist during the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. 

On 2 March 2020 the church was granted a subsidy from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage to continue conservation and construction works of the formwork and carpentry.

[1] Translation after “Holy Bible”, New International Version, NIV, Biblica, Inc. source: biblegateway.com

[2] See above.